Strings Clinic - Make a Sound Choice

Presented by Chris Rohrecker, Connolly Music

Thomastik-Infeld Vienna

Filmed and Edited by Jon Stante

Introduction – Thomastik-Infeld Vienna

String Basics

1. Core technology – brief explanation of materials used for string cores
   
   
   • Gut
• Steel (plain, braided)
• Synthetic
  
  
2. Winding technology
   
   
   • Round & flat wires
   • Inner windings & outer windings
   • Damping technology
   • Material types
   • Importance of density
     
     
3. Tension
   
   
   • How measured
   • Importance of vibrating length (especially for violas)
   • Impact on an instrument’s top plate
   • Importance of knowing string tension data

How Strings Vibrate

1. Helmholtz Motion – Video https://youtu.be/6JeyiM0YNo4

   • Parabolic motion
   • Stick/slip effect
   • Energy to nut and back to the bridge
     
     
2. “Behind the Bow"
   
   
   • View of string motion with bow behind the string
   • Stick/slip effect
   • Torsion
   • Theoretical explanation of bow noise
   • Secondary vibration

Strings as Tools

1. Comparison of Aluminum/Silver/Chrome Outer Windings

   • Brilliance
   • Bow noise
   • Bow Response
   • Projection
     
     
2. Impact of string construction & instrument set-up
   
   
3. Tension – review how varying tension impacts
   
   
   • Projection & volume
   • Sound & dynamic range
   • Instrument balance
   • String durability
     
     
4. Impact of string technology on whistling
   
   
   • Material type (i.e., plain string or wound string)
   • Tension

Tips & Tricks

1. Suggestions for testing instruments & strings

2. How to change strings

   • One at a time
   • Use graphite
   • Suggested winding technique
     
     
3. Quick break-in technique – getting strings in concert ready condition in as few as 10 minutes
   
   
   • Warm up
   • Active vibration

Life of a String

Great Strings for Elementary Levels – ALPHA STRINGS