Hi All,
I'm a newbie on this forum, but many of you contacted me about the insightful posting Ken Smith did on February 8th. Here is the thread link:
String Winding Machines
Contrary, there are strings manually handmade. Here is a newer 60sec video showing how it is done using the Torque Style winding method:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2217704
If you’re really interested, here is the geek speak…
There are two types of string winding methods seen above:
1. Open Style (seen in Ken's link)
2. Torque Style (seen in the Professor String video above)
OPEN STYLE
Open style winding is the type of string winding Ken Smith refers to, and is used by virtually every mass production string manufacturer (D’Addario, GHS, Ernie Ball, DR…etc.). Open Style winding completely relies on the tension of the core/wrap wires to make a bass string. The windings are layered, and not compressed side-to-side. Open Style is desired for it’s ability to make large quantities of strings. As Ken mentioned, it is virtually impossible to get good quality strings, using open style winding without machine automation.
TORQUE STYLE
Strings made with Torque Style winding rely on a torque spring fixture to move along the string as it is made. The windings are compressed side-to-side. This method of string winding was used in some of the legendary concert Grands that thundered in the early days. Torque Style is desired for it’s ability to create windings that give ultra rich full bodied sound and long sustain.
IMO, Vinci’s goals were focused more on mass production needs versus sound and tonal characteristics. Open Style is more automation friendly, but Torque Style creates strings with tonal characteristics unachievable by the Open Style winding method.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Cheers!
-Prof
