Bass string making

[Newton Hunt]

> Having never seen a bass string being made I have a couple
> of questions.   Is the "eye" or hitch pin loop formed first
> and then chucked?  How tight is the string )core) when it is
> being wound?  When winding I have heard much (esp overall
> diameter) depends on the tension the maker puts on winding.
> Does this cause the string to "lag" which would be a kind of
> twisting?   How fast does the core string turn?  Does the
> machine give you a choice of winding both clock wise and
> counter clockwise?    Are there tests you can give it to see
> if it has any buzzes?  ---ricurious

The lathe, much like any lather, except it has a shaft that rotates and turns
the tail piece and head as one unit.  It's speed is variable but strings are
wound at it's highest speed unless for special situations.  Making a large wrap
string takes maybe 8 seconds for a smallish scale and making a string for the
top of the scale can take 20 to 30 seconds.  I never timed them.

The tail is make first then the swages are made.

The tension of the string on the lathe is a debatable factor, variable from
individual to individual according to their "thinking".

The wrap is held in such a way that the copper goes on tight around the core and
the coils are up against each other (they will spread apart when under full
tension) so the copper will "crush" a bit, become oval in cross section). 
String whip is a factor and occurs at the antinodes of the string.  This
whipping action can cause the wrap to have differing diameters along the length
of the string, from an inexperienced maker.

> string to "lag" which would be a kind of twisting? 

No.  Even hardened copper has very little spring to it, it is too malleable for
that.  No iron may well be a different story, I have no experience with iron
windings.

Speaking of "experience".  I tried to make a couple of strings.  I have one on
my shop wall to remind myself that I just cannot do everything.  I can do a few
things but string making is not one of them.  It is a skill that few can really,
really master.  

Most lathes go in one direction.  String makers hold the wire and the lathe
turns in the direction so they can see the way the wrap leads onto the core.  To
see it from underneath would be difficult. :)

There are tests.  Before removing the string from the lathe you pluck it and
listen to it.  An experienced winder will know what to listen for, brightness,
harmonic structure and extraneous noises.  Ari Isaac listens to every string he
makes, I have never seen Mapes winders listen.  If Ari does not like the sound
of the string he unwinds the copper and winds it again.  (Yes Ric, the lathe
_does_ go backwards.)  Does that mean Ari makes perfect strings?  No, but he is
getting closer and closer and he is getting consistent results.  Craftsmanship
and caring helps a lot.

Ok, ok, I'm crawling back into my cage. :)

Have a great weekend all.

		Newton