DANIEL CORSANO

This tool has the potential to save a lot of time, money and uncertainty to people who build/repair/modify string instruments or experiment with different reference frequencies, tunings or string types. It is based on Mersenne’s Law, which describes the relationship between string tension, string length (mensure), and vibration frequency (pitch).

f = (1 / 2L) × √(T / μ)

Where:

• f = frequency (Hz)
• L = vibrating length / mensure (m)
• T = tension (N)
• μ = linear mass density (kg/m)

If you change any of these variables, for example because you have an instrument that is a different length, a different tuning system, or a new string type, it changes the others. Even to find the correct string set for a classical guitar with standard tuning can be a lengthy process, each step closer to the ideal requiring the purchase of a new string set, putting it on the guitar, waiting for it to settle, and playing it. When one starts changing the length of the instrument or the tuning, it gets complicated very quickly.

Stringulator provides a convenient interface to add or remove strings, change which variables are locked or solved for, and help you find what you are looking for, whether it is the ideal length of an instrument, the ideal string set, the ideal tuning, or all of these.. Then you can cross-reference the results with string sets available online as well as generic averages for various string types, and download the results as a CSV file. It works on all string instruments and string materials, as material is abstracted to linear density.

Visit tuniverso.com/stringulator to give it a spin.

Consider Supporting

I created this alone, and it will be free and open source forever. For issues and feature requests please use GitHub. If you find it useful, please consider supporting me so I can improve this tool and create more.

About the string database

The tool includes a database of common string gauges and materials compiled from public sources and manufacturer specifications. I assembled it based on based on what is easily available online and what I need, but contributions are welcome. if you are interested, please contact me.