Musical instrument strings and method for making the same

Abstract

An improved musical instrument string combines the attributes of superior corrosion resistance, low stiffness, low tension at pitch, and long life during storage and end use. The potential for galvanic coupling between the winding and core of wound strings is minimized, or eliminated through the use of a cathodic core, which is preferably comprised of a titanium alloy; and metal windings of either titanium, nickel, a nickel alloy, or a surface modified copper alloy, where the preferred surface modifier is a compound from the azole family. The resultant strings are lower in stiffness, and impart a lower cumulative tension on stringed instruments when compared to conventional metallic strings. The ends of the strings, including both ends of the wound strings, as well as one end of the non-wound strings, are preferably encapsulated with polymeric sheathings to maintain winding tightness over time, to maintain tuning at pitch, to maintain sound quality over time, and to protect the instrument bridge from excessive wear during end use. Preferred polymeric sheathings, such as polyvinylidene chloride or nylon, are used outside the speaking length of the string, so as not to dampen or modulate the tonal characteristics of the string during its vibration.