string replacement

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henrylrjr
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Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:25 pm

string replacement

Post by henrylrjr »

Hi all,

I just opened 5 packages of Fisoma Munich tuning Griff strings and noticed that a4, a4 and D4 have a black covering, on the ends that go through the tuning posts, about 3 inches long. Are these black coated sections to be wound around the posts or do they have some other purpose? Also should a small strip of thin leather be placed between the string loops and the wood next to the pin end? It appears the windings of the loops would make some serious scratches/gouges in the wood between the pins and string holes during tightening and tuning.

I was also going to secure those 5 strings using a guitar technique where the string, coming out of the post hole, is wrapped half way around the post and is run under and then over the string where it enters the post hole, so on the first half turn the string winds over itself, locking it on the post.

For the remainder of strings I was just going to slide the strings through the pin holes, bend a short length down and wind the strings over the bent portion. That should keep strings from slipping. Is there any way you recommend fastening strings to the tuning pins?

Thanks,
henrylrjr
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Dave
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Re: string replacement

Post by Dave »

Hello,

With the first fretboard d string I replaced, I had the same question. I clipped off a section of the black covering to make the string shorter for winding around the post. While tuning, the string slipped, I tightened some more, it gave way and finally snapped. Thinking I had a bad string, I repeated the process and broke another one. It seemed that this procedure somehow compromised the tensile strength of the entire string, so I now wrap them entirely around the post and haven’t had any further issues. I have loop-end a and d fretboard strings on now, but I do prefer the ball-end style. I suppose one could reuse the ball-end from a broken string if available?

My technique has been to wind the strings over a bent portion.

Dave
We do not take humor seriously enough. —Konrad Lorenz
henrylrjr
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Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:25 pm

Re: string replacement

Post by henrylrjr »

Thanks Dave,

I gather you do not cut the string, bend the end down, and wind over the bent end to tune. This would leave the post with mostly black coils and a few bare metal coils. Did I interpret your response correctly?

Thanks,
henrylrjr
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Dave
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Re: string replacement

Post by Dave »

Hi Henry, that's exactly correct -- a few photos from my instrument. Hope this helps.
string1.jpg
string1.jpg (81.02 KiB) Viewed 1977 times
string2.jpg
string2.jpg (107.9 KiB) Viewed 1977 times
We do not take humor seriously enough. —Konrad Lorenz
henrylrjr
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:25 pm

Re: string replacement

Post by henrylrjr »

Thanks for the pics Dave.
How do I add photos?

Thanks,
henrylrjr
henrylrjr
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:25 pm

Re: string replacement

Post by henrylrjr »

Thanks for the pics Dave.Here are some of my repaired zither.
Attachments
0519150853.jpg
0519150853.jpg (147.17 KiB) Viewed 1972 times
0519150857b.jpg
0519150857b.jpg (128.95 KiB) Viewed 1972 times
0519150846.jpg
0519150846.jpg (98.59 KiB) Viewed 1972 times
0519150857.jpg
0519150857.jpg (253.81 KiB) Viewed 1972 times
0519150849.jpg
0519150849.jpg (173.34 KiB) Viewed 1972 times
0519150858a.jpg
0519150858a.jpg (162.25 KiB) Viewed 1972 times
0519150845b.jpg
0519150845b.jpg (247.35 KiB) Viewed 1972 times
henrylrjr
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:25 pm

Re: string replacement

Post by henrylrjr »

The Fisoma Griff strings appear to be metal. Are they the same as the Sokolang Griff strings? If the Sokolang are different can they be used with Fisoma accompaniment strings?

Thanks,
henrylrjr
henrylrjr
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:25 pm

Re: string replacement

Post by henrylrjr »

I emailed Lenzner and they confirmed the the Griff Fisoma and Sokolang strings are exactly the same. However, they do have an option to buy gut Griff strings but, the cost was to high for me and my "lack of" skill level.

Also does anyone think, seeing the shell decoration in the photos, it is a Glier?

Thanks,
henrylrjr
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Dave
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Re: string replacement

Post by Dave »

Hi Henry,

I don't believe this ornament can be uniquely tied to a specific maker. Although it was apparently used by Glier, any number of zither makers could have easily incorporated this design feature. My Wünsche, made in 2006, also has one.
ornament.jpg
ornament.jpg (101.58 KiB) Viewed 1938 times
Dave
We do not take humor seriously enough. —Konrad Lorenz
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