Replacing a Broken String In A Piano - Piano Tuning & Repair I HOWARD PIANO INDUSTRIES

[@broadsworddannyboy5057]

I was re- stringing a piano a day in the German piano workshop some 26 years ago , starting at 5am and finishing around 12 hrs later.......

[@drwrencho4392]

Wow that's intense

[@broadsworddannyboy5057]

@@drwrencho4392 and in 35+ degrees Celsius too lol

[@axiomic]

Wow, sounds like a high tension working environment. You must have been strung out.

[@clavichord]

​@@axiomic Too much tension and I snap...

[@georgeclinton3657]

Piano

[@laurenleigh7720]

Also, as a piano tuner, I use the string spacing guide and 'chip-up' to pitch before putting the action back. Saves a lot of time too. Thank you for your videos, really helpful!! (UK)

[@Amlechar]

Great video! Seems like time-constraints kept the poster from showing one last, but VERY important, step: on the other end of his coil-lifter tool is a string-spacing guide-- the strings MUST be correctly spaced when they are replaced or the hammers could possibly end up striking the new strings in different areas of the hammer face, which may cause the notes to have a dark or dull sound quality to them. The felt on the hammers has been "voiced" with special tools to have a consistent hardness over the scale of the piano where the felt meets the strings as we play. On grand pianos this is ESPECIALLY important since the una corda (soft) pedal functionality moves the whole action over to strike a different part of the hammer which has been voiced so the felt is less hard, producing a softer tone. If the strings are not correctly spaced, the voicing will be off and you'll be very confused as to why the new string doesn't sound like the old one! All one needs to do is place the newly replaced (but not fully tightened) strings in the slots at the end of the string-spacing tool and run the tool up and down the top 2 or 3 inches of the strings a few times, ending as closely as you can to the pressure bar, then while holding the tool in place, tighten the strings JUST ENOUGH to hold their new position. Save pulling the strings up to full tension for the tuning process so you don't accidentally tighten them too much and snap the new string you've just installed! (One last and final piece of info: after you've installed and tuned your new strings, don't expect them to hold their tune perfectly-- they will stretch out a bit under their new-found tension, and the pitch will need to be raised again, and again, and again before they become stable... I would also advise a LIGHT tapping down of the string under the hitch pin to help seat the wire so it has fewer places to stretch out). Again, I'm sure Steve knows to do this, but it wasn't mentioned in the video so I'm filling the gap (hopefully)!

[@howardpianoind]

Thanks Charles for this additional, very helpful information!

[@kwixotic]

Alternatively, simply file the hammer with sandpaper sufficient to eradicate the old grooves.

[@Amlechar]

Filing the hammer might remove the cosmetic appearance of grooves, but voicing the hammer is the act of creating or relieving tension at varying depths within the hammer felt. I understand that filing the grooves out of the surface would eliminate the possibility of the hammer striking the new string on the "peaks" instead of in the "valleys" (read: old grooves), but simply removing them won't address the fact that the hammer is voiced for brightness in a neutral position and mellowness when shifted with the una corda pedal (in a grand action--vertical actions aren't voiced this way). In any case, even in an upright action, the "grooves" contain more compacted felt which produces a brighter tone; you'd still be left with a note which speaks differently from the surrounding ones if the strings aren't placed where they were to begin with... Speaking of aesthetics, the inside of the piano simply looks nicer with all the strings equally spaced; if you are replacing strings, you likely already have a coil-lifter so why not just turn it around to space the strings properly (which takes all of 20 seconds) while you're working?

[@mattmilford8106]

Thank you. I wondered about that and was a bit disappointed that he didn't finish the job he started in this video. It seems like there should have been a part 2.

[@rogerd4559]

I have several mid-strings that will not maintain the spacing after using the string spacing tool. How do I get the strings to stay in position?

[@Giggiyygoo]

I watched a piano tuning tutorial a while back out of curiosity, even though I don't play or have one. Fast forward 2 weeks and, thanks to youtube, I know way to much about pianos.

[@elacomedido]

Good for you mr. Quackmire.

[@charlesbolton5472]

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[@DARANGULAFILM]

Thank you for the time taken to make the presentation. I have an old piano which was built in Kalgoorlie Western Australia. Part of the original brief for the piano brand was that when delivered to a remote town or station ( ranch ) homestead overland on a camel wagon, the instrument had to be in tune and playable on arrival. This piano I rescued after it had been pushed by vandals off the stage in a remote town dance hall. That fall apparently raised little lines of dust alongside the cracks between the floorboards of the hall. They were still there when I collected it. The keybed had broken through and there was a scatter of pieces, some broken and missing hammers. I patched it up as best I could with a poor skillset at the time. When the time came to tune it, the tune was in balance but about half a note low. Aside from fine tuning all the notes, I did not try to raise the pitch. At about 3am one morning, I was half awake and thought somebody had shot the house, then I heard a drumming sound. A string had snapped during the night, I guess as a cool drift came through after a hot day. Some 30 years later, I recently rescued another of the same type in better although well used condition but with a little internal damage. I found that to be correctly pitched and in tune. With that instrument as a reference, I have begun to finesse the first rescue a little more. I originally replaced the broken hammer sticks with rolled roast sticks from the local butcher shop and missing hammers with what I could scrounge up from a totally wrecked instrument. Over time, those roast sticks have bent and twisted. Before going to the bother of sourcing some new hammer heads, I thought I would raise the pitch and see if would hold. It came up fine. I took the precaution of putting some liquid molylube where the strings pass over the fret to avoid the strings binding on some signs of fine rust. Over time there have been a few beer spills by the look of it. However two strings have snapped. They did not snap on the fret. One snapped at the coil. The other has snapped at the bend at the bottom. Interestingly it has split, not broken across. I have three to replace including the one which went off in the night long ago. I have yet to measure and source the replacement strings. Your advice is very helpful. For your curiosity, a link to a clip of the instrument follows. After a major goldfield was discovered, in Western Australia there grew the town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and it for a while was larger than the capital city of Perth. A piano factory was apparently built there. The actions and some pedal lever pivots seem to have been sourced from the US. I doubt that the cast steel frame was made here because all we had was then charcoal grey cast iron not cast steel. The frame bears the brand "Shotter Rowe and Co Perth". There is very little information to be found. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIC8lWx3q7mEf9E

[@howardpianoind]

Thanks for sharing this interesting story. I enjoyed seeing and hearing the video. I wonder if this upright "Sostenuto" piano has a real sostenuto pedal?

[@DARANGULAFILM]

@@howardpianoind It does I think. The small number of pianos I have repaired/tuned have been smaller two-pedal British types, Witton and F J Best plus an overdamper type which was an absolute villain to tune. It goes flat in the upper strings almost immediately. The owner has decided to install the gizzards of an electronic keyboard into the cabinet. I am not familiar with the sostenuto mechanism so I do not know if the system on the Sostenuto brand piano is genuine or a workaround. The piano has three pedals. The right is a sustain pedal which holds off the dampers. The left pedal moves the hammers towards the strings. On a restored piano I examined for reference, the centre pedal lowers a rail supporting a thin felt curtain between the hammers and the strings. On this piano, the centre pedal and its related mechanism had been removed it seems with some violence evidenced by the torn screwhole in the wood of the left panel. The pushrod which lowers and raises the curtain is quite fragile, no stronger than an automotive telescopic radio aerial. There are no identifiers printed on the action anywhere. The action appears similar to the Renner action seen in some youtube clips of upright Steinways. I recently aquired another instrument which was offered free by the owner and was in imminent danger of being soaked by rain. I thought it would yield parts for my instrument but it turned out to be in too good a condition to be ratted for parts. It had been stored outside of a church hall under a patio covered by canvas for several years. I expected it to be a ruin but the cabinet was in good shape. It was also on a trolley for moving about so possibly had been a school piano. The action was baulking here and there but the tuning was near perfect although not touched for over ten years or more. The tuning encouraged me to raise the pitch on my original piano and that has held. Thank you again for your excellent KZbin presentations which have been very helpful.

[@angelialvares]

Your video is put together in a really clear and concise manner...Thanks so much for the education

[@howardpianoind]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad to hear the video was helpful.

[@lekaprburaak]

Thank you from Czech Republic.

[@besimqorri7351]

Great job! I’m trying to replace the upright piano strings too. Thank you for this video! You’re great teacher! 👍

[@howardpianoind]

Thank you for the great feedback - good luck with the project!

[@elianec3633]

i am a beginner, thanks so much for your instructions.

[@howardpianoind]

Happy to help!

[@ogPersonA]

The moment he put the gloves on, I knew he meant business. hahaha - Thanks, Howard!

[@ernietollar407]

another great video . thanks for sharing these details and your expertise! Re. taking the action out.... that is something I have to lean also...

[@MilanBeric-m4e]

Awsome video!

[@howardpianoind]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fongmaho]

My piano tuner begins to make the first coil by winding the first end of the wire on a spare tuning pin inserted into his tuning hammer. He also uses the width of four of his fingers to measure the 3 inches. I tried with my hand, there is exactly 3 inches with the fingers 2, 3, 4 and 5 put one against the others. No need for a stainless steel ruler...

[@howardpianoind]

That works also. There are always shortcuts that work perfectly well.

[@PerfectNorthTrailMap]

Howard, I just replaced a midrange string. This was not easy. It took two tries. What I quickly learned was to pre-measure the wire, crimp it in half then do the 3" above the pin measuring and cut. It was still tedious! Are there any downsides to this crimping? Aligning the string on the bridge pins is also tricky cause you need to have the string a little taught so that it stays. Dexterity with the string hook and a screwdriver will need to improve going forward. Any comments, suggestions appreciated.

[@deanwegweiser9200]

Mr. Howard, thank you for a concise video that's easy to understand. I was wondering if there is a tool we can use to stretch the string before tuning to add stability. I'm thinking this could make new strings more stable and even make it unnecessary to make a second trip to the customer (saving time and money). Thanks for what you're doing.

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, there is a tool for stretching the string which does contribute to stability in the tuning: www.howardpianoindustries.com/piano-string-stretching-tool/

[@rogerd4559]

You would wind up just breaking the new string. the strings must age like fine wine

[@polarpalmwv4427]

Do you happen to have a video that shows how to replace a steel string in the center section of the piano where you have to deal with the overstrung bass strings being in the way (on an upright piano)? I am facing this challenge and am finding no information about how to do this. I am only finding tips on how to guide the wire down with a paper clip or a safety pin.

[@erynrjones]

Thank you! When do you pre-coil?

[@PartScavenger]

Thanks!!! I just replaced two sets in the treble section on my upright. -GB, Arkansas.

[@saveriosalerno9232]

Really very useful these your video tutorial that manage to be very practical because it guides us step-by-step intervention, you're a great teacher and technician pf, I learned so much from your tips for mè remains a beacon of hope in reference .. your other videos. I thank you heartily a warm greeting from your student surfer Italian Saverio

[@therenegadepianotechnician5170]

Your method works well. I'll give it a try I've been using the Sciortino" insta coiler." Takes some getting used to though. I've also seen the "dummy tuning pin method."

[@eddielozada3694]

Hello. This was a really good video Howard! Do you have any videos on grand pianos? Thanks for sharing your knowledge on such a nice way!!!

[@howardpianoind]

We don’t currently have a video on replacing a string in a grand piano, but the process is basically the same.

[@cristianclaverol3824]

Thanks a lot, very good info, understood

[@daniel.s.d]

Thank you. Excellent instructions.

[@tvtime5050]

Hi I’m very grateful for your video,you were so to the point,and explained,and video it so I could see,I’ve saved it to my phone,and I subscribe thanks again keep on making the videos

[@howardpianoind]

Glad it helped!

[@bblozan]

Thanks for the video--very helpful. Do you or does anyone else have an opinion about how quickly to move tuning pins, particularly when backing them out the 3 turns? I would have been afraid to move them as quickly as in this video since the friction causes the pin to get very hot, expand, and then permanently enlarge the hole resulting in a looser tuning pin.

[@howardpianoind]

If you're just turning it out three turns, the speed shouldn't be an issue from my experience.

[@rogerd4559]

yes I have that very problem with String F-4, it will not hold the string in tune

[@axiomic]

I wonder if a thread friction paste would work?

[@hossainfarnoush]

Hi, thank you for demo. My question is that there are 3 pins per one note so one wire connects to 2 pins . So how do we connect the second wire ? The last end goes to the next note??

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, one of the three string will connect to the tuning pin on the next note.

[@bubashalom8274]

Thanks!

[@howardpianoind]

You're welcome!

[@jonjonmia]

What did you use to coil the string around the tuning pin? Is that ratchet star head special? When I tried using the ones I have they don’t work and I believe the tuning pins were the same ones as in the video.

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, this tool is made to fit onto piano tuning pins. Regular sockets won’t work. Here is a link to this tool in our store: www.howardpianoindustries.com/ratchet-star-head/

[@jonjonmia]

howardpianoind thank you for the quick reply and very helpful video btw

[@josephinebrown6631]

Thank you kindly🤍

[@howardpianoind]

You’re welcome!

[@lightmeupsigns5363]

so Im assuming when you start the coil around the tuning pin it must coil toward the sound board of the piano correct so the the wire through the hole can be easily trimmed close as possibe

[@howardpianoind]

Actually you shouldn't need to trim the wire once it is installed. The way this is done is you only put the wire through to the other side of the hole so it doesn't stick out.

[@MarcusHessenbergDocs]

Hi! This might be a silly question from a non piano tuner (I'm attempting to repair a piano at the mo) but I notice use one string and returning up to create the second string. However there are three strings to each note so what happens to the third string? Does that not have a hinch?

[@trentwilliams6162]

The thrid string in the unison (the set of strings tuned to the same pitch) would go down, wrap around the hitch pin and go up to be first string in the next unison. It's kind of like a pattern. 1-2, 3-1, 2-3, 1-2 so on and so forth.

[@DavidGeliebter]

I noticed that you were able to get the string past the pressure bar without using a stringing hook (at 11:58). I was not able to get a string past the pressure bar despite using forceps, crochet hooks, and a needle-nose pliers. Would a stringing hook help? If not, do I need to remove the pressure bar or is that opening a whole new can of worms? Thanks for the great video.

[@howardpianoind]

The curve that the string makes around the pressure bar is at a tighter angle on some pianos than others. One good trick is to bend the end of the wire to conform to the curve to keep the end of the string from getting stuck. You can then cut off this bent end or the string after you have pulled the string through.

[@lucialiu2006]

Hello, my Eb3 string broke, but I don't know with what kind of string replace it, can you help me?

[@OFR]

There is an inexpensive tool you can buy called a micrometer. It costs less than $20 and measures thickness very accurately. Each piano may have different thickness wire so it's best to measure to get the right size.

[@madbebopper]

I have to replace one of the longer treble strings on a Spinet piano and the broken string passes underneath the bass string section. I will not be removing the spinet action but merely removing the action bolts (screws in this case) and just pulling back the action about 1 & 1/2 to 2 inches away from the strings which will give me enough room to work with. It is a 3-string note and there is only a single wire left so it would sound too weak if left without replacing the other two thirds of the string for that note. Do you have any suggestions or tips to make this go easier? I may remove a few of the bass strings from their hitch pins after loosening the pins one full turn and still leaving the coil intact and attached to their respective tuning pins. This will give me some room to get my hands as close to the hitch pin of the string I am replacing and get those bass strings out of the way of my working area at the bottom loop of the string. Other than the removing of some of the bass strings which are strung directly on top of the string I'm replacing do you have any suggestions or tips which may make this a bit easier?

[@projdusja]

Спасибо! Всё понятно и доступно.

[@howardpianoind]

Добро пожаловать, спасибо за просмотр!

[@lbhtyler]

Great videos! Keep them coming.

[@MBOGUN1]

Thank you.

[@lewisgottschalk2178]

Can you do a video replacing a single treble string, where you have to put a coiled end loop at the end of the hitch pin? Thanks

[@howardpianoind]

Hi Lewis, We do have a video showing how to make a loop on the end of the string using our looping machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYCTgKJ7rdGcd9k

[@JimGriffOne]

Hi Steve. May I ask where you got the tuning pin socket from? I've been searching for ages but still can't find any 4-point or 8-point sockets that fit to standard 1/4" | 3/8" ratchets. Thanks!

[@howardpianoind]

Hi Jim, Yes, we sell this tool in our online store: www.howardpianoindustries.com/ratchet-star-head/

[@UrbanStanic]

Hello, thanks for the instructive video! What is the purpose of having tight coils on the strings?

[@alfredopoujol4830]

Great video. Thanks a lot.

[@moriscengic]

Great video!! Thanks for the book on piano by Marko Igrec. What I wanted to know is why is one string attached to two pins? As a guitar player I changed thousand of strings and I find it strange than on piano not every tone has its individual string but two tones share one string. Does it affect the next tone when I tune one just becauss the next tone share same string? I can't imagine not doing so. Why is that made so in first place? Thank you and thanks for great videos and education in piano tech

[@howardpianoind]

In tuning a piano the pin is moved just a very small amount. Because of this the adjacent string is not affected. If you're making a larger pitch movement, then it can have some affect on the surrounding strings.

[@franknilson180]

Hi there. I have just snapped a piano string today. When I measured the string it showed on the vernier that it is .90 mm. The sizes that are obtainable are .80 mm and 1.1 mm. Which one would you recommend I use to get the same tone etc. It is the F-string in the right side of the piano, I think it is called the treble size. Ha-ha.

[@howardpianoind]

We do have piano wire equivalent to .90 mm. This would equate to .035" which would be size 15 piano wire.

[@franknilson180]

@@howardpianoind Hi there, it would be a problem for me as I am from South Africa.

[@swellestgoat3803]

Hello! I replaced a string following this video, but my problem now is that the string makes very little sound. Its as tight as the normal pins but doesnt make any sound, and usually if its not in tune it would still be very audible but its not for me. Is there anything I might've done wrong?. Please help, thanks

[@howardpianoind]

I would suggest ensuring the music wire you installed is of appropriate size/tension. Remove the string and reapply. Ensure proper hammer alignment once the string is in place. Thanks for watching!

[@etnwhvac]

If I remove all the cords to give the soundboard and Frame a good cleaning. How much you thing I would get charged for tuning the piano back once i put the cords back??? Thanks!!

[@andyaustin7]

Many thanks very helpful easy to follow

[@fredericricci9386]

Excellent video. I have a 50 year old Kawai console. One of the two strings for key D2 broke. The string is about 48 inches long. I would like to try to replace it, but couldn't find references on the website for specific strings to be sure I'm buying the right one. I would appreciate any guidance. Thanks

[@howardpianoind]

For the bass strings there are a few measurements that need to be taken in order to get a replacement made. Here is a link to the video which shows how to take the measurements: www.howardpianoindustries.com/measuring-for-a-piano-bass-string-replacement/

[@fredericricci9386]

@@howardpianoind Wow!That's great!! Thank you so much.

[@andyj482]

Hi Howard, when you're coiling a bass string wire can it simply be inserted in the hole in the tuning pin, held with your hand, and then coiled by cranking the pin with a tuning hammer... or is it necessary to pre-coil the wire before putting it onto and through the pin? Thanks!

[@howardpianoind]

Hi Andy, You don't need to precoil the wire. What I recommend is to insert the wire into the tuning pin with the pin in the piano and then turn the pin to coil it on. It would be difficult to hold the pin while coiling the wire onto the pin with your hand because of the amount of tension. If you want to coil it with the pin out of the piano you should use the tuning pin coil maker that we sell: howardpianoindustries.com/piano-tuning-pin-hand-held-coil-maker/. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

[@TheMyjournii]

What about the strings that run behind the bass strings? How would one of those get replaced?

[@howardpianoind]

These are a little more difficult to replace. You have to get the wire fished behind the bass strings. Typically wheat I do is to make a bend on the wire to go around the hitch pin and then push the wire down behind the bass strings and get it hooked onto the hitch pin. Then I use a clothespin or something similar to keep the wire on the pin while I install it in the tuning pins.

[@TheMyjournii]

@@howardpianoind Thank you so much! I actually got it done yesterday (my husband and I). I finally realized that I had to remove the bottom panel underneath the keyboard to see down there. It was quite the task and it took a few tries but we got it! Now all I have to do is tune it. Thank you so much!!

[@howardpianoind]

Glad to help!

[@broadsworddannyboy5057]

With extreme difficulty and patience....

[@joxmar83]

I was able to successfully tune my piano following your videos except 1 key where one of the wires came out of the hole in the pin thus not been able to tune it. Can I just reuse the wire by losen it, straighten it, re-insert it on the pin and tighten again?

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, you should be able to reuse the wire.

[@kwixotic]

The coil lifting tool from Pianotek is fantastic even if rather pricey and esp. good for stringing jobs.

[@DH-om5em]

What is the situable size of string for middle c?

[@zaivianikusumaputra8249]

Are the piano strings on the right side of the piano have the same size like the rest or is it different?

[@howardpianoind]

No, there are several different sizes of treble wire in any single piano. On average there are about 10 different sizes of treble wire which are all of the strings excluding the bass strings.

[@stringbender11672]

hi. i been playing guitar for 35 years. have done a zillion string changes. well, my neighbor gave me an upright Hobart M. Cable piano built in 1914. It sounds killer!!! Very loud and clear and great action on the keys. I've never had much interest in piano until i got this thing. I noticed it's missing a couple of the high strings. I really wanna put the replacement strings on there and i have a wonderful ear for pitch and tuning. What i dont know is what string gauge to use for missing strings. How should i approach this? Very curious. Any info on the string gauge might help. Thanx in advance

[@howardpianoind]

Unfortunately the string gauge for each individual note isn't consistent from one model of piano to another. What you would need to do is measure one of the existing strings with a micrometer or caliper to get the measurement to the nearest .001" for the note you need a replacement string for. Hopefully there is still one of the three strings for each note left that you can get a wire to measure from. Please let me know if you have other questions.

[@stringbender11672]

yes the strings that are missing still have 1 of their existing strings. they were groups of 3 stringed notes but only have one string left. it's the 2nd highest group of Ab, A, & A# keys that are all missing two of their strings in the 3-stringed note groups. All the strings in that area look the same size gauge, but yes a micrometer would be needed to determine. Please forgive my ignorance of piano terms, as this is all new territory for me, lol. I am trying to learn. Thanx for all your insight & help. Your vids are awesome!!! i definitely need to check out your website!

[@randypcole]

What is a string breaks in the middle section and the bass strings are in front of the hitch pin?

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, the tenor strings can be tricky. What I do is put a bend in the wire where it will wrap around the hitch pin and then fish it down behind the bass strings. Once I have it on the hitch pin I put a clamp over the hitch pin to keep the wire in place while I get the rest of the string installed.

[@ChoBee333]

Hi there, where can I find the ratchet that you are using? Because I have a set of general ratchets, but the attachment does not fit on the tuning pin. It doesn’t allow me to turn the attachment around to fit the pin. Do they sell ratchets with a special set of quadrilateral opening at say Home Depot or Lowe’s?

[@howardpianoind]

Usually the tool can’t be found locally as it is a special tool made for piano tuning pins. We sell this tool in our online store and we are still open for business and able to ship orders. Here is a link: www.howardpianoindustries.com/ratchet-star-head/

[@yiranimal]

Following a recent purchase from your company I've gone on to replace two of the three strings (notes) needed. Unfortunately on the model of upright piano I'm working on E4's bridge pins are nestled in behind the overlapping bass strings. I've spent hours trying to work the strings into place. It's total madness... quite possibly the most tedious thing I've ever undertaken. I consulted a piano repair book that said on some pianos a curtain rod may be needed to guide the strings into position. I've tried with wooden skewers, but I'm convinced it's either a two man job (one to hold the string in place from below the keyboard and one to pull it around the other pin from the top) or one would have to remove several bass strings. Can you tell me if my read of the situation sounds correct? Tell me I'm wrong and I didn't happen to break the single most inconvenient string on an upright piano.

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, sounds like you broke the most inconvenient string! The curtain rod will certainly help you and you will also need a "third hand". You need the type of curtain rod that is flat (not round) and has two small hollow channels running it's leangth. One end of the wire is inserted down one channel and the other end down the other. Feed the same amount of wire down each channel until the wire runs out the other side. Having the wire in the curtain rod will keep the string from twisting as you feed it down between the strings. A small loop of wire will be left on one end and its this end you feed down behind the bass strings until it is in position over the correct hitch pin. Use a flat head screwdriver to press the loop onto the hitch pin and then use a pair of vise grips adjusted open just enough to clamp down on the hitch pin so that now the string loop cannot pop off the hitch pin while you continue to work. This is your "third hand". Now you pull up the curtain rod off the strings just making sure you keep the strings from twisting as you remove it. Feed one end of the string under the pressure bar and onto the correct pin and then the other. After you have the strings coiled around the pins and pull up some pressure on the strings you can go back down to the bottom of the paino and use a string hook or some such tool to work the wires around the correct bridge pins.

[@yiranimal]

@@howardpianoind Holy cow, that’s a detailed instructional. Thanks, I can picture what you mean. Indeed a third hand was what I needed: I had a friend come over and he pinned down the wire on the right side of the bridge pin below deck while I pulled it over the upper pin from above, and then rinsed and repeated. However, now I know for the next time.😉

[@amezcuaist]

Thankyou for a valuable video .My question may relate to the way one string is used to form two vibrating strings . On several very tight tuning pins I tried to cure the jumping and loud crack noise by turning the tension down and up till the sticking was improved. But !! I did that with a pair of sticking pins on the same note . Not being aware that those two were connected and probably retuning the wrong half first is there a chance those strings will have been displaced and ended up with a kink where the string should be straight .? This looks quite likely as the loop at the string bottom is a simple turn that might have shifted . A good long question for you . The sounds of those tight pin notes has not been good although the basic note is there it behaves like a slow morse code . Thanks again .

[@howardpianoind]

Hi John, You chouldn't have any problems with a kink in the string from this. I'm not sure what the problem sound is from your description. Is there maybe a false beat in the string?

[@amezcuaist]

@@howardpianoind A very late answer for you .I was unfamiliar with the kind of noises out of tune strings can make . Your video is a big help to reassure amateurs liable to make mistakes like me .

[@mprove]

You made my day.

[@JCRABWORLD]

You sound like Bob Odenkirk. In a good way

[@howardpianoind]

Thanks for watching!

[@missussimas3366]

Can you let me know whether the piano tuner recommended to me has replaced all of the pins and refaced all of the hammers which he said he would do?

[@glennwirth7334]

I have the string all entailed up with the hammers , How do I get it out

[@howardpianoind]

Just cut it out and start again with a new length of wire.

[@NMranchhand]

Does one make an effort to bring the tension up evenly on each tuning pin until the tension is so great that there is no chance of slippage across the anchor? Or is slippage more or less prevented anyway by the resistance of the zigzag through the bridge pins?

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, you would tighten both pins to get them evenly tightened before bringing them fully up to pitch.

[@NMranchhand]

howardpianoind Thanks. Your videos are really interesting. I’m a basement-shop luthier and always wanted to learn about the piano. I’ll call you tomorrow for a beginning on tools.

[@davemarleymusic9153]

Very important to let out any farts when restringing a piano. 14:28

[@justiceintheimage]

I have an old Jannsen console and there is a felt strip above the pressure bar. I tried replacing a string but only got as far as loading the wire through the first pin. As I moved the string up I ruined that space on the felt. Any tips?

[@howardpianoind]

It takes a little practice to make a nice neat job. You do have to be careful working over the pressure bar felt.

[@justiceintheimage]

Yeah a little tiny bit of the string kinda creeps up and hits the felt - guess I'll just have to practice pulling it up with a needle-nose

[@MiArtStuff]

very informative helpful video. Thank you,

[@pianohitam6847]

good video, btw can you demonstration how to fic loose tuning pin? thanks

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, we actually do have a video on how to fix loose tuning pins. Here is a link: Piano Tuning & Repair - Fixing Loose Tuning Pins

[@jennifergarner4818]

Where can I get a star bit like the one you used in this video?

[@howardpianoind]

We have this tool available in our online store: www.howardpianoindustries.com/ratchet-star-head/

[@WinSchutten]

How do you attach the third string at the bottom end which cant loop back on the same note? Do you keep going left or is it attached to a seperate pin somewhere?

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, the left string will loop around the next hitch pin and come up to become the right string of the next note.

[@richardpugh5817]

howardpianoind I had the very same question… it's so simple, I just had an ah-ha moment. Thank you for all your videos, they are VERY helpful !!

[@angelialvares]

howardpianoind Thanks I was wondering about that.....just broke a string and found that I could only get one side out....now I have to figure out how to remove the whole thing as it is winds around the bottom hitch pin and becomes the right string of the left half tone! Could you put a video on how to remove a snapped string which wraps around the pins of two separate notes?

[@howardpianoind]

The procedure is basically the same whether the string is for one note or if it is a shared string between two different notes.

[@Amlechar]

+Angeli Alvares I'm sure this is too-little-too-late since 6 months have passed since your comment, but since no one else has mentioned it: if you are replacing a wire that spans two notes, you should let tension off of the in-tact note BEFORE attempting to remove the wire! The bridge and hitch pins are bearing points (places where friction holds the wire in place) and can bear enough tension that when you use your pliers (or God forbid your bare hands!) to remove the other piece of wire, all that stored energy will let go at once and the string could harm your hands (or eyes, if you're looking up close)! ALL strings on a piano are under enormous tension and care should be taken that you never put yourself in harm's way when servicing or replacing them-- Safety First! :-)

[@iancrawfordmusic]

Any tips for when the tuning pins are so close together that there is no room for the string spacer or even a finger to hold the string in place? Also, I can't seem to find a video showing how to replace a string from the tenor section of the piano, where the bridge and hitch pins are behind both the keys AND the front row of bass strings, and thus nearly impossible to access. If anyone has any tips I'm all ears!

[@howardpianoind]

When the space is limited, I use a stringing hook to keep the string pulled up so the coil is nice and tight. Yes, the tenor strings can be tricky. What I do is put a bend in the wire where it will wrap around the hitch pin and then fish it down behind the bass strings. Once I have it on the hitch pin I put a clamp over the hitch pin to keep the wire in place while I get the rest of the string installed.

[@Personmakingvideos]

Howard, around 9:45 you are coiling the wire around the pin using only your finger to keep the wire from slipping. I am unable to coil the wire without the wire slipping out of the hole. Can you help me?

[@howardpianoind]

There is kind of a fine balance in keeping enough tension on the wire to keep it from slipping out of the hole as you start to tighten it up. If there is too much slack in the wire it will tend to want to slip out.

[@Personmakingvideos]

+howardpianoind Thanks, I'm starting to get the hang of it; I'll keep working on it.

[@halmain7406]

Good video

[@robviolin1]

Thanks. I thought all the treble keys had 3 strings?

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, in most cases all of the treble strings have 3 strings for each note. So even though one piece of wire will be for two of the strings, the third string will be shared with one of the strings for the next note. For two notes, there will be 3 separate pieces of wire.

[@robviolin1]

thank you for your reply. you are very helpful. your videos help a lot of people all over the world. I tried to tune my piano. it took 3 days and was very difficult. it is closer to being in tune than it was before, but there is no substitute for a professional piano tuner. thanks again and keep posting.

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, tuning a piano is something that can be done, but for an untrained person it takes a long time and the results are not as good as a professional.

[@christianwouters6764]

I have another method that disturbs the tuning pin minimally and is also faster. I wind the string on a tuning pin outside the piano, then pry the coil out of that dummy pin and click the coiled string on the pin IN the piano.

[@howardpianoind]

That method works also. I just find it more difficult to make the coil on a dummy pin.

[@christianwouters6764]

@@howardpianoind I forgot to say that it depends on the diameter of the new string. Up to 1mm it's easy to pry the precoiled string out. Thicker the metal is hard to handle and your method is better and faster.

[@TheSoundtec]

curious , what is the reason for gloves?

[@LacedWithOreos]

he said it's to protect the strings. Our skin naturally produces sweats/oils which can corrode the string O:

[@angelofavia]

What's the tool at 14.49?

[@howardpianoind]

Those are parallel pliers. We don’t sell these.

[@angelofavia]

@@howardpianoind any recommendations on which one to buy?

[@Goodi8]

So you recommend removing the action when replacing strings ?

[@howardpianoind]

It does make it easier to install the new string without the action in the way and with most upright pianos, the action is fairly easy to remove.

[@andyj482]

Hi Howard. Thank you tremendously for your videos. I have several questions, if I may: 1) Are the particular micrometers used here specially designed for measuring piano string diameters, or are they just standard micrometers (I'm not sure how much they vary across various professions)? 2) If the string is fixed at the bottom via the hitch pin but then comes back up in order to become the next string in the sequence - does changing the tension of one note not affect the tuning of the 'other' one? Thanks again!

[@howardpianoind]

Hi Andy, Thanks for watching! The micrometer we use is just a standard micrometer that measures to the nearest thousandths of an inch or to the nearest .001". When tuning one string, if you're only making small adjustments which is normally the case, the other string sharing the same piece of wire isn't usually affected. If you're changing pitch such as more than 10 cents or so, then it can have an affect on not only the shared string, but many of the other surrounding strings because of the increased or decreased tension on the bridge and soundboard.

[@andyj482]

+howardpianoind Thanks Howard! On closer inspection of my piano, I have a possible dilemma in replacing a broken D5 string: At the bottom of the piano the bass strings cross diagonally in front of the treble strings making access to the hitch pin difficult. Is it simply a matter of using some needle nose pliers to painstakingly try and feed the string in behind all the bass strings, or are there any handy tricks that you can recommend that would make this process easier? Thanks again!

[@howardpianoind]

Hi Andy, Yes, these strings are more difficult to replace than the strings that don't have bass strings in front of them. Yes, the only thing you can do is to fish the strings in behind the bass strings and then grab it with a hook or pliers at the other end. Not an easy task, but it can be done with lots of sweat and effort.

[@anthonyegan59]

How much does a treble string cost.. ?

[@howardpianoind]

A 10' length of piano wire for a treble string costs $3.95 on our site: www.howardpianoindustries.com/piano-music-wire-in-10-lengths/

[@wetbadger2174]

What's a good place to buy piano strings?

[@howardpianoind]

We sell piano strings on our website: www.howardpianoindustries.com/piano-wire-tuning-pins/

[@MitchRuth]

I heartily recommend purchasing strings (and many other parts) from Howard Industries, you can buy smaller amounts than you can from Piano Supply Companies (although they are great too) they have a website that is here on the YT page and they also have an E-Bay page as well.

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

So one string is used via the hitch pin to replace 2 strings of the three for each note. That means the other string when it breaks only needs one string. Where does it attach? Why would it be rare for 2 strings to break when one string wraps around the hitch pin to make it sound like 2. Very confusing.

[@howardpianoind]

Yes, the wire gets attached to one tuning pin and then goes down to loop around the hitch pin and then comes back up to attach to the next tuning pin.

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

I understand now. Duh!!!!

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!!!

[@jbnelsonusa]

So... Up in the treble section and higher, a single string is strung to handle two or the three strings of a unison... or one string of one unison and one string of the NEXT unison. When tuning, what allows tightening one pin from tightening the same string... especially in my second example, the same string but for a different note? Thanks.

[@cobyjay7607]

James Nelson In the treble there are 3 strings for every 2 notes (6 vibrating segments altogether). The hitch changes the direction of the string 180°. That amount of change in direction creates enough friction to hold two separate pitches on both sides of the hitch pin. In fact, in order for one segment to affect the tension/pitch of its adjacent segment (connected by the same string) its pitch would have to change by about a M3.

[@khe84]

dummy tuning pin method is much more faster and gives less damage to pin block

[@ClaptonHook]

I'm sorry, but this video says to turn the pin out 3 full turns, which is bad practice. Consider that the pin is just held in by the wood being tight (friction). Backing it out 3 full turns and turning it back in 3 full turns *will* wear the hole out and loosen the pin. It could even wear the hole out to the point of making the tuning not even hold, if the hole is already on the looser side. The correct way - always - is to back the pin out only 1/2 to 1 turn, then - and this is the key - wind the new string onto a spare tuning pin first (one that's not in the piano) to create a coil, then put the already-coiled string onto the pin in the piano. This way, you don't wear the pin-block down any more than you need to. The way he does it in the video might work, but it unnecessarily ages the piano. I even have a special little cylindrical tool that I can put my spare tuning pin into, to help me make the coil.

[@humanbeing3777]

ClaptonHook,I got here because I thought slamming piano pins into an aged pin block would destroy the threads holding it in place.This seemed far less intrusive.That being said,how do you get the pre-coiled wire off the piano pin that’s not in the block?And how would you measure out the wire to assure that you get three turns around the pin when it’s assembled in the piano itself?I like the idea of the piano pin not pulling early and skewing the wood. 👍

[@ClaptonHook]

@@humanbeing3777 You measure the string the same as if you were going to coil it on the pin that's in the piano. Get the string in place in the piano. Measure past the pin that is in the piano. You should know how long 3 coils is (for me, it's about the width of the palm of my hand; in the video he says 3 inches). Then, instead of coiling onto the pin in the piano, coil it on the spare pin. To remove the coil from the spare pin, just let the coil loosen itself a bit, then grab it with some wire bending pliers, which are like rounded needle nose pliers, which won't put a kink in the string. You grab it near where it bends and goes through the hole in the pin, and then you slide it off the pin. Be careful putting the coil on the actual pin in the piano, not to bend the little bit of the string that's going to go into the hole in the pin. Then, once it's in place, use normal needle nose pliers to ensure the small bent part that goes through the pin hole is all the way in and be sure it stays there, while you tighten the string the 1/2 to 1 full turn of the pin in the piano. If you ever have to actually replace a loose pin, you'll need to go to a larger size pin, and then it's just hammered into the pin block with a hand sledge (be sure to use a pinblock support on any grand). There are no threads in the wood, only on the pin. This is why the wood can wear out! It's supposed to be tight on the pin and every turn of the pin wears out the pinblock hole, to a slight degree. Many older pianos already have loose pins and I don't want to make it worse, which was the whole point of my comment, above. My best to you, Human Being.

[@WilloPR]

16:57 RIP lol

[@TheGozalus]

That was at 16:59, you IDIOT!

[@milodautkitteh]

14:30 had my wife and I rotfl!

[@tankuser4276]

What would a beginner need for replacing and tuning piano strings?

[@howardpianoind]

Thanks for reaching out, check out our video, www.howardpianoindustries.com/piano-string-replacement/ we also list the products/tools needed in the description. Good luck!

[@intersweat]

A sneaky fart at 14:30 :)

[@howardpianoind]

Oops! Thanks for watching!

[@Kryso_0]

if Jordan Peterson were a piano technician :)

[@rogerd4559]

How could you not know that it is actually ONE STRING?

[@gabrielchavez5727]

usually those types of those pianos crack

[@fastfingers110]

SO NO BECKET??

[@georgeclinton3657]

Fart at 14:30

[@richardnixon7455]

14:29 fwert

[@georgeclinton3657]

fart at 14:29

[@universitylink7409]

I hate his snaps or click his lips or mouth too often and it's annoying that is why I can't stand watching this video and also he clears his throat too much. OMG

[@lacidy]

interesting video, but the incessant tongue clicking drives me crazy. I get caught up anticipating his next "tsk".

[@frq9941]

Very helpful, thanx

[@howardpianoind]

Glad it was helpful!

[@halmain7406]

Good video