What's the deal with strings anyway?

We all play them, yet we often don't give much though to them.

What, exactly, goes into a string?  What's inside those metal windings?

Our chat today with D'Addario Orchestral Product Manager Lyris Hung answers these questions and much more!

Our episode is divided into three parts:

• Part 1 - the mystery of strings
  • eliminating confusion
• Part 2 - how strings are put together
  • core
  • damping
  • winding
• Part 3 - caring for your strings
  • how strings are damaged
  • how to prevent this damage
  • ways you might be actually wrecking your strings despite your best intentions

Links to check out:

• Helmholtz bowed string video
• How orchestral strings are made
• Jason's string comparison guide

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

The Upton Bass String Instrument Company.  Upton's Concord model is the first truly authentic New England double bass that they’ve made. Beautiful sloping shoulders (the same upper bouts as their Gary Karr Upton Double Bass), Busetto corners, Prescott ff-holes, flat maple back and sides (many grades available) with deep ribs (lined outside) and a deluxe spruce top combined with a finely detailed scroll, button and hand-cut tuners that pay homage to Prescott while keeping with their own highly-revered and uniquely New England tradition of instrument building.

Bass Violin Shop -  Offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

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