We looked for a solution to the tail-string issue for quite some time. First there was gut, followed by steel, and replaced by nylon in some cases.
Gut has obvious properties. But even steel and nylon have some properties that could be better, which we explore here.
Nylon: Pretty straight forward. The material is not really ideal, because of it's elasticity. Light weight, easy to use, cheap.
The drawbacks are:
Hygroscopic- It does not attract water as much as bow hair, but it does, thus changing its length and weight.
Thermoplastic- it reacts to temperature change.
Elasticity- not obvious if you look at a violin tailpiece, but think nylon pantyhose and you get the picture.
Steel: Heavier, and the properties are defined by the additives found in it.
Titanium: is lighter than steel, but very pricey and brittle
Carbon: The amount of carbon defines the elasticity. The more carbon, the more brittle the steel alloy is, not enough and the steel alloy is too elastic.
We had different samples of steel analysed and the results where very worrying, ranging from decent to paperclip quality.
Climbing ropes: The ropes used for climbing are strong and light weight. But were not developed for this use, eventhough some of you might be using them. This is obvious since it does not really matter, even if you are hanging from a cliff how it sounds... You are glad you are still hanging there.
The TechTendon has been specially developed for tail string use! It uses REAL Kevlar® ! Some other ones on the market use something simlar to Kevlar, but not the licenced actual material Kevlar®
It displays virtually no elasticity at temperatures instruments feel conformable with. It is lighter and stronger than anything else we could find. Also when comparing it directly to other "Tailcords" of similar nature, it is obvious the TechTendon is a tighter braid and has less slack inherent in it, so there is less play in it to start with. And once it has a settled the length it does not change, unlike some other currently availible options.
Kevlar® is several times(9 x) stronger than steel and also much lighter. Beware of other imitation polyfiber tail cords. If the MFG is not willing to state clearly with the packaging and trademark it is made with Kevlar®, it probubly isn't. This means strength, stretch and durability are all in question if it is not specifically Kevlar®. This cord is not as hard and "wire like" as the Violin TechTendon. It is more bendable, and easily tied in a knot. This is due to a difference in outer poly covering (necessary as Kevlar® degrades with direct sunlight frequencies)
Length: 40 cm
Holding capacity: 180 KG
Less than 1% stretch MFG specification
Inside Scoop
Tips on setup:
Set the TechTendon really tight the first time, because in the first week it will actually gain a bit of room by extension by tension, not stretching, this is less than in comparison to it's competitors, from what we have seen. The setting gives you about an extra 1mm in length with a typical violin setting. However after that is will not adjust any further. It is a fabric but it is stronger and lighter than steel so don't try cutting it with your favourite knife. Sindging the ends with something less than a blow torch is not going to work either.
We found to have the best results by using double knots to secure it on the tailpiece. Some people like to seal the ends with a very small droplet of crazy-glue. Just be careful, we don't advise it but some like the results.
