Pianotech

  • 1.  Putting on a bass string

    Posted 04-26-2025 08:24
    I have been a tech for 7 years but haven't had to put a bass string on that is under the top bass strings until now. It is for a Samick baby grand D3 string.Any words of wisdom would be appreciated! Thank you!! 


  • 2.  RE: Putting on a bass string

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-26-2025 09:16

    Hi Mary,

    Installing a string in the understrung section is always a pain. The good news is that you have a bass string to deal with, so at least the treble wire won't be bouncing around while you're trying to feed it to the right position.

    The first time I did this, I got a thin PVC pipe. I fed the new string through that. It definitely helped, however, I lost the PVC pipe sometime after that and haven't replaced it since. Especially when dealing with a bass string, it's easy enough to get it to about the right position using an extendable magnet and tweezers.

    I'm sorry there's not really a silver bullet for this. Replacing a string here is a little more hassle than replacing it elsewhere, but it's not too terrible most of the time. You'll definitely get an exercise in patience as part of the experience. 



    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    www.FromZeroToSixFiguresBook.com
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  • 3.  RE: Putting on a bass string

    Member
    Posted 04-26-2025 10:45
    Use a large paper clip as a guide with the clip through the hitch loop of the replacement string and an adjacent bass string. Push it along from the free end. Or, if still available from a supplier, there is a screw together tube designed for the purpose. Or use a length of small diameter aluminum tube. You can even tie a string loop through the hitch loop and then to an adjacent string (just like the paper clip trick.

    Deb

    5 Tarr's Lane WEST
    Rockport, MA  01966
    978-546-8428



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  • 4.  RE: Putting on a bass string

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-27-2025 01:58
    Hi Mary.   I have had success in the past by using. cheap thin straight long tubular curtain rod, cutting off the brass? end to be able to send the new string either bass or plain wire squeezed into a V for the hitch pin. I like to use needle nose vise grips on the hitch and maybe on also on a bridge pin to keep the string lined up. Not as elegant as Debra's paper clip idea but serves the same way. 

    Patsi Franklin RPT
    Piano Tuning Extraordinaire
    321-303-0306



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