Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Gamut’s FAQ/Articles combines practical information on Gamut gut strings for performers, along with research on string making, instrument making, and historically informed performance practice. Many referenced documents are based on early published works, academic analyses, and historical treatises. The index is organized so both early music aficionados, instrument researchers, and early music performers can find reliable information quickly. Please contact us if you have a question that is not answered here.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Care and Cleaning of Gut Strings - Practical care, humidity, solvents, fine-tuners

• How Are Gut Strings Made? - Historical overview and modern practices

• Gamut Glossary - Terms and descriptions

• Student / Educator 15% Discount

• Where Did “Catgut” Come From?

• Animal Products and the Environment

• Do Gut Strings Smell?

• Warranty For Gamut Strings

• Expedited String Services

Tuning & Tension

• Understanding Tunings: A=440, A=415, A=392, A=466

• What Is Mensur? (Vibrating String Length)

• Converting String Gauge Measurements - Pirazzi-meter, millimeter, thousands of an inch

• What’s In a String Gauge?

• What Is Equal Tension?

• Approximate Diameter (≈) / Equivalent Gauge (=)

String Information

• Which Strings Are Sheep Gut, Which Are Beef?

• Can I Combine Tricolore + Academie Strings?

• What String Gauge Should I Select?

• Is This [Instrument String] Available In Sheep Gut?

• What Is a Gut/Metal-Wound String “Underlayer?”

• Which Strings Are Double-Length?

• Extra Heavy or Extra Light String Gauges?

• Do You Offer Custom Gauged Strings?

• Double Bass String Re-Wind Service

• Why Do You Not Recommend Using Fine Tuners?

• How Does Varnish Affect Gut Strings?

• Why Do Gut Strings Break?

• Soaking Gut Strings in Oil??

  • String Oil in History

• What Are Those Little Black Squares That Came With My String? - Anti-tarnish strips

• How Do I Remove a Buildup of Rosin On My Strings?