Tail Gut Tuning Page....
(Modified 11/2020)
(Violin_86/112)
...Now that the violin is strung up and well tuned, we can turn our attention to the tailgut of the tailpiece: ( Do this step after the violin has been strung up for some time to the stretch of the tailgut has reached equilibrium.)
...When we tap the tail gut horizontally ; we want this tap tone to be: 287 HZ.
...This will also help with the brilliance of the tones played as well as the timber. It can really make a fine difference!
...The two tail gut lengths are tuned separately; and should each be the same frequency: 287 HZ.
{..... I want to express my thanks to Pierre Lieba for his work on tail gut tap tuning and his encouragement that it is an important area to tap tune.}
..Direction to tap for frequency. We want this tap tone to be: 287 HZ. . The two sides are tuned separately.
..If the tap tone is too high, evenly file the outside surfaces (top and back), with a very fine jewelers file until the proper frequency is reached on both sides.
..If the tap tone of the tail gut is TOO LOW, then loosen the strings, (first marking the back position of the bridge with blue tape and a pen/pencil).Slip them from the tailpiece, turn it over and adjust the tailpiece screws to shorten the tail gut position from the saddle to almost touching. Refit; retune; and the then the tail gut tap tone should be above 287 HZ. Do the above process to lower to 287 HZ evenly on both sides.