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string replacement

Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 8:31 pm
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

Re: string replacement

Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 9:45 pm
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

Re: string replacement

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 7:46 am
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

Re: string replacement

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 9:10 pm
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 2013 times
string2.jpg
string2.jpg (107.9 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

Re: string replacement

Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:28 am
by henrylrjr
Thanks for the pics Dave.
How do I add photos?

Thanks,
henrylrjr

Re: string replacement

Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:42 am
by henrylrjr
Thanks for the pics Dave.Here are some of my repaired zither.

Re: string replacement

Posted: Sat May 23, 2015 11:59 am
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

Re: string replacement

Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 8:48 am
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

Re: string replacement

Posted: Sun May 31, 2015 10:42 am
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 1974 times
Dave