Put new strings on a piano?

Subject: Put new strings on a piano?
From: Gary T
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 06:16 PM

Conventional wisdom holds that guitar strings should be changed every so often, and guitarists usually can tell the difference. What about piano strings? I surmise they don't suffer the same degree of wear as guitar strings--no frets, no plucking, no body oils/acids--but do they degrade over time? If so, does anyone ever change them for maintenance purposes, or is it way too big a job to bother with? (Just curious--I don't play piano.)

Subject: RE: Put new strings on a piano?
From: ddw
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 07:01 PM

Interesting question. I've never heard of changing a whole set of piano strings, although I would think they must deteriorate over long periods of time. I've had my piano now for about 17 or 18 years and have never done more than have it tuned and the mechanism lubricated with graphite powder. Maybe heavily used concert grands require string changes periodically if they're used for classical performances, but I've noticed no degradation of sound in mine.

david

Subject: RE: Put new strings on a piano?
From: GUEST,Great Lakes Services
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 07:45 PM

Piano strings do require replacing ! Depending on use a set of strings should last for 15 plus years. The bass strings loose their qualities first.. often cleaning the bass strings help but, eventually all do need replacing. They degrade very slowly and a player will not notice until it is long gone.

Replacing strings also requires replacing tuning pins.. and usually is associated with general refurbishing of the action, keys etc.

We are in the piano business and you can expect to pay in the range of $1K for a string job plus any other associated repairs and there usually are additional repairs required. The average piano has 256 strings so it is a labor intensive process but well worth it in the continued enjoyment of a fine instrument

Subject: RE: Put new strings on a piano?
From: Gary T
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 10:51 PM

Thank you both for the replies. It does make sense that the strings lose something with age and use. Given the scope and cost of the job, I can see why I don't hear of folks routinely replacing them.

Many guitarists probably spend the same amount on strings, adjustments, and maintenance repairs over a 15 year period, but I'd bet the thought of spending that much in one chunk discourages many from restringing pianos.