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Core
Materials
The core affects
the sound and bow response of the string.
Steel Core - Some
qualities of steel core strings include quick bow response, high elasticity,
powerful projection, longevity and stability in tuning and tone. Steel
core strings tend to sound lively and bright.
Synthetic Core -
Synthetic strings are designed to reproduce the warm sound of gut strings
with the advantages of synthetic materials, which include stability and
resistance to temperature and humidity. Big and powerful tonal volume,
brilliance, intensity and warm tones are some of the characteristics of
synthetic core strings.
Gut Core - Gut
strings produce the darkest, warmest tone. They exert high pressure on
the bow, resulting in big tonal volume. Pizzicato players appreciate
their natural, less harsh sound. Because gut core is a natural
material, it is sensitive to temperature and humidity and not as durable as
steel or synthetic core strings.
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Gauge
Manufacturers use different
terminology in describing string gauges. Soft, light, medium, heavy
and thick are a few terms used to describe gauge.
Soft, Light, Dolce,
Weich, Thin - Lower tension, low bow pressure, and a brighter sound.
Heavy, Thick, Stark,
Forte - Higher tension, more bow pressure, and a more powerful sound.
Medium, Mittel - The
most popular string gauge used because it balances the tension and sound
qualities.
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String
Materials
Common materials used in
string production include Titanium, carbon steel, chromesteel, silver,
tungsten, and gold-plating. Here are some advantages of various string
materials.
Titanium -
Lightweight and yields a warmer tone.
Carbon Steel -
Extremely durable
Chromesteel - Easy
response and a lively sound.
Tungsten - Used to
increase volume output.
Gold-plating -
Primarily used on violin "E" strings for its sweet solo
characteristics.
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Additional
Information for Bass Strings
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‘Extra
Long’ = E string for a bass with an extension
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Orchestral
Tuning = G D A E
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Solo
Tuning = A E B F#
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5
string bass tuning G D A E (B or C)
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6
String Bass tuning C G D A E (B or C)
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