Violin Forum/Message Board

Ariesfiddler · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:32 am Post subject: Tailguts- kevlar cord

Anybody know of a good dealer for kevlar cordage to use as
the tailgut for violin and viola? I'm hoping for something around 1.2-1.5 mm in diameter and brown or black color.

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

Could you explain why you want to use a kevlar tailgut rather that a conventional nylon tailgut? Just curious.
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Doug Wall

www.wallindependent.com

Leif Luscombe · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject:

The "Harmonie tailcord" is probably what you are looking for. Contact me if you have trouble finding them.
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Leif Luscombe
Violin Maker and Dealer
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Michael Darnton · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:47 pm Post subject:

Here's one option:
http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TTE&Category_Code=kevlar-thread
Note what they say about color. A felt pen might work on it, though.

More: http://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=11_22

I don't care for the sound of kevlar on violins, but your situation might be different. If you're just looking for one length, the Harmonie stuff Leif recommends is more attractive.

CT Dolan · Member Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 143

What's wrong with using traditional gut?

http://www.gamutstrings.com/catalog.html?&Vl=76&Tp=2

You don't see this much anymore, but I love the look of traditional gut. I also love traditional gut strings (but that's another story for another post).

Michael Darnton · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:51 pm Post subject:

For violins, gut is fine.

Today I tried dipping kevlar in india ink to stain it black, and it worked very well.

jethro · Member Joined: 07 Apr 2007 Posts: 178

There is a materila called "spectra" by allied fibers. It is much softer than kevlar and MUCH easier to tie a knott in. I think it might be stronger too . Used to use both in rock climbing.
Tim

BK · Member Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 60

My violin currently has a sloppy tailgut job, which needs to be replaced. It seems to be tied on with some sort of misc wire which has kinks in it. Not gracefully executed.

I was thinking about replacing it with traditional tailgut from gamut. Is this a good/bad idea?

From what I've read, traditional tailgut seems to be a bit challenging due to stretching, humidity, ect, but it sounds as though people prefer the sound quality in the end. Not sure if this is a true sampling of the general consensus, or a misguided interpretation on my part. Smile

Thanks,
BK

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

I would guess that 99% of instruments are set up with "Sacconi" type nylon tailguts. Does that tell you something? If someone has some other figure, I'd love to hear it.
_________________
Doug Wall

www.wallindependent.com

Jack Rushing · Member Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

I agree with Doug about the Nylon type, adjustable tail chords. Wittner of
Germany makes a popular one. It is easy to install, and rather cheap too.

BK · Member Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 60

Great. Thanks guys! I picked up both kinds. Will compare.