Additional Wire Types | Laurel Wire Co., Inc.

Metal wire is available in many materials, diameters, tensile strengths, finishing treatments, and other specialized forms. As a result, most types of wires can be used for multiple purposes. One example is music wire. With incredible strength and flexibility it is suitable for uses in a range of industries beyond musical performance.

At Laurel Wire Co. we can cut and straighten music wire, also known as piano wire, as well as additional types of wire in stainless steel, non-ferrous materials like copper, Kanthal, Thermothal and more.

Learn more about the properties and benefits of music wire and the many ways in which it is used.

Benefits of Music Wire

Music wire has many properties and characteristics that benefit different applications. Key benefits include:

High tensile strength: Depending on diameter, music wire has a tensile strength range of 230 to 399 psi x 103 and can withstand high amounts of tension in high-stress applications. Heat-tempering enhances the wire’s strength.
High modulus of elasticity: Music wire can handle extreme bends without breaking and can be stretched tightly for instrument tuning.
Affordability and availability: This wire is cost-effective and readily available.
Precise tuning: Its stiffness and elasticity make it ideal for maintaining consistent sound quality on musical instruments.
Finishing options: Music wire can be coated or electroplated with zinc, nickel, or other materials for added protection against oxidation, rust, and damp atmospheres.

Applications for Music Wire

As its name implies, music wire and piano wire are commonly used in instruments like pianos and guitars. Its high tensile strength and ability to hold tension make it ideal for fine tuning to achieve specific tones. Wires that play lower notes are overwound with copper wire to add mass and therefore lower the pitch.

Because of its high strength and flexibility, music wire is widely used for additional applications including:

Coiled springs: Also called spring steel wire, music wire is commonly used to make springs used in automotive, industrial, electronic, and household appliance components.
Wire forms: Music wire can be easily formed into small parts like hooks, clips, and fasteners.
Model making: Music wire is often used in model making to strengthen or reinforce intricate or complex structures and mechanisms.
Craft and jewelry making: This wire can be used for wire and beaded jewelry, crafts, and accessories.
Film and theater productions: Music wire provides nearly invisible support to hoist props or performers thanks to its high tensile strength.

What is Music Wire?

Music wire, also called piano wire, must be very strong to withstand high physical stress situations such as being wrapped tightly around pins and plucked, strummed, or hammered repeatedly in an instrument.

Music wire is generally manufactured to ASTM A228 standards for steel musical wire. It is made from high-carbon steel, also called spring steel, due to its high tensile strength. The steel is cold worked by drawing it through a die to achieve the desired diameter wire. Cold working is a method of strain hardening material to make it tough and durable. The wire is then heat-hardened to enhance its strength. Wider diameters tend to have lower tensile strength than more narrow diameters.

While it is not highly corrosion or rust resistant on its own, music wire can be coated or plated to improve resistance. It is not recommended for applications that expose it to heat over about 121°C/250°F.

Music wire may also be referred to as spring steel wire and is commonly used to make small springs because it is very strong and easily formed into tight coils.

Cutting and straightening Services

In addition to selecting the right material and diameter wire, it’s critical to prepare the wire for use in an application. This is where precision straightened and cut wire come into play. Laurel Wire provides custom cutting and straightening so that wires are safe and easy to handle, and ready to install, coil, or form without additional straightening or trimming to size on your part. We offer custom cutting for wires of .030 in. to .364 in. diameter, and lengths up to 40 ft. We also ensure wires are free from surface imperfections.

Choose Laurel Wire for Your Music Wire Applications

At Laurel Wire Co. we specialize in music wire as well as wire and strip material made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, 300 and 400 series stainless steel, phosphor bronze, copper, brass, aluminum, titanium, silver, nickel-plated carbon steel. Custom cutting and straightening are available to meet the requirements of your application.