A Specialised Area of Work
My interest in piano design began with an early curiosity about the causes of poor tonal regions in many pianos — particularly the transition from bass to tenor.
This, along with the difficulty of obtaining high-quality bass strings, led me into an in-depth study of bass string design and manufacture.
A Different Approach to String Design
The service I provide differs from traditional bass string suppliers.
I do not work from old string sets. Instead, I work from scale data taken directly from the piano. This is the only reliable way to properly evaluate:
Accurate measurements are essential for this process. (I do not work from rubbings, as there is too much room for error.)
I also manufacture replacement single strings, either to pattern or from supplied measurements. I use Röslau core wire and Degen copper.
The loops (eyes) are professionally formed and guaranteed not to break or unravel.
When accurate measurements are provided, the copper alignment of the new strings can be equal to — or better than — that found on many new pianos.
Proven Results: There are now well over 5,000 optimised strings in use, delivering improved performance and reliability.
I am confident these are among the highest quality bass strings available.
Important Information
Please do not send old string sets.
Copying old strings is a poor method of producing new ones. The strings I design are optimised specifically for the piano, resulting in improved tone, tunability and tuning stability.
The Process
I have a detailed booklet that explains the service and outlines how to take accurate scale measurements. Please get in touch if you would like a copy.
Note that I only supply strings to qualified piano technicians.
My interest in piano design began with an early curiosity about the causes of poor tonal regions in many pianos — particularly the transition from bass to tenor.
This, along with the difficulty of obtaining high-quality bass strings, led me into an in-depth study of bass string design and manufacture.
A Different Approach to String Design
The service I provide differs from traditional bass string suppliers.
I do not work from old string sets. Instead, I work from scale data taken directly from the piano. This is the only reliable way to properly evaluate:
- String tension
- Inharmonicity
- Break percentages
- Loudness and sustain
Accurate measurements are essential for this process. (I do not work from rubbings, as there is too much room for error.)
I also manufacture replacement single strings, either to pattern or from supplied measurements. I use Röslau core wire and Degen copper.
The loops (eyes) are professionally formed and guaranteed not to break or unravel.
When accurate measurements are provided, the copper alignment of the new strings can be equal to — or better than — that found on many new pianos.
Proven Results: There are now well over 5,000 optimised strings in use, delivering improved performance and reliability.
I am confident these are among the highest quality bass strings available.
Important Information
Please do not send old string sets.
Copying old strings is a poor method of producing new ones. The strings I design are optimised specifically for the piano, resulting in improved tone, tunability and tuning stability.
The Process
I have a detailed booklet that explains the service and outlines how to take accurate scale measurements. Please get in touch if you would like a copy.
Note that I only supply strings to qualified piano technicians.
Replacement base strings for a Yamaha U1 upright. Note the excellent winding terminations on my string sets
