[W&B] Re: Shutter - "string" set

[Milan Zahorcak]

Fred,
 
The rest of the group may not understand what your message was in response
to.
 
 
Dear rest of the group,
 
Fred is doing a repair on a Huttig shutter and he sent me a pic of it.  It
appears to be a "string set" shutter:
 
http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/milanpub/Misc/Huttig.jpg
 
I've repaired similar shutters in my time and I asked Fred if all he needed
was the appropriate "string?"  Most manufacturers actually used a catgut
"string."  It isn't cat-gut, of course, but it is sheep intestine.
 
For those of you with similar problems, I suggest visiting your local music
shop and asking them for a "Viola D string" - it's very close to what most
manufacturers used.  
 
It comes coiled in a small envelope and is quite stiff.  You may want to
soak it in some hot water for a little while, then pull it straight.  Makes
it easier to work with.  Don't soak too long because there is a sort of
fiber and it may separate.
 
But it has to be gut.  Fred's shop apparently only carried steel strings.
 
One other note, if you can find a music shop that does stringed instrument
repairs, ask them if they've kept any old used D-strings . . . the used
strings have a nice old color to them - as in Fred's pic.
 
Also, while the Viola D-string may be authentic, 72-lb braided nylon
Sturgeon leader - except for being pure white - looks good if you "age" it.
It is soft, flexible, easy to work with and very strong.
 
http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/milanpub/Misc/sturgeon.jpg
 
It actually works as well or better because the system isn't fighting the
springy-stiffness of the gut string.  Local fishing shops out here (Oregon)
carry it, but if you can't find it, drop me a note and I'll send you a
couple of feet.
 
Can also be used to restring certain pleated window shades and blinds . . .
which is a lot less fun, but can save you quite a few bucks.
 
mz
 
 <http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/milanpub/Misc/Huttig.j>  
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: woodandbrass-bounces at kjsl.com [mailto:woodandbrass-bounces at kjsl.com]
On Behalf Of Marenfred at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2007 12:43 PM
To: woodandbrass at kjsl.com
Subject: [W&B] Re: Shutter



Milan,
Just for the record, the 3 large music shops here in northern NJ have only
steel viola strings. The only fishing tackle place in my neck of the woods
is out of business. So I will be doubly grateful when your envelope arrives.
Cheers,
Fred

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