Monday 7, sept 2015 preview, published today 20nov2020
好奇藝術 Kunstkammer 52 : DIY silk strings for guqinResearch Creation of xyzQin #1 and #2 :: (from 2013-ongoing)
phase 1.2 :: customised Silk String for guqin - with de-facto advisor Alexander Raykov
My objective is to make both a qin and all the accessories including the strings myself.
How is this feasible?
In the old ancient days, qin people (players, master craftsmen) were all able to make their own qin and strings. Why couldnt we do it today? (ref. here)
Has the context for Qin music, qin people esthetics, Qin culture itself changed?
If yes, great!
If not, how do you know for sure that it hasn't?
What has changed and where has it not changed?
While we could think about these questions, in the mean time, we could take a look at the very famous "silk string", "guqin string" problematic.
Currently:
silk strings are available from the 1//commercial top group to 2//general commercial folk group and - maybe - a third group - 3// commercial small batch artisants from US and maybe elsewhere. 4// customised DIY very small batch.
1//, 2//and 3// are availble at a price range from 1000us to 40us, 4//no price available.
In terms of qualities of play, we will get opinions from expert players as we go along.
My strings will belong to the DIY group.
Next DIY Objective:
Making a set of custom strings for the xyxQin #1 and #2
Phase 1.2.
Phase 2 =>3d printing, or composite qin, a new method of making xyzQin #3 and #4
Final output:
A small series new prototype composite material quqin with
a// new composite strings, b//small batch silk strings
Current stage:
After I completed the xyz #1 and #2 - the new graphics skin-tattoo will take time to develop - so next step is to see about DIY customised strings.
I have done a workshop with Charles Besnainou 2015, who is a master carbon fiber guitar, luth maker from CNRS of France.
We experimented with nylon polyester material - v interesting knowledge.
More pictures here:
http://swannbb.blogspot.fr/2015/05/kunstkammer-46-diy-strings-for-guqin.html
I then, visited the very famous Suxin Qin silk string maker, Suxin, the creator and Geng Wang scientific expert - in Beijing.
More pictures here:
Very beautiful strings and custom adjusted strings available.
Their experiences confirm the knowledge that I have learnt from Prof Charles Besnainou.
Now comes phase 2.a:
So, I thought, maybe time to buy the special nylon material now and begin the composite qin strings.
Also comes phase 2.b:
Next, I found some very beautiful 100% vintage silk thread made in France.
And consulting John Thompson's web site, I found Master Alexander Raykov - from US, one of the three silk string maker in the world outside of China.
I wrote him a letter and suddenly, I found that in fact, master Raykov says, I could make my own silk strings! And some professional violin players prefer strings made this method.
So, with the reassurance and help of Master Alexander Raykov as de facto advisor, I will first work on the DIY silk string.
To continue.
additional info on silk string making:
On fb, Hidekazu Hashimoto reveals talks
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