Storing Strings: Coiled or straight?

January 3, 2011 at 02:29 AM ·

I'd also like to know which is better. As it happens, I use both methods. One violin case has a string tube of gut strings, and the other has packets of coiled strings (mostly gut). My spare Es are in packets because I can see no joy in trying to persuade a steel E (that came coiled) to sit comfortably in a straight tube.

January 3, 2011 at 02:53 AM ·

There is another thread talked about this, and people ended up using their string tube as a humidifier.

I have got a Bobelock case 3 days ago, and seeing the string tube first time in my life. not sure what is the difference, I put my Goldbrokat E and Tonica A into it. I'll update if i see any difference once I replace them.

i think the string is coiled mainly for storing purpose, since it's tiresome and not convinent to store string in their full straight lenght. Well, I just guess so,

January 3, 2011 at 08:16 AM ·

They are in the shop for years coiled so I can't imagine its bad for them - else maybe they would be on large rolls and sold by the inch? :). 

January 3, 2011 at 09:59 AM ·

Many strings are sold one by one out of a big tube (this is the fact at my local violin maker's shop, for example). The string tube is for storing these straight strings without having to coil them and risk damage. This was more important when gut strings were standard.

Coiled strings should remain so until they are used.

January 3, 2011 at 10:51 AM ·

When I was using my previous violin, I would just keep new strings coiled up in their original packaging, and then when I would remove strings on my violin that were to become my spare set, I would just coil them back in the packaging. The case I bought with my new violin came with a string tube, so now I put spares into the tube, but I still keep the new strings coiled. Also, when I need to grab a spare, it's easier to string onto my violin because it's nice and straight, although worn, in shape.

January 3, 2011 at 12:27 PM ·

When I used to use covered gut strings, they were sold from a tube (straight) and everyone's experience wasthat if you coiled them, it damaged the covering. Now most people seem to use artificial gut strings, they are sold coiled and I find it most convenient keeping them that way. After all, you can even slip a set in a pocket in case of emergencies on stage!

January 3, 2011 at 12:48 PM ·

@Tobias: Any reason for this statement  "Coiled strings should remain so until they are used."?

January 3, 2011 at 01:35 PM ·

Because it's better not to warp or bend such a delicate thing like a string more than necessary. They won't get damaged at once, but why risk it at all?

January 3, 2011 at 01:56 PM ·

 I can't find the thread as hard as I look, but there was a topic on this fairly recently. I'm not a string expert in any way, but I do seem to recall people mentioning that the plastic of the string tube can react with the metal on strings if they are not intended to be in a string tube - basically coiled strings. So since reading that I've not thought about even putting strings in a tube and I just prefer to keep them in their original packet coiled up. 

Of course, If I bought straight strings, this is where the string tube would come in handy. I would recommend leaving the whole string tube thing until the day you buy straight strings. Or use it for a humidifier or something. :) 

Take care

January 3, 2011 at 02:11 PM ·

Years ago when there was only gut strings they came coiled just like the synthetic ones do today.  So I'm not sure it damages them either.  COuld be a bit of mystique.

After all, they are coiled in their original location :D

January 4, 2011 at 12:56 AM ·

Actually, I used to buy Eudoxas out of a large glass jar.  (This would have been mid-70's to early 80's.)  They never had been coiled, and it was supposedly important to keep them straight.  At the time, steel strings came coiled in the little paper envelopes, just like now.  I haven't even seen a glass jar of strings in ages, now that I think about it.  Like someone else said, my understanding was that it was to keep the metal wrapping from kinking.  Seeing as it's hardly ever done, though, I wonder if the reason wasn't something particular to gut.

Most of the nicer cases do come with a string tube.  Old habits die hard?  I always keep new strings in their paper packages, old ones coiled in one of the case's pockets.

January 4, 2011 at 02:01 AM ·

A violin shop in Bristol still keeps some strings in a glass jar, although most are kept in cabinet drawers.