Handbook Of Violin Playing - Online tutorial

A Tutorial For Classical Style Violin, full online instruction.

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	THE INSTRUMENT.	15
	Strings pure in fifths. To obtain absolutely pure intonation, the strings must be pure in fifths, i. e., the notes in those higher positions which are pressed by one finger across two strings, must sound perfectly true. Many strings are rather thicker at one end than at the other; if this is not also the case with the adjacent string, or if the thicker end of it be not stretched in the same direction as the other string, then the two are not true in fifths with each other. Both strings must therefore be from one end to the other regular in thickness, or else their thin ends must be laid in one direction.* In the latter case, however, all the harmonic notes are not true, and one also notices that the intervals in double stopping generally, as well as in fifths, are not regular upon all the strings. A treatment is in vogue by makers of strings and instruments by means of which the strings are rendered quite pure in fifths. These prepared strings are, however, not so durable, nor so good in tone, as the unprepared. But it is of service to have always a few of these in rea­diness, as the violinist has not always time enough to select those strings which are true. Weichhold, Dresden, supplies strings pure in fifths, which may be re­commended. The string guage. In order always to have strings of the same thickness, a string guage is used, which may be procured at any instrument maker.**
	* It is best to compare the ends before putting the string on, tying the knot at the end which appears thinnest. The last inch or so at each end of even the best string is often rough, and not so durable as the rest of it. Tr. ** To ensure equality of tone it is very important that the strings should be correctly guaged with regard to their relative