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This section contains information on some of the different types of string available, and the advantages and/or disadvantages of each type of material. String selection for an instrument can be a very personal decision, based not only on the tonal characteristics of the instrument, but also on individual player preference. Which strings to use? The four basic types of core materials commonly used are: solid steel, rope or cable core steel, synthetic, and gut. Each type of core material has distinctly different tonal and playing characteristics. The outer wrapping can be made from a wide variety of materials, including nylon, aluminum, chrome, steel, stainless steel, tinned steel, tungsten, nickel-silver, silver, silver-plate, and gold. Each material provides its' own unique tonal and tactile characteristics, as well as varying degrees of resistance to wear and corrosion (primarily from contact with the player's fingers.) The selection of string type should depend on the age, construction, and individual characteristics of each instrument, and the kind of response and tonal qualities required. Many musicians mix different types and gauges of strings to obtain the desired sound and response. Gauge itself does not determine weight or tension, as gut strings are thicker than steel strings, and silver wound strings are thinner than aluminum wound strings. Listed here are some of the characteristics of various popular types of strings. Steel Core Generally used on new instruments because they are economical, and produce a large, bright volume of sound with a minimal break-in period. These strings have a solid steel core with an outer wrapping of stainless steel, chrome, steel, nickel-silver, or aluminum. The advantages are: 1. Longer lasting than gut or synthetic core strings. 2. Unaffected by changes in temperature and humidity, which affect not only pitch retention, but also string life. 3. Bright, loud response with a minimum of effort. Rope or spiral core Rope core, spiral (or cable) core strings combine many of the virtues of gut with the durability and volume of steel core strings. The central core of the string consists of strands of fine wire twisted into a cable. The wire unit is then overlaid with a flatwrap of chrome steel, nickel&endash;silver, silver, or tungsten. The advantages are: 1. Exhibit much greater durability than gut core strings. 2. Unaffected by fluctuations in humidity or temperature. 3. More flexible in response and range than steel core strings. |
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