< Back to Articles

Converting String Gauge Measurements

Gamut strings are gauged by millimeter diameter, but there are other popular gauging systems for measuring strings. The below information can be used to easily convert other gauges:

  • To change from millimeter to pirazzi-meter, divide the millimeter number by .05

  • To change from pirazzi-meter to millimeter, multiply the pirazzi-meter number by .05

  • To change from millimeter to thousandths of an inch, divide the millimeter number by 25.4

  • To change from thousandths of an inch to millimeter, multiply the thousandths number by 25.4


For example, a 14.5 pirazzi-meter violin a-2 gut string x .05 = 0.725mm.

#

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.