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Viola String Tensions
This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the viola. The string length is assumed to be about 36cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a-415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less. You can use this table to find out what sort of tension you are using on your viola. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are two listings for the G-3 and C-4 strings. There is one listing each for wound strings and for plain gut strings. If you have any questions about string tensions that are not answered here, please e-mail: support@gamutmusic.com
| Diameter | Tension | ||
| Note | in mm | in Kg | |
| Viola a-1 treble gut | |||
| a | Light | 0.72 | 4.80 |
| a | Light+ | 0.74 | 5.10 |
| a | Medium | 0.76 | 5.40 |
| a | Medium+ | 0.78 | 5.60 |
| a | Heavy | 0.80 | 5.90 |
| a | Heavy+ | 0.82 | 6.20 |
| Viola d-2 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string | |||
| d | Light | 1.00 | 4.20 |
| d | Light+ | 1.02 | 4.30 |
| d | Medium | 1.04 | 4.50 |
| d | Medium+ | 1.06 | 4.70 |
| d | Heavy | 1.08 | 4.80 |
| d | Heavy+ | 1.10 | 5.00 |
| Viola G-3 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string | |||
| G | Light | 1.48 | 4.00 |
| G | Light+ | 1.50 | 4.20 |
| G | Medium | 1.54 | 4.40 |
| G | Medium+ | 1.56 | 4.40 |
| G | Heavy | 1.58 | 4.80 |
| G | Heavy+ | 1.60 | 4.70 |
| Viola G-3 Silver wound string | |||
| G | Light | .78 | 4.00 |
| G | Light+ | .80 | 4.10 |
| G | Medium | .82 | 4.30 |
| G | Medium+ | .84 | 4.40 |
| G | Heavy | .86 | 4.60 |
| G | Heavy+ | .88 | 4.70 |
| Viola C-4 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string | |||
| C | Light | 2.10 | 3.62 |
| C | Light+ | 2.14 | 3.80 |
| C | Medium | 2.20 | 4.00 |
| C | Medium+ | 2.26 | 4.20 |
| C | Heavy | 2.36 | 4.60 |
| C | Heavy+ | 2.42 | 4.80 |
| Viola C-4 Silver wound | |||
| C | Light | 1.10 | 3.62 |
| C | Light+ | 1.12 | 3.80 |
| C | Medium | 1.14 | 4.00 |
| C | Medium+ | 1.16 | 4.20 |
| C | Heavy | 1.18 | 4.60 |
| C | Heavy+ | 1.20 | 4.80 |
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Hand-made in the USA by Gamut Music, Inc., a leader in the revival of early music strings and instruments. Gut strings are not intended to be used with fine tuners or string adjusters, and those devices should be removed before installing the gut string on the instrument.
All Gamut Academie strings (pure gut and gut/metal-wound) are made with beef serosa unless they specifically say "Sheep Gut." All pure gut Tricolore violin and viola strings are made with sheep gut; gut/metal-wound Tricolore and all Red Diamond strings are made with beef serosa.
Gamut gut string gauges are approximate (≈) diameter. Meaning, that while a ≈0.60mm string is polished in the workshop to a diameter of 0.60mm, changes in ambient humidity, temperature, shipping, and storage conditions can cause to string to expand or contract slightly.
Gimped gut strings and custom gauged equal tension strings are gauged with the equivalent-gauge (=) system. This means that the gauge listed, such as =1.50mm, indicates that the string is approximately equal in weight to a plain gut string of that diameter. Of course, because the wire is much heavier than gut, the string will be much thinner than a plain gut string.
More information about Gamut gut strings, string types, gauges, and string tensions can be found on our FAQ/Articles page. Not finding an answer to your question? Please contact us directly: support@gamutmusic.com.