Mike's Oud Forums

measuring string gauges???

Jaffa Road - 1-14-2024 at 10:28 AM

Suppose you are measuring the strings gauges on an instrument b/c you lost track of what you have on there.

Or you want to know the string gauges in a package of strings where the manufacturer does not say what the actual gauges are.

When measuring with a micrometer does it matter if the strings are in the package or tuned to pitch on the instrument, as in does tuning them up to pitch stretch them in such as way as to make the diameter very slightly less?

If so I would assume that the measurements given by manufacturers is the in the package gauge?

rojaros - 1-22-2024 at 02:23 PM

In my experiments the diameter of strings does change with the stretch. They maker never tell what their figures mean.

Just measure the diameter before and after stretching with a micrometer and then you'll know for yourself.

I measure them before putting on the instrument, then I use the Arto's string calculator to have an estimate of the tension that is roughly to be expected.