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 Gamut

Types of strings
  • Treble Gut: Used for high and mid-range strings of most small instruments.
  • Lyon Gut: Used for top strings on larger instruments like cellos and basses, mid-range and low strings on other instruments.
  • Pistoy Gut: Used for mid-range and low strings on most instruments.
  • Beef Gut: This is another variety of treble gut.
  • Wound Strings: Used for low strings on most instruments.
  • Nickel Silver strings: Are similar to sterling silver, but there are some differences.
  • Gimped strings: Used for mid-range and low strings on most instruments.
  • Diapason Gut: Is long lengths of gut for archlutes, theorbos, etc.
  • Gimped Diapasons: Are long gimped strings for archlutes, theorbos, etc.

Index of String Tension Tables

Toro


Treble gut: This gut is processed to be a little harder than the other kinds of gut. The treble string also has a lower twist of about 15º. This construction gives it the strength and resistance it needs to stand the strain in the treble register. This type of string is characterized by a low twist that is sometimes not even visible. The color of the string ranges from clear to white and sometimes to transparent yellow. This type of string is an ideal use for:
  • Violin: e-1 and a-2
  • Viola: a-1 and d-2
  • Bass viol: d-1, a-2, and e-3
  • Tenor viol: g-1, d-2, and a-3
  • Treble viol: d-1, a-2, and e-3
  • Lute: g-1, d-2, a-3, and octaves on bass courses
  • Harp: treble strings

Lyon gut: Named after the town in France which was famous for a particular type of flexible gut string. From the 16th Century these strings were recommended as being some of the best strings for basses. Our reproduction of this string is made from sheep gut specially processed in our shop to be soft and responsive. The gut is twisted in one direction to about 45 degrees for the optimum combination of durability and flexibility. The Lyon string is not as flexible as the Pistoy string. Both Lyon and Pistoy can be used for the same string positions. The Lyon should be preferred when a little extra stiffness is required under the bow or finger. This type of string is characterized by a tight and visible twist. The color tends toward opaque light to medium yellow. This type of string is an ideal use for:
  • Violin: d-3 and G-4
  • Viola: d-2, and G-3
  • Cello: a-1, D-2
  • Contra bass: G-1 and D-2
  • Bass viol: e-3, C-4, G-5, and D-6
  • Tenor viol: f-4, C-5, G-6
  • Treble viol: c-4, g-5, d-6
  • Lute: f-4, C-5, G-6, octaves on bass courses
  • Harp: midrange and bass strings

Pistoy gut: The Pistoy strings is a unique development of Daniel Larson at Gamut Strings. It is named for the town in Italy which was famous for producing the best string for basses, being "flexible, smooth, and well twisted". My reproduction is made of three strands of gut twisted in one direction and then the three combined together by twisting in the other direction in rope fashion. When dry, the string is polished down to the specific gauge required by the instrument. The results are a very flexible string with a quick response and a full, round sound. This is not a polished catline as some think. At first glance this might look like such a thing. However, the Pistoy is fundamentally a different kind of string. It shares one trait with the catline in that the string is made with two directions of twist. This is where the similarity ends. The Pistoy has no space in the structure like the catline does and therefore has the same density as any plain gut string. The Pistoy is expensive to make because it takes a lot of time to sort the gut into small bundles to twist and retwist. The gain is in the flexibility. Even in thick strings the string remains supple and responsive. The string is characterized by a noticeable twist and flexible feel. The color ranges from clear white on thinner strings, (1.00 mm to 1.10 mm), to opaque yellow on thick strings. This type of string is an ideal use for:
  • Violin: d-3 and G-4
  • Viola: G-3, and C-4
  • Cello: D-2, G-3, C-4
  • Contra bass: G-1, D-2, A-3
  • Bass viol: C-4, G-5, and D-6
  • Tenor viol: f-4, C-5, G-6
  • Treble viol: c-4, g-5, d-6
  • Lute: f-4, C-5, G-6, fundamentals on bass courses
  • Harp: bass strings

Beef Gut: This is another variety of treble gut. The serosa from which it is made comes from cattle and has a higher tensile strength than does sheep gut Like the sheep treble string, the beef treble string also has a twist angle of about 15°, and this construction gives it the strength and resistance it needs to stand the strain in the treble register.
This type of string is characterized by a low twist that is sometimes not even visible and the color of the string ranges from clear to white. Because beef gut strings are stronger than sheep gut strings they are a good choice for instruments with a long string length, or higher tension situations.
In addition to the extra strength, the fiber structure of beef serosa has less of the fine hairs that sometimes develop on sheep gut strings.
Gamut Strings has been known as a maker of sheep-gut strings for many years. Historical sources often mention sheep gut as a material, but other sources were used for string making, as well.
The material we use comes from Ireland and is taken from the small intestine of the animal, (like the sheep material), but instead of the whole intestine being used as with sheep, ribbons are cut from only one side of the cattle material where the muscle fibers are the strongest and most pure. The customer feedback we have received indicate that beef gut stabilizes more quickly and holds pitch a little better than sheep gut. The tone has been described as being clearer and brighter than sheep but of equal gauge.
Beef gut is available as standard length, (120cm, 48"), treble gut available with either a natural or varnish finish. Natural strings are hand-rubbed with a light oil. Varnished strings have three coats of finish before being hand polished with the oil. This gut is available only in the natural color which varies from white to a pale straw hue. Beef gut strings are ideal for:
  • Violin: e-1
  • Viola: a-1
  • Bass viol: d-1
  • Tenor viol: g-1
  • Treble viol: d-1
  • Lute: g-1
  • Harp: treble strings

Wound Strings: Gamut Strings offers a unique line of wound strings for bowed and plucked instruments. The machines I use to put the wire on the gut were made and used by the Perfection Musical String Co. They were the ones that made the old Wonder Tone, Gold Label and Tricolore strings. The cello string machine was made in about 1900 and has been making strings almost daily for 100 years.
The recipes of the strings, the diameters of gut and wire, have been carefully researched to duplicate the kind of tones and tensions that were used historically. The earliest actual string I have been able to copy is from about 1820.
Two types of wire are currently being used in wound string production. Silver and silver-plated copper. The silver that I use is 99.99% pure wire that is drawn down to my specifications for each type of string. The round wire windings on silver strings are polished so the surface of the string is smooth. Silver plate strings retain the round ridges of the wire. Wound strings are used for:
  • Violin: G-4
  • Viola: G-3 and C-4
  • Cello: G-3 and C-4
  • Bass viol: G-5, D-6 and A-7
  • Tenor viol: C-5 and G-6
  • Treble viol: G-5, and D-6
  • Lute: G-6 and lower fundamentals

Nickel Silver strings: The cost of sterling silver has gone up quite a lot in the last year causing us to have to raise the price of this type of string. We understand how expensive strings can be and we are constantly looking for ways to bring you quality and value. In an effort to help you keep the cost of stringing your instrument down we now offer strings wound with nickel silver wire as a substitute for the sterling wire.
Nickel silver is similar to sterling silver, but there are some differences. Nickel has less density than sterling, and the speed of sound passing through the wire is a little faster. This means that the tone of the nickel string will be very much like a sterling string, but on some instruments the tone might be a little brighter and the nickel-wound string will also be a little lighter than the sterling-wound string. We have decided to use the same gut / wire formulations for the nickel strings as we use for the sterling strings so the gauges of the two types will be the same. However, because nickel is a lighter wire, you might find that you will want one or two gauges heavier. For example, if you are used to the tension and feel of a Medium gauged sterling string, you might prefer a Medium+ gauge nickel string. Even though it is a little thicker, the tension will be more similar to the sterling string and you may have to try a couple of gauges to find the best compromise. The good news is that, because the price of nickel is quite stable, there will not be frequent adjustments in the price like there is with sterling.
Nickel silver strings are available for:
  • Violin standard gauges
  • Viola standard gauges
  • Cello standard gauges
  • Bass Viol standard gauges
Because of the nature of equal tension strings needing as much density as possible, we have no plans to offer the nickel silver strings in this category for any of the instruments.


Gimped strings: This type of string was first mentioned in 1664 and marks the first evidence of joining wire with musical strings. The wire is twisted into the gut at the time of construction to resist buzzing and failure.
There are several ways one can construct this string. The way that I have settled upon is a type of Pistoy construction so that the string will be as flexable as possible. This is important as the intruduction of the wire has a stiffining effect. The process imbeds the wire into the string so there is no roughness due to the wire. This Pistoy gimp is made for lute, viol, and violin low strings. The string is polished smooth, but some strings have a slight texture to them.
The gimped string is characterized by the barber-pole or candy stripe appearance of the wire in the twist of the gut. Gimped strings are gauged by the equivalent diameter system. This means that a given string is equal in weight to a certain gut diameter but the actual diameter of the string is smaller due to the added weight of the wire. A gimped string may be gauged at = 1.50 mm but the actual diameter of the string is 1.10 mm. The thinness and wire give a bright tone. Gimped strings are best used for:
  • Violin: D-3 and G-4
  • Viola: G-3 and C-4
  • Cello: G-3 and C-4
  • Bass viol: C-4, G-5, and D-6
  • Tenor viol: F-4, C-5 and G-6
  • Treble viol: c-4 G-5, and D-6
  • Lute: c-5, G-6 and lower fundamentals
  • Harp bass strings

Diapason gut strings are extra long strings that are made for special use on instruments like Archlutes, Theorbos, Lautenwercke Harpsichords, etc.
The gut is twisted in one direction for a medium to high twist, depending on the gauge. Thicker strings have a higher twist. The gut is processed to be flexable and responsive.
Standard length for diapason gut is 78", (198 cm). Some strings may be longer.


Welcome to Académie Strings for Historical Instruments

Académie strings are carefully selected and prepared gut strings. The gut is chosen for good twist, color and structure according to the instrument and string position for each instrument. Strings are packaged in individual plastic zip bags to insure freshness.

Gauging: The Académie line of select strings are available in six standard gauges. These have been selected through years of trial and player recommendations. They are based on instruments of standard string lengths pitched at a-415.

Lengths: Violin strings are available double lengths. Viola, cello, and bass strings are all single length.

Bass viol and tenor viol strings are available only in single length. Treble viol strings are available only in a double length.

Double lengths have unknotted, plain ends. Strings come individually packaged with instructions on tying a knot in the end of the string.

All wound strings are single lengths.

Wound strings: The Académie wound strings are made with a thin silk buffer layer between the gut core and the wire wrap. This increases the internal damping of the string and helps create a warm, rich tone. The surface of the silver are polished smooth so the wire windings are not obstructive to finger movement and shifting. Silverplated-copper strings are not polished so the round tops of the wire windings can be felt with the fingers.

Gauging systems: Both gut strings and wound strings are gauged by millimeter diameter. There are at least two other popular gauging systems for measuring strings. In addition to using the millimeter system, strings can also be measured in thousandths of an inch, or "thou", or by Pirazzi-meter. One PM = .05mm. You can switch easily between each system by the following methods:
  • To change from millimeters to pirazzi-meters divide the millimeter number by .05.
  • To change from pirazzi -meters to millimeters multiply the pirazzi-meter number by .05.
  • To change from millimeters to thousandths of an inch divide the millimeter number by 25.4.
  • To change from thousandths of an inch to millimeters multiply the thousandths number by 25.4.

Academie Violin Strings

Académie Violin strings Light Light + Medium Medium + Heavy Heavy +
   0 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
 E - 1 Treble .52 .54
 .56
.58
.60
.62
 A - 2 Treble .72 .74
.76
.78
.80
.82
 D - 3 Lyon 1.00 1.02
1.04
1.06
1.08
1.10
 D - 3 Pistoy
 1.00 1.02
 1.04
 1.06
 1.08
 1.10
 D - 3 Gimped 1.00 1.02
 1.04
 1.06
 1.08 1.10
 G - 4 Gut/silver .78
 .80 .82
.84 .86
.88

All string gauges are in millimeters, (mm).
All strings are double length except for the wound G-4 which is single.
This table shows the standard gauges for violin strings.
For a table that shows the tensions that result from these gauges please click here.


Violin e-1 Treble Gut
 
Violin a-2 Treble Gut

Violin D-3 Pistoy Gut
 
Violin D-3 Lyon Gut

Violin D-3 Gimped Gut
 
Violin G-4 Silver wound string

Violin G-4 Copper / Silver wound string
  
Violin G-4 Copper Wound string


Academie Cello Strings

Académie

Violoncello strings

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +


0

1

2

3

4

5

A - 1 Lyon

1.18

1.20

1.22

1.24

1.26

1.28

D - 2 Lyon gut

1.50

1.52

1.54

1.56

1.58

1.60

D - 2 Pistoy gut

1.50

1.52

1.54

1.56

1.58

1.60

G - 3 gut/silver

1.30

1.32

1.34

1.36

1.38

1.40

G - 3 gut/silver plate

1.36

1.38

1.40

1.42

1.44

1.46

G - 3 gut/silver/copper

1.30

1.32

1.34

1.36

1.38

1.40

C - 4 gut/silver

1.68

1.70

1.72

1.74

1.76

1.78

C - 4 gut/silver plate

1.74

1.76

1.78

1.80

1.82

1.84

C - 4 gut/silver/copper

1.68

1.70

1.72

1.74

1.76

1.78


All string gauges are in millimeters, (mm).
This table shows the standard gauges for cello strings.


Academie Contra Bass Strings


Académie

Contra Bass strings

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +


0

1

2

3

4

5

G - 1 Lyon

2.00

2.06

2.10

2.16

2.20

2.26

G - 1 Pistoy

2.00

2.06

2.10

2.16

2.20

2.26

D - 2 Lyon

2.80

2.86

2.90

2.96

3.00

3.06

D - 2 Pistoy

2.80

2.86

2.90

2.96

3.00

3.06

A - 3 Pistol

3.80

3.86

3.90

3.96

4.00

4.06

A - 3 gut/copper

2.56

2.62

2.66

2.70

2.74

2.80

A - 3 gut/silver plate

2.56

2.62

2.66

2.70

2.74

2.80

E - 4 gut/copper

3.12

3.18

3.22

3.28

3.32

3.36

E - 4 gut/silver plate

3.12

3.18

3.22

3.28

3.32

3.36

Bass string re-wind








All string gauges are in millimeters, (mm).
This table shows the standard gauges for contra bass strings.


Title Academie Violone Strings


Violone strings

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +

c

0

1

2

3

4

5

d - 1 Lyon

1.28

1.30

1.32

1.34

1.36

1.38

a - 2 Lyon

1.72

1.74

1.76

1.78

1.80

1.82

e - 3 Lyon

2.32

2.34

2.36

2.38

2.40

2.42

e - 3 Pistoy

2.32

2.34

2.36

2.38

2.40

2.42

C - 4 Pistoy

2.92

2.94

2.96

2.98

3.00

3.02

G - 5 Silverplate/gut

2.50

2.52

2.54

2.56

2.58

2.60

D - 6 Silver plate/gut

3.22

3.24

3.26

3.28

3.30

3.23


All string gauges are in millimeters, (mm).
This table shows the standard gauges for violone strings for an instrument in "D".


Bass Viol Strings


Bass viol string

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +

 

0

1

2

3

4

5

D - Treble gut

0.70

0.72

0.74

0.76

0.78

0.80

A - Treble gut

0.92

0.94

0.96

0.98

1.00

1.02

E - Lyon gut

1.20

1.22

1.24

1.26

1.28

1.30

E - Pistoy gut

1.20

1.22

1.24

1.26

1.28

1.30

C - Lyon gut

1.46

1.48

1.50

1.52

1.54

1.56

C - Pistoy gut

1.46

1.48

1.50

1.52

1.54

1.56

C - Gimped String

1.46

1.48

1.50

1.52

1.54

1.56

G - gut/silver

1.10

1.12

1.14

1.16

1.18

1.20

G - gut/silver plate

1.18

1.20

1.22

1.24

1.26

1.28

D - gut/silver

1.48

1.50

1.52

1.54

1.56

1.58

D - gut/silver plate

1.52

1.54

1.56

1.58

1.60

1.62

A - gut/silver

1.72

1.74

1.76

1.78

1.80

1.82

A - gut/silver plate

1.76

1.78

1.80

1.82

1.84

1.86


All string gauges are in millimeters, (mm).
Bass viol strings are available in single length only.
This table shows the standard gauges for bass viol strings assuming a string length of 69 cm.


Title Academie Violone Strings


Violone strings

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +


0

1

2

3

4

5

G - 1 Lyon

1.00

1.02

1.04

1.06

1.08

1.10

D - 2 Lyon

1.32

1.34

1.36

1.38

1.40

1.42

A - 3 Lyon

1.74

1.76

1.78

1.80

1.82

1.84

A - 3 Pistoy

1.74

1.76

1.78

1.80

1.82

1.84

F - 4 Pistoy

2.18

2.20

2.22

2.24

2.26

2.28

C - 5 - Silver wound

1.80

1.82

1.84

1.86

1.88

1.90

G - 6 Silver wound

2.32

2.34

2.36

2.38

2.40

2.42


All string gauges are in millimeters, (mm).
This table shows the standard gauges for violone strings for an instrument in "G".

 

Tenor Viol Strings


Tenor viol strings

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +


0

1

2

3

4

5

G - Treble gut

0.60

0.62

0.64

0.66

0.68

0.70

D - Treble gut

0.76

0.78

0.80

0.82

0.84

0.86

A - Lyon gut

1.05

1.07

1.10

0.12

1.14

1.16

F - Lyon gut

1.35

1.37

1.40

1.42

1.44

1.46

F - Pistoy gut

1.35

1.37

1.40

1.42

1.44

1.46

F - Gimped string

1.35

1.37

1.40

1.42

1.44

1.46

C - gut/silver plate

21 1/2

21 3/4

22

22 1/4

22 1/2

22 3/4

G - gut/silver plate

25

25 1/4

25 1/2

25 3/4

26

26 1/4


Gut string gauges are in millimeters, (mm). Wound string gauges are in pirazzi-meters. 1PM = .05mm.
Tenor viol strings are available in single length only.
This table shows the standard gauges for tenor viol strings assuming a string length of 58cm.

Treble Viol Strings

Treble viol strings

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +


0

1

2

3

4

5

D - Treble gut

0.56

0.58

0.60

0.62

0.64

0.66

A - Treble gut

0.70

0.72

0.74

0.76

0.78

0.79

E - Treble gut

1.00

1.02

1.04

1.06

1.08

1.10

C - Pistoy

1.30

1.32

1.34

1.36

1.38

1.40

C - Lyon

1.30

1.32

1.34

1.36

1.38

1.40

C - Gimped string

1.30

1.32

1.34

1.36

1.38

1.40

G - gut/ silver plate

16 1/2

16 3/4

17

17 1/4

17 1/2

17 3/4

D - gut/silver plate

20 1/2

20 3/4

21

21 1/4

21 1/2

21 3/4

Gut string gauges are in millimeters, (mm). Wound string gauges are in pirazzi-meters. 1PM = .05mm.
Treble viol strings are available in double length only.
This table shows the standard gauges for treble viol strings assuming a string length of 34cm.

Viennese Bass Strings

Viennese Bass strings

Light

Light +

Medium

Medium +

Heavy

Heavy +


0

1

2

3

4

5

A - 1 Lyon

1.58

1.62

1.66

1.70

1.74

1.78

F# - 2 Lyon

1.94

1.98

2.02

2.06

2.10

2.14

F# - 2 Pistoy

1.94

1.98

2.02

2.06

2.10

2.14

D - 3 Lyon

2.38

2.42

2.46

2.50

2.52

2.54

D - 3 Pistoy

2.38

2.42

2.46

2.50

2.52

2.54

A - 4 Pistoy

3.62

3.64

3.68

3.72

3.76

3.80

A - 4 gut/silver plate

2.28

2.30

2.32

2.34

2.36

2.38

E - 5 gut/silver plate

3.20

3.22

3.24

3.26

3.28

3.30

Gut string gauges are in millimeters, (mm).
This table shows the standard gauges for viennese bass strings.



Index of String Tension Tables

The string tables listed below list tensions for each string in each of the six gauges that are available. However, at the moment the tensions are given for only one average string length. More string lengths will be posted soon. If your string length is a little longer, the strings would exert a little more tension for a given gauge. If your string length is shorter, the strings would have a little less tension for a given gauge. If you have any questions about the exact, (or nearly exact), tension a given gauge would have on your instrument, you can use the string calculators on our web site at: www.gamutstrings.com  to research the best string for your application.

Optimum Strings Lengths for Gut Strings

One of the most important considerations in musical instrument design is that of optimum string length. The length of the string relates to the tone and response of the instrument, playability, and even the performance and longevity of the string. A too-long string length for a given pitch that brings the string close to the breaking point of the gut will cause endless trouble for the musician.
The table below is a simple guide to the limits of functional string lengths for certain pitches. Lengths longer than these for the given pitches will certainly result in a problem with breaking strings. Slightly shorter lengths will offer more stable stringing. Some of the things you should consider when deciding on a string length are:

Long, thin strings have a certain tonal quality that tends to be reedy
Short, thick strings have a tonal quality that tends to be robust and a little coarse
Lighter tension gives a more delicate tone
Heavier strings give a louder tone that carries
The thickness and tension of the strings my influence the thickness of the plates and weight of the instrument
Longer string lengths require the hand to stretch more when playing
Shorter strings lengths may cramp the hand, especially on small instruments

I think it is a good idea to consider the strings you intend to use on the instrument during the design phase. This way you will have strings and instrument that match, making a more successful instrument. You can use the string calculators to play with different string lengths, pitches, and tensions. These calculators can be found at: www.gamutstrings.com. If you do not see the calculator listed for the instrument that you are working on, you can use the "Quick Calculator" to work on each string individually. In this way you can use the limits outlined below with your own experience to design a set of strings that will work perfectly.

Recommended Pitches for Gut Strings from Gamut Strings

 

Note

Pitch

Longest Recommended String length in CM

d" (Soprano)

587.33

40

c#

554.37

42

c"

523.5

45

b'

493.88

47

Bb'

466.16

50

a' (Alto)

440

53

g#

415

56

g' (Alto / Tenor)

392

59

f#

369.99

63

f'

349.23

67

e' (Bass)

329.63

70

eb'

311.13

74

d'

293.66

78

c#'

277.18

81

c'

261.63

86



Years ago, one of the first lute players to seriously consider the optimum length for instruments using gut strings was Donna Curry. She conducted her own experiment with strings that were available to her at the time and came up with a list of lengths and pitches that she found relevant to her aesthetics as to how instruments should play and sound. I offer her data here because it highlights another approach to this issue, with another set of conclusions for your consideration.

 

Recommended Pitches for Gut Strings from Donna Curry

 

Pitch of highest string (a-440)

Recommended Length

Longest Possible Length

 

d" (Soprano)

35-36

38

c#

37 - 38

40

c"

39 - 40

42

b'

41 - 43

45

Bb'

44 - 45

47

a' (Alto)

46 - 48

50

g#

49 - 51

53

g' (Alto / Tenor)

52 - 54

57

f#

55 - 57

60

f'

58 - 61

63

e' (Bass)

62 - 64

67

eb'

65 - 68

71

d'

69 - 72

75

c#'

73 - 76

80

c'

77 - 78

84


Violin string tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the violin. The string length is assumed to be about 33cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less.You can use this table to find out what sort of tension you are using on your violin. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are two listings for the G-4 string. One listing is for wound strings and the other is for plain gut strings.
 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Violin e-1 treble gut

e

Light

0.52

4.80

e

Light+

0.54

5.20

e

Medium

0.56

5.60

e

Medium+

0.58

5.90

e

Heavy

0.60

6.40

e

Heavy+

0.62

6.80

Violin a-2 treble gut

a

Light

0.72

4.00

a

Light+

0.74

4.30

a

Medium

0.76

4.50

a

Medium+

0.78

4.70

a

Heavy

0.80

5.00

a

Heavy+

0.82

5.20

Violin D-3 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

D

Light

1.00

3.45

D

Light+

1.02

3.60

D

Medium

1.04

3.75

D

Medium+

1.06

3.90

D

Heavy

1.08

4.00

D

Heavy+

1.10

4.2

Violin G-4 Silver Wound string

G

Light

.78

3.3

G

Light+

.80

3.65

G

Medium

.82

3.80

G

Medium+

.84

4.00

G

Heavy

.86

4.10

G

Heavy+

.88

4.20

Violin G-4 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

G

Light

1.46

3.30

G

Light+

1.50

3.50

G

Medium

1.52

3.60

G

Medium+

1.56

3.70

G

Heavy

1.58

3.80

G

Heavy+

1.60

3.90


Violin equal tension strings

This table shows the tensions that result from equal tensioned gauges available for the violin. The string length is assumed to be about 33cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less.



Violin Equal Tension Light Gauge

Each string = 4.4Kg

 

Freq.

String

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length
in M

in mm

e

622.5

0.33

0.50

a

415.3

0.33

0.76

D

277.18

0.33

1.14

G

185

0.33

1.70


Violin Equal Tension Light+ Gauge

Each string = 4.8Kg

 

Freq.

String

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length
in M

in mm

e

622.5

0.33

0.52

a

415.3

0.33

0.78

D

277.18

0.33

1.18

G

185

0.33

1.76


Violin Equal Tension Medium Gauge

Each string = 5.2Kg

 

Freq.

String

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length
in M

in mm

e

622.5

0.33

0.54

a

415.3

0.33

0.82

D

277.18

0.33

1.22

G

185

0.33

1.84


Violin Equal Tension Medium+ Gauge

Each string = 5.6Kg

 

Freq.

String

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length
in M

in mm

e

622.5

0.33

0.56

a

415.3

0.33

0.84

D

277.18

0.33

1.26

G

185

0.33

1.90


Violin Equal Tension Heavy Gauge

Each string = 6.0Kg

 

Freq.

String

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length
in M

in mm

e

622.5

0.33

0.58

a

415.3

0.33

0.88

D

277.18

0.33

1.30

G

185

0.33

1.96



Viola string tensions


This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the viola. The string length is assumed to be about 36cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less. You can use this table to find out what sort of tension you are using on your viola. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are two listings for the G-3 and C-4 strings. There is one listing each for wound strings and for plain gut strings.
 


 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Viola a-1 treble gut

a

Light

0.72

4.80

a

Light+

0.74

5.10

a

Medium

0.76

5.40

a

Medium+

0.78

5.60

a

Heavy

0.80

5.90

a

Heavy+

0.82

6.20

Viola d-2 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

d

Light

1.00

4.20

d

Light+

1.02

4.30

d

Medium

1.04

4.50

d

Medium+

1.06

4.70

d

Heavy

1.08

4.80

d

Heavy+

1.10

5.00

Viola G-3 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

G

Light

1.48

4.00

G

Light+

1.50

4.20

G

Medium

1.54

4.40

G

Medium+

1.56

4.40

G

Heavy

1.58

4.80

G

Heavy+

1.60

4.70

Viola G-3 Silver wound string

G

Light

.78

4.00

G

Light+

.80

4.10

G

Medium

.82

4.30

G

Medium+

.84

4.40

G

Heavy

.86

4.60

G

Heavy+

.88

4.70

Viola C-4 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

C

Light

2.10

3.62

C

Light+

2.14

3.80

C

Medium

2.20

4.00

C

Medium+

2.26

4.20

C

Heavy

2.36

4.60

C

Heavy+

2.42

4.80

Viola C-4 Silver wound

C

Light

1.10

3.62

C

Light+

1.14

3.80

C

Medium

1.18

4.00

C

Medium+

1.22

4.20

C

Heavy

1.30

4.60

C

Heavy+

1.34

4.80



Viola equal tension strings

This table shows the tensions that result from equal tensioned gauges available for the viola. The string length is assumed to be about 36cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less.


Viola equal tension light

 

Freq.

String

Tension

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

in Kg

in mm

a

415

0.36

4.8

0.72

d

277.18

0.36

4.8

1.08

G

185

0.36

4.8

1.61

C

123.47

0.36

4.8

2.42


Viola equal tension light+

 

Freq.

String

Tension

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

in Kg

in mm

a

415

0.36

5.1

0.74

d

277.18

0.36

5.1

1.11

G

185

0.36

5.1

1.66

C

123.47

0.36

5.1

2.49


Viola equal tension medium

 

Freq.

String

Tension

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

in Kg

in mm

a

415

0.36

5.4

0.76

d

277.18

0.36

5.4

1.14

G

185

0.36

5.4

1.71

C

123.47

0.36

5.4

2.56


Viola equal tension medium+

 

Freq.

String

Tension

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

in Kg

in mm

a

415

0.36

5.6

0.78

d

277.18

0.36

5.6

1.16

G

185

0.36

5.6

1.74

C

123.47

0.36

5.6

2.61


Viola equal tension heavy

 

Freq.

String

Tension

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

in Kg

in mm

a

415

0.36

5.9

0.80

d

277.18

0.36

5.9

1.19

G

185

0.36

5.9

1.79

C

123.47

0.36

5.9

2.68


Viola equal tension heavy+

 

Freq.

String

Tension

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

in Kg

in mm

a

415

0.36

6.2

0.82

d

277.18

0.36

6.2

1.22

G

185

0.36

6.2

1.83

C

123.47

0.36

6.2

2.74



Cello string tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the cello. The string length is assumed to be about 68cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less. You can use this table to find out what sort of tension you are using on your cello. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are two listings for the G-3 and C-4 strings. There is one listing each for wound strings and for plain gut strings.
 


 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Cello a-1 Lyon gut

a

Light

1.18

11.5

a

Light+

1.20

11.9

a

Medium

1.22

12.3

a

Medium+

1.24

12.7

a

Heavy

1.26

13.2

a

Heavy+

1.28

13.6

Cello d-2 Lyon gut or Pistoy gut

d

Light

1.50

8.30

d

Light+

1.52

8.50

d

Medium

1.54

8.88

d

Medium+

1.56

9.00

d

Heavy

1.58

9.20

d

Heavy+

1.60

9.50

Cello G-3 Lyon gut or Pistoy gut

G

Light

2.20

8.00

G

Light+

2.22

8.15

G

Medium

2.24

8.30

G

Medium+

2.26

8.40

G

Heavy

2.28

8.60

G

Heavy+

2.30

8.70

Cello G-3 Silver wound string

G

Light

1.30

8.00

G

Light+

1.32

8.17

G

Medium

.1.34

8.35

G

Medium+

1.36

8.53

G

Heavy

1.38

8.70

G

Heavy+

1.40

8.90

Cello C-4 Lyon gut or Pistoy gut

C

Light

3.30

8.00

C

Light+

3.32

8.10

C

Medium

3.34

8.20

C

Medium+

3.36

8.30

C

Heavy

3.38

8.40

C

Heavy+

3.40

8.50

Cello C-4 Silver wound

C

Light

1.68

8.26

C

Light+

1.70

8.40

C

Medium

1.72

8.54

C

Medium+

1.74

8.68

C

Heavy

1.76

8.82

C

Heavy+

1.78

8.97




Cello equal tension gauge chart


Cello Equal Tension Light Gauge

Each string = 11.2Kg

 

Freq.

String

 

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

 

in mm

a

207.65

0.67

Light

1.18

d

138.59

0.67

Light

1.77

G

92.5

0.67

Light

2.65

C

61.73

0.67

Light

3.98

 

Cello Equal Tension Light+ Gauge

Each string = 11.6Kg

 

Freq.

String

 

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

 

in mm

a

207.65

0.67

Light+

1.20

d

138.59

0.67

Light+

1.80

G

92.5

0.67

Light+

2.70

C

61.73

0.67

Light+

4.05

 

Cello Equal Tension Medium Gauge

Each string = 12Kg

 

Freq.

String

 

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

 

in mm

a

207.65

0.67

Medium

1.22

d

138.59

0.67

Medium

1.83

G

92.5

0.67

Medium

2.75

C

61.73

0.67

Medium

4.12

 

Cello Equal Tension Medium+ Gauge

Each string = 12.4Kg

 

Freq.

String

 

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

 

in mm

a

207.65

0.67

Medium+

1.24

d

138.59

0.67

Medium+

1.86

G

92.5

0.67

Medium+

2.79

C

61.73

0.67

Medium+

4.19

 

Cello Equal Tension Heavy Gauge

Each string = 12.8Kg

 

Freq.

String

 

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

 

in mm

a

207.65

0.67

Heavy

1.26

d

138.59

0.67

Heavy

1.89

G

92.5

0.67

Heavy

2.84

C

61.73

0.67

Heavy

4.25

 

 

Cello Equal Tension Heavy+ Gauge

Each string = 13.2Kg

 

Freq.

String

 

Diameter

Note

in HZ

Length in M

 

in mm

a

207.65

0.67

Heavy+

1.28

d

138.59

0.67

Heavy+

1.92

G

92.5

0.67

Heavy+

2.88

C

61.73

0.67

Heavy+

4.32



Contrabass string tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the standard gauges available for the contrabass. The string length is assumed to be about 97cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less.You can use this table to find out what sort of tension you are using on your instrument. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is approiptate for the string position.
 


 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Contrabass G-1 Lyon or Pistoy gut

G

Light

2.00

13.40

G

Light+

2.06

14.20

G

Medium

2.10

14.80

G

Medium+

2.16

15.70

G

Heavy

2.20

16.20

G

Heavy+

2.26

17.20

Contrabass D-2 Lyon and Pistoy gut

D

Light

2.80

14.80

D

Light+

2.86

15.40

D

Medium

2.90

15.80

D

Medium+

2.96

16.50

D

Heavy

3.00

16.90

D

Heavy+

3.06

18.40

Contrabass A-3 Pistoy gut

A

Light

3.80

15.25

A

Light+

3.86

15.75

A

Medium

3.90

16.10

A

Medium+

3.96

16.60

A

Heavy

4.00

16.90

A

Heavy+

4.06

17.40

Contrabass A-3 Copper / Silver plate wound on gut

A

Light

2.56

15.25

A

Light+

2.62

15.75

A

Medium

2.66

16.10

A

Medium+

2.70

16.60

A

Heavy

2.74

16.90

A

Heavy+

2.80

17.40

Contrabass E-4 Copper / Silverplate wound on gut

E

Light

3.12

15.70

E

Light+

3.18

16.15

E

Medium

3.22

16.40

E

Medium+

3.28

16.90

E

Heavy

3.32

17.15

E

Heavy+

3.36

17.50



Bass Viol String Tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the bass viol. The string length is assumed to be about 68cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are three listings for the G-5 and D-6 strings. One listing is for plain gut and gimped strings, one is for silver wound strings, and one is for silver plate wound strings. The A-7 string is listed once as silver wound and once as silver plate wound.
 

 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Bass viol d-1

d

Light

.70

7.30

d

Light+

.72

7.60

d

Medium

.74

8.00

d

Medium+

.76

8.60

d

Heavy

.78

8.90

d

Heavy+

.80

9.40

Bass viol a-2 treble gut

a

Light

.92

7.00

a

Light+

.94

7.40

a

Medium

.96

7.60

a

Medium+

.98

8.00

a

Heavy

1.00

8.30

a

Heavy+

1.02

8.60

Bass viol e-3 Lyon gut

e

Light

1.20

6.70

e

Light+

1.22

6.90

e

Medium

1.24

7.20

e

Medium+

1.26

7.40

e

Heavy

1.28

7.60

e

Heavy+

1.30

7.90

Bass viol C-4 Pistoy gut, Lyon gut, or Gimped String

C

Light

1.46

6.30

C

Light+

1.48

6.40

C

Medium

1.50

6.60

C

Medium+

1.52

6.80

C

Heavy

1.54

7.00

C

Heavy+

1.56

7.15

Bass viol G-5 Pistoy gut, Lyon gut, or Gimped String

G

Light

1.96

6.30

G

Light+

1.98

6.45

G

Medium

2.00

6.57

G

Medium+

2.02

6.70

G

Heavy

2.04

6.85

G

Heavy+

2.06

7.00

Bass viol G-5 Silver Wound

G

Light

1.10

6.30

G

Light+

1.12

6.48

G

Medium

1.14

6.64

G

Medium+

1.16

6.81

G

Heavy

1.18

6.87

G

Heavy+

1.20

7.14

Bass viol G-5 Silver PLate Wound

G

Light

1.18

6.34

G

Light+

1.20

6.49

G

Medium

1.22

6.65

G

Medium+

1.24

6.81

G

Heavy

1.26

6.97

G

Heavy+

1.28

71.3

Bass viol D-6 Pistoy gut. Lyon gut, or Gimped String

D

Light

2.60

6.25

D

Light+

2.62

6.35

D

Medium

2.64

6.45

D

Medium+

2.66

6.55

D

Heavy

2.68

6.65

D

Heavy+

2.70

6.75

Bass viol D-6 Silver Wound

D

Light

1.48

6.38

D

Light+

1.50

6.50

D

Medium

1.52

6.63

D

Medium+

1.54

6.75

D

Heavy

1.56

6.87

D

Heavy+

1.58

7.00

Bass viol D-6 Silver Plate Wound

D

Light

1.52

6.26

D

Light+

1.54

6.38

D

Medium

1.56

6.50

D

Medium+

1.58

6.62

D

Heavy

1.60

6.74

D

Heavy+

1.62

6.86

Bass viol A-7 Silver Wound

A

Light

1.72

6.04

A

Light+

1.74

6.14

A

Medium

1.76

6.24

A

Medium+

1.78

6.34

A

Heavy

1.80

6.44

A

Heavy+

1.82

6.54

Bass viol A-7 Silver Plate Wound

A

Light

1.76

6.05

A

Light+

1.78

6.15

A

Medium

1.80

6.25

A

Medium+

1.82

6.35

A

Heavy

1.84

6.46

A

Heavy+

1.86

6.56



59cm Lute String Tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the renaissance lute. The string length is assumed to be about 59cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-440. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are two listings for the C-5, G-6, F-7, E-8, D-9 and C-10 fundamental strings. One listing is for wound strings and the other is for plain gut strings.
 

 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Lute g-1 treble gut

g

Light

.40

3.60

g

Medium

.42

4.00

g

Heavy

.44

4.40

Lute d-2 treble gut

d

Light

.48

2.90

d

Medium

.50

3.10

d

Heavy

.52

3.40

Lute a-3 treble gut

a

Light

.62

2.70

a

Medium

.64

2.90

a

Heavy

.66

3.10

Lute f-4 treble gut

f

Light

.78

2.70

f

Medium

.80

2.80

f

Heavy

.82

3.00

Lute C-5 Pistoy Gut, Lyon gut, or Gimped String

C

Light

1.02

2.60

C

Medium

1.04

2.70

C

Heavy

1.06

2.80

Lute C-5 Octave Treble Gut

c

Light

.50

2.60

c

Medium

.52

2.65

c

Heavy

.54

2.90

Lute G-6 Pistoy Gut, Lyon gut, or Gimped String

G

Light

1.38

2.50

G

Medium

1.40

2.55

G

Heavy

1.42

2.65

Lute G-6 Copper Wound on Gut

G

Light

LUS5412

2.50

G

Medium

LUS5612

2.55

G

Heavy

LUS5812

2.65

Lute g-6 Octave Treble Gut

g

Light

.68

2.60

g

Medium

.70

2.70

g

Heavy

.72

2.90

Lute F-7 Pistoy Gut,Lyon Gut, or Gimped String

F

Light

1.48

2.42

F

Medium

1.50

2.50

F

Heavy

1.52

2.55

Lute F-7 Copper Wound on Gut

F

Light

LUS6212

2.40

F

Medium

LUS6412

2.48

F

Heavy

LUS6612

2.56

Lute f-7 Octave Treble Gut

f

Light

.76

2.52

f

Medium

.78

2.70

f

Heavy

.80

2.80

Lute E-8 Pistoy Gut,Lyon Gut, or Gimped String

E

Light

1.56

2.40

E

Medium

1.58

2.45

E

Heavy

1.60

2.57

Lute E-8 Copper Wound on Gut

E

Light

LUS6812

2.43

E

Medium

LUS7012

2.50

E

Heavy

LUS7212

2.58

Lute e-8 Octave Treble Gut

e

Light

.80

2.52

e

Medium

.82

2.62

e

Heavy

.84

2.75

Lute D-9 Pistoy Gut,Lyon Gut, or Gimped String

D

Light

1.74

2.37

D

Medium

1.78

2.43

D

Heavy

1.80

2.48

Lute D-9 Copper Wound on Gut

D

Light

LUS56715

2.35

D

Medium

LUS58175

2.43

D

Heavy

LUS60175

2.50

Lute d-9 Octave Treble Gut

d

Light

.88

2.40

d

Medium

.90

2.52

d

Heavy

.92

2.62


Lute C-10 Pistoy Gut, Lyon Gut, or Gimped String

C

Light

1.96

2.38

C

Medium

1.98

2.42

C

Heavy

2.00

2.48

Lute C-10 Copper Wound on Gut

C

Light

LUS6220

2.37

C

Medium

LUS6420

2.44

C

Heavy

LUS6620

2.51

Lute c-10 Octave Treble Gut

c

Light

.98

2.40

c

Medium

1.00

2.50

c

Heavy

1.02

2.56



Baroque Lute String Tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the baroque lute. The string length is assumed to be about 68cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are two listings for the F-8, E-9, D-10, C-11, B-12, and A-13 fundamental strings. One listing is for wound strings and the other is for plain gut strings.
The B-12 and A-13 atrings are listed with two gauges. One is for use with a bass rider at 74cm and the other is for use with a bass extension at 78cm.


 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Lute f-1 treble gut

f

Light

.40

3.40

f

Medium

.42

3.70

f

Heavy

.44

4.00

Lute d-2 treble gut

d

Light

.48

3.40

d

Medium

.50

3.70

d

Heavy

.52

4.00

Lute a-3 treble gut

a

Light

.62

3.00

a

Medium

.64

3.20

a

Heavy

.66

3.40

Lute f-4 treble gut

f

Light

.78

3.00

f

Medium

.80

3.40

f

Heavy

.82

3.40

Lute d-5 high twist treble gut or special Pistoy gut

d

Light

.86

2.75

d

Medium

.88

2.85

d

Heavy

.90

3.00

Lute A-6 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

A

Light

1.12

2.60

A

Medium

1.14

2.70

A

Heavy

1.16

2.80

Lute a-6 Octave Treble Gut

a

Light

.56

2.60

a

Medium

.58

2.80

a

Heavy

.60

3.00

Lute G-7 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

G

Light

1.22

2.45

G

Medium

1.24

2.55

G

Heavy

1.26

2.60

Lute g-7 Octave Treble Gut

g

Light

.62

2.50

g

Medium

.64

2.70

g

Heavy

.66

2.90

Lute F-8 Pistoy Gut,Lyon Gut, or Gimped String

F

Light

1.42

2.65

F

Medium

1.44

2.70

F

Heavy

1.46

2.80

Lute f-8 Octave Treble Gut

f

Light

.66

2.25

f

Medium

.68

2.40

f

Heavy

.70

2.55

Lute E-9 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

E

Light

1.50

2.62

E

Medium

1.52

2.70

E

Heavy

1.54

2.75

Lute e-9 Octave Treble Gut

e

Light

.70

2.26

e

Medium

.72

2.40

e

Heavy

.74

2.55

Lute D-10 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

D

Light

1.70

2.67

D

Medium

1.72

2.75

D

Heavy

1.74

2.80

Lute d-10 Octave Treble Gut

d

Light

.80

2.35

d

Medium

.82

2.50

d

Heavy

.84

2.60

Lute C-11 Pistoy Gut,Lyon Gut, or Gimped String

C

Light

1.90

2.65

C

Medium

1.92

2.70

C

Heavy

1.94

2.76

Lute c-11 Octave Treble Gut

c

Light

.88

2.28

c

Medium

.90

2.4

c

Heavy

92

2.50

Bass Rider Strings

Lute B-12 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string

B

Light

1.86

2.66

B

Medium

1.88

2.73

B

Heavy

1.90

2.80

Lute B-12 Octave Treble Gut

b

Light

.86

2.29

b

Medium

.88

2.40

b

Heavy

.90

2.50

Lute A-13 Pistoy Gut, Lyon Gut, or Gimped String

A

Light

2.08

2.65

A

Medium

2.10

2.70

A

Heavy

2.12

2.75

Lute a-13 Octave Treble Gut

a

Light

.96

2.25

a

Medium

.98

2.35

a

Heavy

1.00

2.45


 

Classical guitar string tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the classical guitar. The string length is assumed to be about 64.75cm. There are two tables. One lists tensions at the pitch of a-415 and the other lists tensions at the pitch of a-440. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less.
 


Guitar string tensions a-415

 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Guitar e-1 treble gut a-415

e

Light

.62

6.60

e

Medium

.64

7.00

e

Heavy

.66

7.40

Guitar b-2 treble gut a-415

b

Light

.82

6.40

b

Medium

.84

6.70

b

Heavy

.86

7.00

Guitar g-3 Lyon gut a-415

g

Light

1.00

6.70

g

Medium

1.02

7.00

g

Heavy

1.04

7.30

Guitar D-4 Gut core wound strings a-415

D

Light

.80

5.68

D

Medium

.82

5.89

D

Heavy

.84

6.11

Guitar A-5 Gut core wound strings a-415

A

Light

1.04

5.68

A

Medium

1.06

5.89

A

Heavy

1.08

6.11

Guitar E-6 Gut core wound strings a-415

E

Light

1.36

5.68

E

Medium

1.38

5.89

E

Heavy

1.40

6.11


Guitar string tensions a-440

 

 

Diameter

Tension

Note

 

in mm

in Kg

Guitar e-1 treble gut a-440

e

Light

.62

7.20

e

Medium

.64

7.70

e

Heavy

.66

7.80

Guitar b-2 treble gut a-440

b

Light

.82

7.20

b

Medium

.84

7.60

b

Heavy

.86

7.80

Guitar g-3 Lyon gut a-440

g

Light

1.00

6.37

g

Medium

1.02

7.00

g

Heavy

1.04

7.30

Guitar D-4 Gut core wound strings a-440

D

Light

.76

6.37

D

Medium

.78

6.61

D

Heavy

.80

6.85

Guitar A-5 Gut core wound strings a-440

A

Light

.90

5.42

A

Medium

.92

6.57

A

Heavy

.94

6.77

Guitar E-6 Gut core wound strings a-440

E

Light

1.06

5.42

E

Medium

1.08

5.57

E

Heavy

1.10

5.73



Tying lute frets



Fret gut price sheet
Hold the instrument in some way that it is secure and will not slip around as you work on it. This could be on a table, or, perhaps you can hold it between your knees. Remove the old fret by clipping the knot with some fingernail clippers. Replace only one fret at a time.
Tie the new fret a little down the fingerboard from its home position, (toward the nut). The fret will be pulled up into position. This will help hold the fret tightly on the fingerboard.
Thread one end of the fret material under the strings and around the back of the neck as in figure A. The long end we will call strand 2 and the short end we will call strand 1. Pull strand 1 behind strand 2 for a length of two or three inches as in figure A.
Make a loop around strand 2 with strand 1 by pulling it around strand 2 and underneath itself as in figure B.
Pull the knot tight. You may have to rotate the fret on the neck a little so that the knot lies more or less at the joint of the fingerboard and the neck. Use the other frets as a guide.
Now, make a simple overhand knot by looping strand 1 and strand 2 around each other as in figure C.
Pull the knot tight again.
Clip the ends so there is about 1/8 inch of each end sticking out of the knot. Use a small flame or soldering iron to burn the ends of the strands down to the knot. Be careful not to burn the knot or the instrument!!
Pull the fret up into position. You can usually tell where the fret goes by the marks and wear on the neck.
nsions a-440

Tying viol frets



Fret gut price sheet
Place the instrument securely on a table or other flat surface so that the neck extends toward your left.
Remove the old fret by clipping the knot with some fingernail clippers.
Tie the new fret down the fingerboard, (toward the nut). The fret will be pulled up into position when it is finished. This will help to hold the fret tightly on the neck.
Loop the fret material and slip it under the strings as in figure A. We will call this loop 2. The two ends should be sticking out from the strings toward you. We will call these strand 1 and strand 3. Loop 2 passes around the back of the neck and also faces you.
Make another loop in strand 1. We will call this loop 4.
Pass loop 4 through loop 2 as in figure B.
Now, pass strand 3 through loop 4 as in figure C. Pull the knot tight. Don't worry about getting it too tight. Just pull the gut and settle it so that there is no slack in the fret.
Now, make a simple over hand knot with strands 1 and 3 as in figure d. Pull this knot tight.
Clip the ends of the strands about 1/8 inch from the knot. Use a small flame or soldering iron to burn the ends up to the knot. Be careful not to burn the knot or the instrument!!
If you need to, rotate the fret on the neck so that the knot is more or less at the joint of the fingerboard and neck.
Pull the fret up the neck into position.