I'm currently building a tampura - and have run into a slight challenge. My nut-to bridge length is right at 40" - so I need LONG strings - that guitar shops just don't keep in stock. I have ordered rolls of music wire (1/4 lb rolls - in the appropriate gauges) so I'll have a LOT of music wire for projects... My challenge comes in as this:
Most of the projects I see make use of the ball-end of the commercially manufactured strings. Is there a good method for attaching string that has been purchased in a bulk roll and does not have ball-ends?
(i.e. a DIY ball-end, or maybe a method of tying/attaching the cigar box body end of the strings that works and does not allow a tied end to slip & go out of tune while playing?) The wire I purchased is spring-steel music wire (Precision brand).
Rex S.
Tags:
Ron,
Do you have a pic or drawing of what would look like?
I got some of that wire, they sell it on ebay for pianos and harpsichords. On my 1 string diddley, I tend to change the strings a lot (because I try out different sorts and sizes, not because they break). I just use a small washer, as a sort of "ball end" twisted onto the end of the string cut from the long roll. It is a doddle to drop it over the screw that sticks out the end of the diddley bow, then tighten and tune as normal
Alot of mountain dulcimers use loop end strings, they're easy to twist together and simple to use with a mando tail piece or a small nail with the string looped over the head. Banjos also use the loop end string.
That sounds like a good way for making the loop ends. Thank you!
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