1903 Estey - Fabricating a replacement torsion spring?

[ChristopherDB113]

Currently refurbishing a 1903 Estey reed organ. One 'rank' of reeds will not shut off when the stop is in. I have determined that the mute won't clamp down on the reeds when the stop is in because it's spring(s) are broken.

The springs look like pieces of wire, bent into a z-shape, and get twisted (torsion force) when the stop raises the mute. I assume a lot of people here know what I mean.

Can I make a replacement spring from a piece of piano wire? If so, what gauge wire was used?

Thanks.

[SubBase]

Steel music wire of the same gauge as the original brass wire will be more stout if made to the same pattern. Too strong a spring puts more warping force on the mutes.

[ChristopherDB113]

Thanks. Note that my current springs are steel and not brass, though it is possible they have been replaced.

Just checking websites for Lowe's and the usual big box stores, I can only find music wire in 6" lengths, and will need pieces close to a foot long. Will probably reach in with a micrometer to check the gauge of the wire.

I know I can find it online but does anyone have suggestions for other stores that might sell music wire?

Thanks.

[Earl]

A music store should be able to give you a piece of guitar music wire. It will be smaller than the old brass wire, but it's as Casey said, you don't want so much force on it that it warps your mute. You can lift some of the other mutes with your thumb and get an idea of how much force needs to be on it.