When I started out in this business I ordered a set of universal
replacement strings.  They were used so infrequently they discolored
and I discarded them for a few reasons.

When a bass string breaks, I can usually splice a new piece of wire on
it and not have to bother with it again.  I've successfully spliced on
the speaking length many times near the agraffe and once near the
bridge pin.

I have forgone the use of hex core replacements because I feel the
edges of the wire damage the bearing point.  Also, if the string is
going to be replaced, why place necessary movement on the pin -- it may
become loose in certain cases, whereas a replacement string can arrive
within a few days.

One does not need to send the string for duplication.  Take a
micrometer reading of the core and winding.  Measure the distance from
the hitch pin to the wrap and the length of the wrap.  This way you can
send your order by fax.

When the string is missing, measure its mate or neighbors with the
micrometer.  Measure from the hitch pin to where the wrap should start
and subtract one eighth of an inch.  Measure the length the wrap should
be and subtract one quarter of an inch.  This will give you a good fit
when the string is pulled up.  Most often, with well-known makes, all
you need to tell them is the make, model, serial number (for scaling
changes) and string number (not note number, left string).

On a good piano, if one [wound] string in a bichord breaks, replace
both strings so the partials will be better matched.

I have not used Mapes strings for many years because the wraps are too
short, many times more than an inch away from the agraffe, and I don't
like the partials they develop.  Once you hear a set of strings from GC
Piano in Scarborough, Ontario; you will feel the same.  Many techs like
Sanderson's strings in Littleton, Mass., as well.

When I order strings from GC Piano, I will send a pattern for hitch pin
to bridge and length and a list of the speaking lengths of each note.
This way Danny will rescale a new set.   But for Steinways, Baldwins
and Mason & Hamlins I just order by model number, as he has the string
specs.  Mapes could do this too.

Regards,

Jon Page,   piano technician
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.