String Winding Machines

[Phil Mailloux]

Just saw a video on youtube on winding strings with an automated winder.


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?

 

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Just saw a video on youtube on winding strings with an automated winder.
. 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.

 

[Phil Mailloux]

Thanks very much Ken, it's much appreciated!

You wouldn't happen to have pics of those Vinci machines by any chance? I'd be curious to see workings of them.

Yes, I understand that handwound strings aren't wound by hand. I handwound my pickups, that doesn't mean I spend 200 hours turning 8000 turns of wire around my bobbins with my thumb and index

 

[PrecisionBass]

I work at DR, and here we still handwind all the strings...

 

[KSB - Ken Smith]

I work at DR, and here we still handwind all the strings...

Hand FED or Hand Wound? You actually wrap the string around the Core wire by hand each turn or you have a machine of some sort?

 

[Phil Mailloux]

I work at DR, and here we still handwind all the strings...

Do you happen to have a couple of pics of how the process is done? Would be great to find out

 

[hasbeen]

I use "hand wound" DR strings on my "hand made" BSTR 6 string.

Hand made, hand wound, hand fed...... at the end of the day, I won't play anyother string but DR.