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Baroque Lute String Tensions

This table shows the tensions that result from the different gauges available for the baroque lute. The string length is assumed to be about 68cm and the pitch standard is assumed to be a=415. If the string length on your instrument is a little longer, then the tension will be a little more. If the string length on your instrument is a little shorter, then the tension will be a little less. Each string is listed with a type of gut that is used on the instrument. There are two listings for the F-8, E-9, D-10, C-11, B-12, and A-13 fundamental strings. One listing is for wound strings and the other is for plain gut strings.

The B-12 and A-13 strings are listed with two gauges. One is for use with a bass rider at 74cm and the other is for use with a bass extension at 78cm.

If you have any questions about string tensions that are not answered here, please contact us.

    Diameter Tension
Note   in mm in Kg
Lute f-1 treble gut
f Light .40 3.40
f Medium .42 3.70
f Heavy .44 4.00
Lute d-2 treble gut
d Light .48 3.40
d Medium .50 3.70
d Heavy .52 4.00
Lute a-3 treble gut
a Light .62 3.00
a Medium .64 3.20
a Heavy .66 3.40
Lute f-4 treble gut
f Light .78 3.00
f Medium .80 3.40
f Heavy .82 3.40
Lute d-5 high twist treble gut or special Pistoy gut
d Light .86 2.75
d Medium .88 2.85
d Heavy .90 3.00
Lute A-6 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string
A Light 1.12 2.60
A Medium 1.14 2.70
A Heavy 1.16 2.80
Lute a-6 Octave Treble Gut
a Light .56 2.60
a Medium .58 2.80
a Heavy .60 3.00
Lute G-7 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string
G Light 1.22 2.45
G Medium 1.24 2.55
G Heavy 1.26 2.60
Lute g-7 Octave Treble Gut
g Light .62 2.50
g Medium .64 2.70
g Heavy .66 2.90
Lute F-8 Pistoy Gut,Lyon Gut, or Gimped String
F Light 1.42 2.65
F Medium 1.44 2.70
F Heavy 1.46 2.80
Lute f-8 Octave Treble Gut
f Light .66 2.25
f Medium .68 2.40
f Heavy .70 2.55
Lute E-9 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string
E Light 1.50 2.62
E Medium 1.52 2.70
E Heavy 1.54 2.75
Lute e-9 Octave Treble Gut
e Light .70 2.26
e Medium .72 2.40
e Heavy .74 2.55
Lute D-10 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string
D Light 1.70 2.67
D Medium 1.72 2.75
D Heavy 1.74 2.80
Lute d-10 Octave Treble Gut
d Light .80 2.35
d Medium .82 2.50
d Heavy .84 2.60
Lute C-11 Pistoy Gut,Lyon Gut, or Gimped String
C Light 1.90 2.65
C Medium 1.92 2.70
C Heavy 1.94 2.76
Lute c-11 Octave Treble Gut
c Light .88 2.28
c Medium .90 2.4
c Heavy 92 2.50
Bass Rider Strings
Lute B-12 Lyon gut, Pistoy gut, or Gimped string
B Light 1.86 2.66
B Medium 1.88 2.73
B Heavy 1.90 2.80
Lute B-12 Octave Treble Gut
b Light .86 2.29
b Medium .88 2.40
b Heavy .90 2.50
Lute A-13 Pistoy Gut, Lyon Gut, or Gimped String
A Light 2.08 2.65
A Medium 2.10 2.70
A Heavy 2.12 2.75
Lute a-13 Octave Treble Gut
a Light .96 2.25
a Medium .98 2.35
a Heavy 1.00 2.45