Strings

Although specialising in the repair and conservation of square pianos the workshop manufactures strings for all early pianos. Strings can be ordered either plain or overwound, from a single string up to a full set. For plain strings we need only an original string with the eye which can be copied if most or all of the eyes in your piano are similar. A set of wound strings however requires the client to send a template showing the location of tuning, bridge, nut and hitch pins. This template can easily be made by laying a sheet of lining paper (or similar, e.g. parcel paper) over the whole of the inside of the instrument, covering tuning, nut and bridge pins and rubbing over with a soft pencil or crayon. Please note that the longest wound string we are able to make is 2050mm and that we have a minimum order of £20.

I have found very often that strings have been replaced with incorrect gauges. The wrong amount of tension can structurally damage an instrument or break strings. As an additional service a complete tension graph can be calculated for specific instruments at a cost of £85. This helps to determine the ideal gauges for even tonal response across the scale and can pinpoint any areas of excessive tension. To have a tension graph calculated please download and complete the necessary forms and information sheets.

For covered bass strings click here. For a Tension Graph order click here. For prices please go to the shop.
The wire alloys and manufacturing methods used for all strings are correct for this period of instrument; modern high tensile steel is not appropriate for early keyboards. We obtain our wire primarily from Malcolm Rose.

Feel free to contact the workshop if you have any questions at lucy@squarepiano.co.uk