Restoration

Replacing copper strings

19 replies 1,207 views

Started by

Gib

Member

Member

Opening post by Gib

Posts
104
City
Bat

Hello, I own an upright piano in which some copper strings have become "dead," and the tuner also confirmed this to me

Would it be worth replacing them?

I wouldn't want the sonic difference with the others to be excessive

Member

Reply 5 by Gib

Posts
104
City
Bat

Alright, but what does changing some strings imply?

Does it need more tuning? Can I use the piano in the meantime?

I mean, if the work is done on site without changing the entire string plate (I think that's what it's called)

Moderator

Reply 6 by pianoexpert

Posts
3,876
City
rocca di papa

The tuner will take care to bring the new strings 1/2 tone higher and leave them under tension. Then they can be tuned. Everyone has their own method for settling the new strings as much as possible....but they will go out of tune, for a while, more than the old ones. The bass strings should all be replaced or at least, in the case of double strings, both of them. The work can be done on site provided that the technician agrees to see them again after a short time.

Member

Reply 8 by Gib

Posts
104
City
Bat

Furthermore, I would like to understand if the bearing and the felt of the nut and the tuning pin should be changed

It seems so to me...

Where can I send the photos to get an opinion?

Thank you

Member

Reply 10 by Gib

Posts
104
City
Bat

I hope they can be seen

These are some hammers, some have thicker leather because they belong to the slightly lower or higher octaves

AttachmentAttachmentAttachmentAttachmentAttachmentAttachment

Member

Reply 12 by Gib

Posts
104
City
Bat

Unfortunately the usual problem, can I send it to you via email?

I would appreciate having your opinion

Member

Reply 15 by Gib

Posts
104
City
Bat

So, for the replacement of the "bearings" of the bridge, do I need to calculate an extra mm of thickness since the current ones have flattened slightly?

These are about 5mm...

Member

Reply 16 by Gib

Posts
104
City
Bat

I only found 5mm felt, will that be okay anyway?

Or is it better to pair two 3mm squares to reach the desired 6mm?

Since the old ones are already slightly flattened at 5mm

Member

Reply 17 by albertoSonata

Posts
12

Hi everyone! Reading the thread, I was wondering if, for those like me who prefer sounds from the Romantic repertoire, changing a few strings could actually create too obvious a timbral imbalance or if the ear quickly gets used to the difference.

Administrator

Reply 18 by Thesimon

Posts
4,504
City
Ariccia, RM

albertoSonata wrote:

Hi everyone! Reading the thread, I was wondering if, for those like me who prefer sounds from the Romantic repertoire, changing just a few strings could actually create too obvious a timbral imbalance or if the ear quickly gets used to the difference.

I believe pianoexpert's answer is needed for this question. Interesting anyway!

albertoSonata ha scritto:

Ciao a tutti! Leggendo il thread mi chiedevo se, per chi come me preferisce i suoni del repertorio romantico, il cambio di poche corde possa effettivamente creare uno squilibrio timbrico troppo evidente o se l'orecchio si abitui rapidamente alla differenza.

Moderator

Reply 19 by pianoexpert

Posts
3,876
City
rocca di papa

Changing strings is always a positive thing. The entire bass section is recommended. For steel strings, it is advisable to start by considering the cantabile....but...since one bite leads to another....by lowering the bass strings, the crossover part is discovered, which facilitates the work that would become more awkward once the basses are mounted. Naturally, replacing the tuning pins should also be evaluated, and if necessary, using a larger size (especially if the old ones are removed with an electric screwdriver, heating the hole)

Member

Reply 20 by martello

Posts
18

Good morning. Regarding the strings, I would say that on an upright piano it is worth carefully evaluating the homogeneity of the sound... especially if contemporary pieces are played where certain resonances are fundamental.

As for the photos, unfortunately uploads do not always work here on the forum... perhaps it is better to wait for the technician to see them in person.

Log in to participate