Chapter 4: Strings

Question 0

What kind of strings are preferred for young beginners?

Why?

Answer 0

Metal strings are preferred because they hold their pitch better than gut-core strings.

Question 1

Describe the material or materials used in several types string.

Answer 1

Gut

Synthetic

Metal

Question 2

What is a tone filter?

Answer 2

A tone filter is a piece of rubber or plastic shaped like a miniature doughnut.

It is placed between the string and the bridge to cushion the contact of the string on the bridge.

Question 3

Why is it important to wind the string onto the peg in a specific way?

Answer 3

If the string is not wound on the peg correctly it can result in:

1) a false string; and
2) It can also result in slippage of the string on the peg causing the string the go flat or slip off the peg entirely.

Question 4

What is a false string?

Answer 4

A false string is a string that fails to produce a pure representation of the desired pitch.

Question 5

Discuss several string problems in their solution.

Answer 5

Problem 1) that the string breaks at the bridge when first tighten.
-The solution is to have the bridge recut or replace the bridge entirely.

Problem 2) The string breaks at the bridge when first tighten.
-The Solution is to have a repair person widen or smooth the notch.

Problem 3) the gut or wound strings are difficult to tune.

The solution is that the string may be not sliding along the notch in the nut. Run a lead pencil in the notch to use the graphite from the pencil as a lubricant.