Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil Mailloux  Just saw a video on youtube on winding strings with an automated winder. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt6LmoY4F_E
It's got me wondering how strings were made in the old days, or at least how they're "handmade" these days. Which steps is done with a machine and what parts are handmade.
Does anyone have pics or videos on what hand wound string winders look like and how they're operated? |
The handwound machines work in the same way but are not as accurate or consistent as the automated computer controlled machines. The operator after loading the string and wire as seen on the video will not let go where the machine took over. On the older type machines that were hand-fed, the person will hold the string as the core spins and wraps itself as the hand guides the wire.
The cost of the automatic type machines is way way more expensive but much more accurate and quicker as well as more cost effective as well.
When thinking of a handmade Guitar or Violin as compared to these made with machines in production you can see a huge difference in the care and labor. With strings, it's just the opposite. First off, there is no such thing as a 'handmade' string.
Imagine a guy sitting with a pair of pliers wrapping a strings around the core for about 1567 (about..lol.. making that # up) windings along the length.. yeah.. right...lol.. It doesn't happen like that. Instead, they rely on a person able to control the tension, speed and angle plus judge the wire consistency as it goes thru the spool and make any necessary pressure adjustments making perfect stings one after the other... Monday thru Friday, 7am-4pm.. every string made perfect by hand?.. Keep dreaming..
No human can make strings as precise as an automated machine. On the other hand, building a Guitar, Violin or Bass by hand, no machine can feel or hear as a human does.
Hands are for wood and machines are for strings. Don't buy into all the hype ads you read. It just isn't so.
There is a reason why all the major string companies switched over to automated machines for Steel strings. It's a better way. When we first came out with our '
BareCore' and '
TaperCore' stings back in 1981-1983 (yes, we started way way back) the factory had to figure out how to make them with this altered core area over the bridge so they were hand fed (handmade) but only until they figured how to 'teach the machine' how to do it. Now and for about 20 years they are made on the automated controlled winding Machines.
On the machines, I know that D'Addario had made their own machines over 25 years ago. The most popular automated machine sold commercially and the one claimed to be the first to make them is Vinci,
Tom Vinci. I think that most companies either use Vinci machines, make or mod their own or buy from another company but I only know of Vinci as a commercial seller of machines.
"Amelio Vinci founded Vinci Strings in 1953".. etc as quoted in the link. I don't know if that's Tom's father or his Italian name. When last I saw him in Nashville about 10 years ago I would estimate him to be in his 60's back then, maybe more. So Amelio might be his father, I just don't know for sure. Although we have never done business together, he is a great guy and pleasant to chat with as I have known him for over 25 years.
handwound.. 
hand what? 
