Contrabass E-4 Gut/Copper-Wound

This is a single-length gut core contrabass (double bass) string with a copper wire wound onto the gut in tandem with a thin silk layer wound onto the core between the gut and wire. Because the wire is round, the surface of the wire is polished so that the string has a smooth, “half-wound” feel, helping the tone to be quick and bright.

Contrabass E-4 Gut/Copper-wound wire and stocking lengths:

• Knot to stocking - 54.5" (138cm)
• Stocking length - 12" (30cm)
• Total string length - 66.5" (169cm)

If your instrument requires additional wire or stocking length, please contact us: support@gamutmusic.com.

The end of the string that goes into the tailpiece is knotted and there is a loop of gut on the end. This knot will hold the string in most historical tailpieces, but will slip through a modern tailpiece. Modern tailpieces have a hole-and-slot arrangement for holding the string in place and most tailpieces today have slots cut into them that are so wide that the knot tied at the end of the gut string will slip through when tension is put on the string. To prevent this, we can install a leather washer on the string before it is wound. This washer is wide enough that it will prevent string ends from slipping through most tailpiece slots. There is an extra charge for this service.

Wound strings for the contrabass are warrantied for a period of six months from the date of shipping.

Academie strings are manufactured in the USA by Gamut Music, Inc., a leader in the revival of early music strings and instruments. Gut strings are not intended to be used with fine tuners or string adjusters and those devices should be removed before installing the gut string on the instrument.

More information about Gamut gut strings, string types, gauges, and string tensions can be found on our articles page. Not finding an answer to your question? Please contact us directly: support@gamutmusic.com.