Wait Time: 3-4 Weeks
HOW TO ORDER:
1. Select the Number of Tires you want your set to contain (Minimum 12, Maximum 19)
2. If you like the gauge assortment we've pre-selected, simply complete the order and that is what you will receive.
3. If you would like to customize your set to have different gauges than the pre-selected gauges, use the
Contact Form to send us a message, listing your custom selection of tire gauges. The number of tires in your custom list must equal the number of tires you have selected.
Bags may vary from picture
The ultimate wire storage system for field repairs.
This compact, lightweight system keeps your wire coils organized, so you are always prepared to splice or replace a broken string. Each tire holds up to 3 ounces of wire, made of durable plastic, and is marked with a wire gauge number for easy identification. The unique design of the Piano Wire Tires prevents the wire from accidental uncoiling, which can be a problem with other storage methods.
This set is pre-loaded with 1.5 oz of Mapes International Gold wire on each tire.
Our unloaded set is a more cost-effective option if you prefer to use your own supply wire and load your own tires.
Choose between 12 and 19 tires for your set. We've pre-selected the gauges that make the most sense for each tire count, for most users, but we're happy to customize your order to include whatever gauges you want - BUT, you must provide us with a list of chosen gauges that matches the number of tires you're ordering.
What wire gauges are possible if you choose to customize?
12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5 and 22.
What is the logic behind our gauge pre-selection?
Most broken wires you will encounter while servicing pianos will be in the 13 through 17 range, so we suggest having all sizes in that range, including half-sizes. For field repairs, most technicians consider it acceptable to use the next heaviest gauge if the exact gauge is not available. You can always come back and redo the repair at a later time if you feel it's necessary to have the exact gauge for that situation. Since gauge 12 is the least likely wire to encounter in the field, none of our pre-selections contain this gauge. Also, since the very heaviest gauges in the low tenor section are the least likely to break, we omit 21.5 since 22 can easily be used instead, in the unlikely event of having to replace a tenor wire that low.
If ordering a smaller set (like 12 tires), we suggest keeping pre-cut short lengths of heavier gauge wire in your tool kit so you have the option of splicing any bass strings, if needed. (We only splice bass strings if the piano is very old, such that a new bass string will be a poor match to the surrounding bass strings (both tonally and visually. Otherwise, we order replacement bass strings).
Included with every set:
Each Piano Wire Tires set comes with a lightweight zipper bag for transporting them. The tires are stacked on a 12" x 3.5" storage cylinder, which can also hold tools or parts.
Reloading tires when empty:
When reloading the tires, we suggest using about 1.5 oz. of wire in each tire for a lightweight set that is easy to travel with, while still providing sufficient wire for the occasional string breakage. You may want to load more wire on the most commonly needed gauges.
Use this length/weight chart to help you cut the correct length of wire for each wire gauge.
How to load or reload tires: