Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Is this blackish color of string(Yamaha C3) normal?

Piano tuner came to tune and check buzzing sound notes. He checked several things and said it's probably string problem and worth to try to replace one note.
Then said he never seen this kind of blackish string before and wondering if the color is the result of oxidated or original.

There are around five notes that make buzzing sound.
I am wondering if this string color is normal for Yamaha C3? He said string color for other grand piano was shining silver color.

I can't really tell much from the pictures, Tony, but the plain wire strings should be a bright shiny color. Any darker colored wire or tarnished colored could be due to age or moisture exposure or someone touching the strings with their bare hands.

If it is any consolation, a bit of rubbing/burnishing with 0000 steel wool will clean the plain wire strings up a bit and restore some gloss.

All the plain wire strings will get some spotty oxidation over time. But it usually doesn't affect the sound. I have heard of brand new piano wire with false beats having to be replaced.

Also, it sounds like your tech is not 100% sure what to do about the buzzing sound, and is willing to try replacing some of the strings to rectify the situation. If it works, great, if not, keep trying.

Good luck!

Rick

I searched other Yamaha grand string and found 2003 made Yanaha A1 and 2005 made C7 has same blackish color string. My one is made in 1996. Isn't your C7 haa silver shiny color string? It's maybe Yamaha use different string for later model?

This photo is 2005 made C7 strings.

He also said these kind of problem won't be covered by warranty. He was almost certain this buzzing problem caused by string. I really hope this issue can be resolved by replacing string

Most of the time, "buzzing" is a voicing issue.

It’s hard to tell from the photos whether the strings are excessively black. Wires discolor and possibly rust depending on the environment it’s been exposed to. I have actually seen a c3 from mid90s with darker strings due to oxidation.

I have watched the hunt for C3 buzzing noise twice (different instruments). First time it was a loose screw and washer holding the action together (it was taken apart by technician earlier). Second time it was a loose bolt holding one of the legs in place.

Yes, the plain wire strings on my Yamaha C7 (ca. 1978) are shiny and bright. There may be a small spot or two here and there that is darker from oxidation. When I first bought the C7 around 2010 (?) the plain wire strings looked newish. I honestly thought the piano had been rebuilt in the past, but was told by a highly reputable concert tech that it was all original, though in excellent condition.

As for Yamaha using a different color plain wire string on different year model grand pianos, I suppose anything is possible, but I thought all plain steel (non-wound) piano wire was the same color/appearance, which is a bright steel color. I could be wrong.

I think subtle buzzes on acoustic pianos can be unpredictable, hard to find/correct, and even defy logic at times.

I hope changing out the strings on those buzzy notes corrects the buzz.

All the best,

Rick

Before having the tech replace some strings, it might be a good idea to get a second opinion.

+1

Also, another thought occurred to me; if Tony is worried about the color or the plain wire steel strings on his C3, the new strings will likely be brighter/glossier/shiner than the old ones. But if it fixes the buzz, it is what needs to be done, I suppose.

Rick

What I am worrying about is that if the blackish colour is caused by oxidation and if it caused buzzed sound, possibly it will cause other strings buzzed in near future.

I am confused if the dealer hide the wire oxidated intentionally or if it's original color or he didn't tell bcuz it doesn't affect the sound.

I expected this piano would be great decision but I am not sure if I am too sensitive about used piano that other people don't complain.

The piano tuner(not dealer) visited today said this kind of issue will not be covered by warranty.

I searched several newer model of Yamaha grand. It seems like new model have blackish strings.

Below is Yamaha C3X

Tony3304 - why not ask your question on the Piano Technician forum? Just my guess but the Forum techs have certainly seen Yamaha string oxidation and are quite knowledgeable about troubleshooting buzzing noises.

I'd ask Yamaha.

Even better.

As it was a pre-owned piano, discuss with the tech that inspected it (if an inspection was done)

I would not have a string removed at least until the weather is warmer , and indoor heating is turned off .Pianos can be strange creatures and they change with the seasons. Your piano is still settling in its new home.
I think your perception of sound is very sensitive which complicates everything. From what I remember the piano you bought is a used piano. I say this because I think with a new piano you probably would definitely not need to have a string changed.( just in case you have a new C Yamaha)
I have read something on the "technicians forum" that sometimes if the technician "winds up the ends" of an offending string it may cure the problem.

Another reason I would not just have the string changed is that the new string may have a slightly different colour (timbre) to the other strings. Of course it will be more shiny as well.

Hi what year again is your C3? I just recently sold my C3 in pristine condition. I can send you photos / videos of mine to help you compare. DM me.

Oh thanks. The dealer replied to my email that he will check out when he comes to my town but he doesn't know when to visit yet.
He recommended that don't change the string yet as it might cause other problem.

I was literally going to post this exact comment! I think replacing the string should be your very last option.

Am I remembering correctly that you're hearing buzzing from one note in particular? Unless that string is colored/discolored visibly differently from the other strings, I wouldn't think it would be the string that's the source of the problem.

When I got my Petrof (upright, used) there were lots of weird buzzes and problems that sort of came up little by little as the piano adjusted to its new environment -- namely, my house, which I think was much better climate controlled than the its previous location. My tuner at the time couldn't hear all the noises I could hear, but over a few visits, just during my usual tunings, I would tell him what I heard and where, and we (well, mostly him) would poke around the piano. Little by little, he was able to resolve each issue, even the ones he couldn't hear. And none of them were "replace a string" type issues. Things were lose here and there, and the piano adjusted over time. After a few visits (again just regular tunings) everything was resolved and the piano was fine until I sold it to upgrade.

In the meantime, I played on the piano as normal and mostly ignore the buzzes until we got them all worked out.

I hope you're still able to enjoy your piano?