Product Description
Table of Equal Tension Violin Gauges |
||||||
Light |
Light+ |
Medium |
Medium+ |
Heavy |
Heavy+ |
|
e-1 |
.52mm |
.54mm |
.56mm |
.58mm |
.60mm |
.62mm |
This is a double length, (120cm, 48"), violin 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. There is an additional charge for varnished strings.The string comes with plain, unknotted ends. Knots may be tied for you at an additional charge.
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.
Product Videos
Custom Field
Product Reviews
3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
-
Equal tension E-1
I tried the sheep gut E on my Baroque violin and it did not speak with adequate clarity on my instrument. This string however works perfectly.
-
a better product
It seems that strings are a bit stronger than before and produce silky sound. But I am still scary when changing a new E string ^^;
Thank you -
Equal Tension Violin E-1
This string was fitted to a 17th century style pochette that I built for a client. The sound was great, but the string only lasted a day on the first half, and a little less on the second. I ordered a slightly different .58 mm treble gut string, and it has held up very well. I would guess that this string was just the victim of an unfortunate internal or material flaw, as all the other strings I have used from Gamut have been excellent, and I am certain I would try this again.