Continental Trading Corp. supplies secondary high carbon music wire — also called piano wire or spring steel wire — from North American producers at wholesale prices. Music wire is among the highest quality and highest strength steel wire produced, and even in secondary grades it represents exceptional value for buyers who can work with minor specification deviations.
Music wire is very high carbon (typically C1075–C1090) with a very high tensile strength of 2,620–2,930 MPa (380–425 ksi). It is cold drawn to extremely tight tolerances and heat treated to achieve consistent mechanical properties. Diameters typically range from 0.15mm to 4.8mm (0.006” to 0.192”).
High Carbon Music Wire — Properties & Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Carbon Grade | Very high carbon C1075–C1090 |
| Tensile Strength | 2,620–2,930 MPa (380–425 ksi) |
| Diameter Range | 0.15mm – 4.80mm (0.006”–0.192”) |
| Surface Finish | Bright drawn (uncoated, very smooth) |
| Tolerances | Extremely tight diameter tolerance (precision drawn) |
| Supply Form | Spools or small coils |
| Quality | Secondary / Second choice (non-prime) |
Who Buys Surplus High Carbon Music Wire?
Music wire buyers include instrument string manufacturers, precision spring producers, and specialty industrial suppliers. Instrument string manufacturers — producing piano, guitar, violin, harp, and other stringed instrument strings — represent the original and most established market for music wire. String manufacturers purchase music wire in fine diameters from 0.15mm to 2.0mm and require consistent tensile and surface quality. Second choice music wire that meets the tensile and diameter requirements of a string set — even if minor surface marks are present — is widely used in string production.
Precision spring manufacturers are a second large market. Clock springs, watch mainsprings, and miniature mechanical springs require the combination of very high tensile strength and fine diameter that music wire provides. Second choice music wire from a major North American producer offers these properties at significantly lower cost than prime. Many precision spring manufacturers have used second choice music wire for years without any change in spring performance.
Surgical and medical device manufacturers, fishing tackle producers, and specialty fastener makers also purchase music wire in smaller volumes. The common thread is that all these applications require very high strength in a fine diameter — and second choice music wire delivers this combination reliably. Contact us to discuss diameter range and quantity.
Sourcing & Availability
High carbon music wire is among the most precisely manufactured of all steel wire products. It is drawn through multiple dies to achieve extremely tight diameter tolerances — typically ±0.003mm on fine sizes — and the steel composition and heat treatment must deliver consistent tensile properties throughout the coil. Second choice music wire arises when a production run produces wire at the edge of a diameter tolerance, when surface marks from the drawing process are visible, or when tensile values fall slightly outside the prime order range.
Continental Trading Corp. sources music wire from North American wire facilities that produce for major instrument string manufacturers and precision spring producers. Availability is periodic — music wire is produced in lower volumes than commodity wire — and lots tend to be smaller in size. Diameter range is broad: from 0.15mm fine wire to 4.8mm heavy music wire.
Music wire moves quickly when available due to consistent demand from string manufacturers and precision spring buyers. Register your diameter range and volume with Continental Trading Corp. to be notified promptly when matching lots are available.
Musical Instrument Applications
Music wire takes its name from its primary use in stringed instruments — particularly piano strings, guitar strings, violin strings, and harp strings. Its ability to maintain precise tension under vibration while producing a clear, resonant tone makes it the material of choice for instrument manufacturers worldwide. Secondary music wire is routinely used by instrument string manufacturers at significant savings over prime.
Industrial Applications
Beyond instruments, high carbon music wire is widely used in precision springs (clock springs, watch springs, small mechanical springs), orthodontic archwires, fishing tackle, surgical and medical devices, and specialty fasteners. Its combination of high strength, elasticity, and fine diameter makes it uniquely suited to these precision applications.
Availability
Secondary music wire availability is lot-dependent and moves quickly due to high demand. Contact us with your target diameter, tensile grade, and quantity to receive current offers.
