Sigh... a wave of incoming projects means that I have to be a bit prepared with the instruments that I'm going to be using. Most of the projects are for period instrument groups... that is my main focus after all, but there are some scattered modern Classical projects as well, and that requires a different set up of strings (steel instead of gut... ).

So, firstly, I will need to string up my "high" violin for a symphony orchestra use case... this violin is the one that I use for "higher" pitches at A430, A440, and A466. A430 is for period instrument classical and uses guts, as are the A440/A466 versions, where I use thinner gauge guts to compensate for the higher tension... and those pitches tend to occur for earlier Baroque repertoire in period instrument groups.

However, modern symphony orchestras will be at the A440 region... and they need steel strings... and the pictured fine tuner for the e string. I don't tend to play in symphony orchestras very much, it really isn't my thing. My particular specialisation leads me to interpret and read music quite differently from the regular Classical player, and the approach and style of playing doesn't really sit comfortably with me. However, like any freelancer, if I'm free I'll play. Although, most of last year, I wasn't ever able to do the projects that were offered... and this year, I can only do a couple.

But... in a few weeks, I will be doing a project with the symphony, and I need to have this violin ready and settled to play straight away.

Meanwhile, I am borrowing this viola for a student to play in some coming concerts... unfortunately, it hasn't been played that often in recent years... and so, it will need to be restrung completely... to replace the missing string, but also because the other ones are just dull to play on. The viola is pretty decent, I still like mine better... but that is what you get for having a lifelong partner in music!

Unfortunately, the lower two strings will be steel instead of gut... I didn't have spare guts that I could put on this one for such a short period of time (one month)... and the two steel ones will be sufficient for what is required.

... and then my two main instruments... these need a complete restring on both of them... nothing wrong with the strings, but again... after a while they get sluggish and dull to play on, and that is never a nice feeling!

So, after all of this string maintenance, I will need to do another large order of gut strings from Europe. Sigh... the ongoing expenses of keeping your instruments and equipment in top shape!

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