Technical data
| Core | rope steel |
| Winding | chrome |
| Line | Superflexible |
| Instrument | Cello |
| Size | 1/2 |
| Gauge | medium |
| Supplied as | Single strings |
| Item number | ST-SF786-D12 |
Description
Tonally Superflexible impress with a pleasing warmth and a modulation capacity that works for both classical and contemporary repertoire.
Scope of delivery
- Single strings: D string, G string
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.
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.
