bass string design

[John Gunderson]

Thanks to all for the input.  I think that Del Fandrich provided the answer I
was looking for, that being that there is an optimum proportion of  core
diameter to o/a diameter.  Thinking about it, it make sense that as you bend a
wrapping around a core you are stressing the outter fibers of the wrapping.  The
tighter the bend, the greater the stress.  Eventually a point is reached where
the fiber structure is damaged and the wrapping is no good.  The two factors in
how tight you are "bending" are the core diameter (circumference) and the
wrapping radius (distance from the center).

Thanks again for the advice...  Back to the drawing board.  JHG


John Gunderson, Associate Member, North Jersey Chapter


Delwin D Fandrich wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jim Coleman, Sr. <pianotoo@imap2.asu.edu>
> To: John Gunderson <jgunderson@monmouth.com>
> Cc: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Monday, August 02, 1999 5:27 PM
> Subject: Re: query: bass string design
>
> > Hi John:
> >
> > One of the limitations is that imposed by the string winders. They are
> often
> > not willing to put such large wrap on so small a diamter core. For this,
> > you may have to go to Dave Sanderson's triple wrapped strings.
> >
> > Jim Coleman, Sr.
> >
> ----------------------------
>
> John,
>
> I agree with Jim.  This is stretching the limit some.  Using a 0.51" core, a
> 0.31" inner wrap and a 0.84" outer wrap would give a 0.270" o/a diameter
> (approximately.)  I've done this, but it is difficult.  Yes, you could get
> there using a triple wrapped string, but I fail to see the benefit.  I've
> done those as well, but I don't think you'll like the tone.  It's going to
> be pretty stiff.
>
> Back off to about 0.250" to 0.260" o/a and be happy with what you get.
> Sometimes what looks good on paper doesn't work out all that well in real
> life.
>
> Del