Piano Bass String Replacement

Why bass strings fail

Bass strings are copper wound over a steel core, and that winding is what gives the low notes their depth. Over the decades the copper corrodes, dirt and rust work their way in between the windings, and the string slowly loses its ability to vibrate freely. The result is a bass end that sounds dull, tubby or out of tune with itself no matter how carefully the piano is tuned.

Strings also break, usually at the tuning pin or the hitch pin. On an older instrument a broken bass string cannot simply be replaced from stock wire: each string is wound to its own specification for its exact position in the piano.

What we do

We measure the core wire, the winding, the speaking length and the position on the bridge for every string that needs replacing, and have the replacements custom wound to match your instrument. Whether it is a single broken string or a full set for the bass section, the new strings are made for your piano rather than adapted to it.

• Single broken string replacement
• Full custom-wound bass sets for restorations
• Core, winding and speaking length matched per string
• Rust and corrosion assessment on the remaining strings
• Fitting, seating and tuning included
• A follow-up tuning once the new strings have settled

New wire stretches, so a piano with new bass strings needs a little time and a second visit to hold its pitch. We stretch and seat the strings during fitting, tune the piano before we leave, and come back once the new wire has settled.

A full bass set is usually done as part of a restoration or a major service. We will always tell you honestly whether new bass strings will make a real difference to your piano before you spend anything.