String Tube?
I just ordered one of the Bobelock Halfmoon fiberglass cases and it comes with a string tube. I was wondering what it's used for and tried searching online for some information. I found one other site where this was brought up but noone really knew.
I know that some gut strings come in tubes rather then coiled. It's best to keep any extra gut strings in your case uncoiled and in a tube. But what about synthetic strings? I heard these are best kept in their paper cases in the case and that if put in the string tube they react with the plastic and deteriorate. Is that true? I use Thomastik Dominants and plan on sticking an extra set in my case just in... case. Anyone have any knowledge they want to share?
Replies (22)
I always keep a spare set of dominants and a few extra Gold label E's in the tube no problems...
When i was younger i recall .... dominant strings also came packaged in bulk like gut strings (uncoiled) in the shoppe display out of a thick glass tube jar with a lil label on the ball end.
Well if you use pre-packaged strings it really has no use, but if you have a penchant for Eudoxas or Olivs, how else can you keep an extra set of strings with you
I can't see them making any difference unless the tube keeps a better constant humidity % for real gut strings??? And that doesn't make any since either. A case humidifier sould do that. I think it's just for aesthetics, it somehow looks cool.
royce
Well, if not used to store strings, I suppose it could be used to shoot spitballs at the cello section
Sam - a technical posting question: how did you post the photo here?
Good question, how do you post the pictures?
I didn't know you could post pics either...testing...
...nope...test failed...
Hey Seth- I have good friends here in Wyoming from Stuben and Bar Harbor. One use to own the Golden Anchor and whale sight seeing tours. Have you ever been to Geddy's?
First of all, the image has to be stored some where and accessible from here. Then use html tag
<img src=" image location">
Attaching a photo? Quite simple really...
It's all about the mouse
- right click photo
- left click "save"
- left click "paste"
Hmmm...when I right-click on a photo, "save" is not among the options I get.
BTW, back on topic, they are designed to hold those gut strings that come in an uncoiled version. What I've done in a couple of my cases is punch holes in the tube with a hammer and nail - not easy! - and put 1 or 2 dampits into the tube, b.c. I didn't want them moving around in my violin. This way, some moisture slowly escapes into the case This was before "strettos", which I'm not totally crazy about either. In that regard, the easiest thing in those cases with a bult-in space for it, is a small water bottle.
Speaking of humidifiers, I just bought an Oasis. $20, they're amazing. They make ones that go in the case. They're small, cheap, and work well.
Not very helpful advice in this situation, but I know someone who keeps peppermints in her string tube...
Raphael, use the toolbar of your browser on the top and view the page source of Sam's post, you'll find img src="http://www.animationplayhouse.com/Mouse-mouse.gif" as I mentioned in my previous post.
I use the tube to store all my pre-stretched gut strings. If you want to attach photos, use Window Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox won't work.
I
I've always wonder the same questions, and since I never use gut strings then the tube is gonna be useless?!
I just wonder if it's better if I store new strings in the tube or put it in the original paper package?
I drilled holes in mine and I put dampits in there for humidity.
I did that too Michael - but when I discussed it on a topic here I was advised that it was a bad idea - the danger is that the humidity could get too high and damage the violin. Are you in a particularly low humidity area?
If the string tube is plactic, simply heat a pin with a match (make certain you are wearing a glove or something, so the pin doesn't burn your fingers), then it can easily push through the tube. instead of a match, a candle can keep the pin hot enough to make a number of holes (heat pin, make holes until it stops penetrating, re-heat, repeat.
Better yet, hold the pin with needle nose pliers.
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April 6, 2009 at 04:12 AM ·
I never use the string tube, as cool as the idea of it is!