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What does "tension" and "guage" refer to in strings?
Topic Rating: 3.7 Topic Rating: 3.7 Topic Rating: 3.7 Topic Rating: 3.7 Topic Rating: 3.7 Topic Rating: 3.7 (3 votes) 
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PopFiddle

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November 15, 2014 - 1:26 pm
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I need to replace a Dominant D string and was shopping around for a replacement.  I was confused by the different string specifications referring to "guage" or "tension".  What do these terms refer to in violin strings?  I've seen "guage" used in guitar strings and this usually refers to how difficult it is to finger the strings on a fret.  Is this a similar concern in violin strings?  Does tension and guage refer to the same things?

Off topic, but also, would it be OK to replace a Dominant with a Pro-Arte?  The Dominants are a little expensive.

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DanielB
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November 15, 2014 - 1:43 pm
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Gauge is the thickness.  Tension is how much pressure the strings exert on the instrument.  The actual amount of the tension can vary even though the gauge may be the same for different types of strings.  That's because the different core and other materials have different properties. 

Heavier gauge strings will be louder, because they have more material to vibrate with.  They also will be harder on your fingers.

"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman

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Fiddlestix
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November 16, 2014 - 7:03 am
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@PopFiddle: I get news E-mail from, "D'Addario" string co. whenever they come out with something new.

I just received this E-mail yesterday notifying me that they have "two" new strings on the market. It also gives a description of what you are asking.

Here is the link. http://www.orchestral.daddario.....c59d09c7ba

 

Ken.

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Fiddlerman
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November 16, 2014 - 10:57 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
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I've had these strings here for at least 2 months and haven't had the time yet to test them. :(
Will put it on my "to do" list. <----- Ya right, like that will help. LOL

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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PopFiddle

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November 16, 2014 - 11:57 am
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Fiddlerman said
I've had these strings here for at least 2 months and haven't had the time yet to test them. :(
Will put it on my "to do" list. <----- Ya right, like that will help. LOL

Every little bit helps. smile

Thanks all for posting and especially to fiddlestix for the link.

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happyjet

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November 16, 2014 - 12:21 pm
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PopFiddle said

Fiddlerman said
I've had these strings here for at least 2 months and haven't had the time yet to test them. :(
Will put it on my "to do" list. <----- Ya right, like that will help. LOL

Every little bit helps. smile

Thanks all for posting and especially to fiddlestix for the link.

I found it really helpful too.

Playing a piece is easy... Playing it right is not...

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Fiddlerman
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November 16, 2014 - 5:40 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
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Sorry for the confusion. I meant that my "to do" list is EXTREMELY long. I add things to it all the time and they still don't get done. ROFL

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Tucson1

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November 16, 2014 - 6:06 pm
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PopFiddle said
I need to replace a Dominant D string and was shopping around for a replacement.  I was confused by the different string specifications referring to "guage" or "tension".  What do these terms refer to in violin strings?  I've seen "guage" used in guitar strings and this usually refers to how difficult it is to finger the strings on a fret.  Is this a similar concern in violin strings?  Does tension and guage refer to the same things?

Off topic, but also, would it be OK to replace a Dominant with a Pro-Arte?  The Dominants are a little expensive.

Hey Pop ,

Yep , you can go to a cheaper string but it's hit or miss as to if it will be a good match ...maybe , maybe not ...pay yer money and take yer chances ...bunny-headbangBe sure and stay to a medium string ...most shops will know this if you tell them it's for a violin ...and state the size of yer violin ...4/4 ?  I'm sure Pierre would be happy to fill yer order ...

violin-1267

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