The lifetime of strings varies considerably and depends upon the material used in the string itself, the manner in which it is played, the aggressiveness of the acids in the player’s hand-perspiration, and on climatic conditions. Loss of sound quality itself usually happens very gradually indeed and therefore please do contact us in the event |
you feel unhappy at the speed of sound quality degradation and wish to claim a refund. The analysis of returned strings is very important for us so that we can maintain a high level of quality. As a general rule, we replace strings which have had a short lifespan if this cannot be traced back to incorrect use.
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Some musicians experience problems with the lifespan of aluminum wound strings. The acid in hand perspiration attacks the aluminum and dissolves it and therefore in this case, daily cleaning of the string should increase its | lifespan to an acceptable level. In the event it does not, then we recommend changing strings to one wound with chrome steel (e.g. Violin No. 1, Violin Obligato A chrome steel). |
SYNTHETIC OR SHEEP-GUT STRINGS
Synthetic strings, plain and wound gut strings, can all be damaged if mounted on an insufficiently smooth bridge or upper nut. If the strings come into contact with sharp edges in these areas then they can become weakened or even break. Therefore, please make sure to nicely smoothen all the areas of the instrument which may come into contact with your strings and to apply a thin layer of graphite to each. Please also note that if your instrument is smaller than usual you should take special care as you tie the string ends onto the pegs. |
Don’t allow each successive winding of excess string to overlap previous windings. Instead, ensure that each successive revolution of excess string is wound around parallel to previous windings. |
SHEEP GUT STRINGS
With wound gut strings it is possible that the metal winding can damage the gut core. As a result you should take special care that the edges of the bridge and upper nut are smooth, and that the groove of the upper nut is not too deep or too tight. Your luthier will be able to be helpful in this respect. |
In comparison to a multifilament synthetic core string, the single filament of a gut core string is more robust and wears slower because of its ability to regain its elasticity. However, we recommend that gut core strings should be left tuned 1/4 tone lower to prevent string breaking during long periods when the strings are not being used and especially during air travel. |
STEEL STRINGS
While steel strings are highly robust, they are especially sensitive to over-tuning. It is therefore important that you are cautious during tuning. |
At minimum, the over-tuning of steel strings leads to the string being overstretched and finally breaking. |
If you notice exceptionally high tension with your strings, it may be the result of a bridge which is not ideally suited for the use of steel strings. |
Steel strings need a somewhat lower bridge than gut and synthetic core strings. Your luthier will be able to help you with this. |
Please take care not to allow the loop of the string itself to come into contact with the sharp-edged part of the fine tuner when you are using a loop fine tuner. To prevent this, we offer a synthetic insert for the loop fine tuner itself which increases the lifespan of the string. |
With the ‘E-String with ball,’ it is important to choose a fine tuner which has a suitable design and thus a significantly larger hook, otherwise the ball can break. Your luthier will be able to advice. |