References
Here, I will summarize what I think about metal strings and
metal wound based on literature and information on web sites and
catalog of string manufacturers. I will update as I get new
information.
String slide rule
Pyramid and Kuerschner distribute slide rules that aid to select
appropriate strings (nylon, fluorocarbon, gut, or metal wound) based
on scale length, pitch (Hz), and tension. They are great things to
have, but often scarce.
Lbs (or lbs,lb,lB,LB)
Lb: (paund) [n] <<[[pl] lbs. (paundz)>> (abbreviation
of pound)
The word "pound" is a British monetary unit (1pound = 100pence) and
also an Imperial unit of weight. Pound customarily used in US is the
latter and about 500g (453.6g to be exact).
To convert lbs to kg or vise versa, use lbs / 2.2 = kg or
kg x 2.2 = lbs.
Thou
The word "thou" used as an unit of thickness in English means
thousandths of an inch. 1" is 25.4mm, therefore you can
convert thou to mm by multiplying it with 25.4 and dividing by 1000.
If you find a note on 1st string like "e' : 22.5 thou", for example,
you would know the thickness is 0.5715mm, because 22.5 x 25.4 =
571.5.
Equivalent strings
On treble strings which are not metal wound, one can choose
nylon, fluorocarbon, or gut strings depending on one's preference.
It's convenient to know how to find equivalent strings of different
material. It can be calculated from their specific weights, but I
will list multiplication factors below. You can find close
enough strings without using string a slide rule.
|
|
r' = r x 1.12 (bass, metal wound strings) |
[bass side] C1
D1 E1 F1
G1 A1 B1 C D E F G A B c d e f g a b c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 a1 b1 c2 d2 e2
f2 g2 a2
b2 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 a3 b3 c4 d4
e4 f4 g4
a4 b4
c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 a5 b5
[treble side]
Tone range of typical guitar is the following, using the tone
names listed above. The suffixes like 1 and 2 sometimes are
substituted by ' and ".
1st string (e1)
2nd string (b)
3rd string (g)
4th string (d)
5th string (A)
6th string (E)
Clever idea on using tuners.
Many electric tuners distributed inexpensively today are for
guitars, but one can use them for ukulele and other stringed
instruments. Using them for lute and mandolin or in noisy place, it's
better to use a clip on pick-up (also called as a
contact
microphone), though the tone range of lute and mandolin is not
quite the same as that of guitar. I've purchased one about 1000 yen
(about $10).
Strings on 19th century guitars,
ProArte light tension in a pinch. Seaguar is always a good
choice.
Try whatever seems usable.?
As I noted at the beginning of this corner, there is a
complicated relations between the instruments and string used on
them. It's not a bad idea just to try whatever seems suitable for a
string. You'd better to know length, thickness, and weight beforehand. Aren't gut for
badminton or tennis rackets or strings for shamisen usable? Well, I
should practice more before fooling around finding alternatives.
What your neighbors are using?
Watching others' instruments carefully, professional or expert
players tend to prefer higher tension both steel and nylon strings.
They probably like strong sound higher tension offers. On the other
hand, beginners and those lack grip strength prefer lower tension
settings.
Worth a try
Those who master fishing lines will conquer stringed instruments
(really?).
That's folks. I'm tired, now.