Google "Spectra fishing line" very strong, highly stretch resistant. Another high strength, low stretch fiber is "DYNEEMA" (high modulus polyethylene fiber) "Spectra" might actually be this stuff, different brand names and formulations for different applications. Fishing line seems to be the most basic & readily available for the leader application. Braided stuff may be more easily tied securely to the string than monofilament. I doubt that anything in .60 - .80 mm would damage anything under normal lute string tensions.
Absolutely start with a thorough nut inspection. If the groove is misshapen in any way, or off angle to the path of the string so as to cause string binding, and/or rough spots, the no-stretch material may just speed up the time it takes to break the string while turning the peg.Then lubricate- bees wax, graphite, whatever. Also make sure the small end of the peg is not catching first, while there is play in the large end- that can drive one totally crazy trying to tune. I have never needed leader for that purpose, only used it at times when it made it possible to get two strings out of one length. (Who doesn't want 1/2 price gut?). I've also never had anything slip on the peg as long as the end coming out the back end of the peghole passes under the part being wound onto the string. Hope this all helps- Dan On Jan 1, 2012, at 10:49 PM, Herbert Ward wrote: > > We had a discussion similar to this three years ago > (Dec 7 2008). However, I'd like to revisit the subject with > my question rephrased to focus more closely on my problem. > > Stretching of strings between the nut and the peg is causing > me severe difficulty in tuning -- I can turn the peg > 90 or 120 degrees with no response in the pitch. > > Lubricating the nut is of course a possibility. > > But I'd also like to try replacing the portion of the string > between nut and peg with a leader of some material which > (a) does not stretch, > (b) can be tied securely and easily to the string, > (c) will not slip on the peg, > (d) will not damage anything, > (e) is strong enough, and > (f) is readily available. > > Does anyone have experience in this? > > > > To get on or off this list see list information at > http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
