Jocelyn, I don't think the issue is that the strings don't stay in
tune. Lower-pitched strings will, in general, probably hold their tune
better than higher.
Rather it's that when you move from one pitch to another while
playing, there is a slight lag as the string adjusts to its new
vibrating length before the new pitch sounds properly. This is true on
any string, but the amount of time it takes a higher-pitched string to
jump to the new pitch is so short that it isn't an issue: perceptually
it's instantaneous.
A lower string, however, can have enough lag that it it is audible and
creates a problem for faster playing. Try playing something that's
quite quick on your lower melody string vs. your higher strings and
see if you notice a difference in response. I'm willing to bet you'll
find there is (unless you happen to be set up in the way that Mike was
trying to arrive at).
-Arle
On Dec 14, 2007, at 4:16 PM, Jocelyn Demuth wrote:
Interesting - I have not had a lot of problem keeping the viola C in
tune on my HG and yes, it does have a great sound. I also use it
as my second melody string. It tends to stay in tune better than
the other D melody string - a gut string - but tuned an octave above
to violin D.
I also have not had difficulties with the low low D - my drone
is two octaves below middle C. Originally, I had a D drone one
octave below middle C - same as the melody string and it was
muddying the melody. The lower drone allows the melody strings to
be heard better. I used a cello C - strung for a 1/4 sized cello.
It doesn't play well with the G drone - can't get the two to tune
together at all. Actually, it doesn't much matter since it sounds
great all on it's own.
I suppose it's all a matter of taste. I play medieval and some
middle eastern music and that deep, baritone sound sounds fantastic
- plaintive and primitive. I don't see this working so well for
sprightly french tune.
