Equal Tension Viola d-2 Sheep Gut

Product Description

This is a single length, (32", 80cm), sheep gut string intended for "Equal Tension" performance practice, available with either a natural or varnish finish. Natural strings are hand-rubbed with a light oil. Varnished strings have three coats of finish before being hand polished with the oil.

Equal tension is a concept that was used on violins historically. The idea is that each string has the same amount of tension, resulting in equal tension on all strings. The customary way to tension violin strings is to decrease the tension from the e-1 string, which has the most tension to the G-4 string in decreasing amounts on each string. From the 16th to 19th centuries there are writers who mention or recommend equal tension and this seems to have been one aesthetic that some players used. Merssene, in the early 1600s mentioned that violin strings should have equal tension, but that in practice most players used less tension on the lower strings. It may be that the idea of equal was an intellectual concept of perfection and that, in practice, players found that lowering the tension on the thicker, bottom strings was just more practical. Regardless of the extent of the historical use, many modern players find that this system of string allows a quicker and louder response from the instrument. The extra tension on the lower strings allows the bow to play more on top of the strings resulting quicker bowing.

Because of the added diameter on equal tension strings, your instrument may need some adjustment at the tailpiece, bridge and nut to allow for the extra mass of the strings. The instrument may also need sound post or other adjustments to bring out the most responsive tone.