Technical data
| Line | Peter Infeld |
| Instrument | Cello |
| Size | 4/4 |
| Gauge | medium |
| Supplied as | Set and single strings |
| Item number | ST-PI400-SET44 |
Description
The sound carries reliably even in large concert halls.
Scope of delivery
- Available as a complete set
- Single strings: A string, D string, G string tungsten, C string silver
Sound and physics
The construction of the string (string length, tension, cross section, material properties) keeps its overtones close to the harmonic series; the higher partials lie only fractionally above the exact multiples of the fundamental. In wound strings this is achieved by the composite design of a thin, flexible core with one or more windings of metal ribbon or wire, which puts a lot of mass on the string with little bending stiffness.
A string tuned to the same pitch on the same string length carries proportionally more mass per metre (linear mass density) when it is under higher tension.
Under the bow the travelling kink of the Helmholtz motion (the string sticks to the bow hair and slips back) stays sharp on the flexible string, and the bridge receives a sawtooth force that contains every overtone of the fundamental.
A low C string typically produces more than 40 clearly contributing harmonics.
When the fundamental of a string meets a strongly coupled body resonance, a wolf tone can appear, a note that stutters and jumps. A small weight between bridge and tailpiece on the string concerned damps and shifts this resonance; we carry wolf eliminators of 7 g and 9 g for this.
The PI400 set combines the A string PI41 and D string PI42 in carbon steel with a multi alloy, and the G string PI43 and C string PI44 with a spiral rope core and tungsten chrome winding. At 60.5 kg the set sits, among the eight Thomastik cello lines we compare here by their 4/4 medium set figure, Alphayue, Belcanto Gold, Dominant, Dominant Pro, Peter Infeld, Rondo, Spirocore and Versum Solo, level with Versum Solo and 0.7 kg below Rondo at 61.2 kg.
The tungsten in the winding of G and C (19,300 kg/m³, the highest density of the string metals) allows very thin and at the same time heavy windings there. The steel spiral rope core (7,800 to 8,000 kg/m³, modulus of elasticity as a measure of material stiffness 190,000 to 210,000 MPa) is built from many twisted wires and is therefore far more flexible than a single wire.
Our experience
For us, Peter Infeld is the noble, romantic set in the cello range, rich in colour and with a middle register that carries a long way. It responds quickly and stays easy to control, even when things get loud. We recommend it above all when a cello sounds bright or sharp and needs more depth.
When another model suits you better
When a cello mainly needs carrying power for solo playing we recommend Versum Solo, and when it needs compact, dark focus, Rondo. Peter Infeld is the choice in between, when warmth and carrying power count equally.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the lower strings wound?
The winding adds mass to the string without making it stiff. On the same string length a low note at similar tension needs a much higher linear mass density, and the metal of the winding supplies it.
How much does tension change when I tune higher?
From 440 Hz to 442 Hz, as many orchestras tune today, tension rises by about 0.9 per cent, and to 445 Hz by about 2.3 per cent.
What are the frequencies of the cello's open strings?
At A = 440 Hz and pure fifths they are about 65.2 Hz (C), 97.8 Hz (G), 146.7 Hz (D) and 220 Hz (A).
Where do I put the wolf eliminator?
Between bridge and tailpiece on the string where the wolf appears. Its weight shifts and damps the resonance of the system made of string, bridge and body.
What is the tension of the Peter Infeld cello set?
The PI400 medium set in 4/4 has 60.5 kg.
How long does Peter Infeld take to settle in?
The maker gives about five hours of playing for Peter Infeld.
These texts hold decades of experience and a great deal of heart. They are protected by copyright, C.A. Götz jr. GmbH. Please ask us before any use. Thank you for your appreciation.
