Piano Forum

Piano Board => Instruments => Topic started by: canary28 on September 12, 2011, 03:30:43 PM

Title: 1985 Schimmel bass strings
Post by: canary28 on September 12, 2011, 03:30:43 PM

Hello all,
I've just moved my mother's 1985 Schimmel studio up to Northern VA from Houston.  During the move, two bass piano strings snapped and there are twpo other keys that now make a metallic twang when they are played.  Is this common during moving? How much can I expect to pay when having the bass strings replaced?

Thanks!

Title: Re: 1985 Schimmel bass strings
Post by: keys60 on September 12, 2011, 07:15:09 PM

Hi, Canary.

I wouldn't exactly say bass strings snapping during a move is common, but there is a lot of flexing going on with a piano move. 25 year old strings a pretty old too. Call a tech (whatever their visit fee may be. It varies) A member of the PTG (Piano technicians Guild) is advisable. www.ptg.org

Search the site for a RPT in your area.

That twanging sound is more than likely the 2 snapped strings sliding around on other strings. Its a really zingy eary and echoey sound. They need to be removed. Try not to play in that area. A loose string can possibly snag a hammer shank and snap it. Probably won't, but can.


Strings can be spliced or duplicated, splicing being the better choice so the strings will still blend in tonal qualities with the existing strings. Duplication could cost around 40 bucks per string plus installation labor. Pays to tune on the same visit. So, you might be looking at a total cost of of around $200.00-$300.00.00.  Again, that is a really rough estimate. I'd have no business telling a tech what to charge you and prices vary from tech to tech and especially in various regions.

And since your strings are 25 years old, and if you really want the optimum from a fine piano like a Schimmel, total bass string replacement would knock your socks off. I'd heard prices run from roughly 700.00 to 2K, so that's something that has to be worked out with your technician.

All the best.

Title: Re: 1985 Schimmel bass strings
Post by: canary28 on September 13, 2011, 10:26:20 PM

Thanks.  We were quoted 300 (50/each string and tuning) by someone who used to work for a Schimmel shop, so we are likely to go with him.

Title: Re: 1985 Schimmel bass strings
Post by: keys60 on September 14, 2011, 01:06:22 AM

Fair enough. Good to see I was at least ball park. All the best.