Hello Nancy, I'd suggest that there is not much wrong with your strings. The fifth course has probably stretched where fretted - loosening the spiral - and needs replacing if it affects intonation. Low twist strings are more difficult to make than higher twist. Other people than NRI have made twisted strings including myself, but NRI have been doing it for some years, have the machinery set up, and are pretty consistent. I'm a satisfied customer! Low twist strings are 'rougher' than others and I can understand that they could produce marks parallel to the frets. Looking at my 1974 bandora there does seem to be the beginning of something similar to your description on its low twist fourth course. I've never noticed it on originals but will be looking in future. There is only one bandora - the renamed 'orpharion' by John Rose at Helmingham (see Ian Harwood's recent booklet) - and two(?) orpharions - the Palmer in Copenhagen and the less authenticated anon in Braunschweig. Not enough citterns either... Best wishes, Peter
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