Why is my string clanking?

Clanking, i.e. a metallic overtone, is amplified on the E-string, in particular. Strings need a special distribution of shape and mass over the entire vibrating string length, in order to produce the desired sound, modulation ability, sound clarity and color as well as fifth purity without any clanking. The more precise the distribution, the higher the quality of the string and the longer the sound lasts. We are talking about a precision in micrometers (µm). A micrometer is a thousandth of a millimeter = 0.001 mm. Thomastik-Infeld works with high-precision machinery in the range of 0.5 micrometers (µm), which equals 0.0005 mm.

The clanking mainly affects chromium steel strings, but also tin-plated E-strings. However, any string can be affected in principle, as it will no longer sound absolutely pure after a period of time, due to wear and tear. When a string begins to clank, it must be replaced.

 

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