violin Strings

[Don]

Hi John,

Yes the better quality violin strings were kept straight (except for E
strings which are generally metal). The reason behind this that the core of
the strings was woven/spun from *sheeps intestine* (i.e. "cat-gut"). The
*weave* was made from six individual strands. They also needed to be kept
moist. As this century progressed string makers began *flat* winding metals
(often silver) over the gut core to protect the string from the ravages of
playing. My teacher used *silk* E strings as a young student.

Today a synthetic core is often used. Perlon is one *trade* name. You can
also purchase strings that are made from metal but most classically trained
musicians tha I know don't use them.
Regards,
Don Rose, B.Mus., A.M.U.S., A.MUS., R.M.T., R.P.T.

drose@dlcwest.com
http://www.dlcwest.com/~drose/
3004 Grant Rd.
REGINA, SK
S4S 5G7
306-352-3620 or 1-888-29t-uner