Consulting rates for string calculations are $50.00 per hour, with a quarter hour minimum ($12.50). A quarter hour of consulting is included in orders of $25.00 or more. This is usually enough to calculate strings for an uncomplicated instrument (19th century banjo or guitar). Complicated instruments (lutes, hurdy gurdies, vihuala, arch-lute, theorbo) may require more time. We calculate for gut strings only. If you desire calculations for nylon, overspun, etc., we will refer you to others.

We need the following information to perform string calculations:

1) Type of instrument, maker and year (if known), type of construction (light, medium, heavy, historical, etc.)

2) Sounding or vibrating lengths of each string.

3) The pitch reference: a' = 440 Hz, a' = 415 Hz, other

4) The tuning of each string. The first string or course is the one closest to the floor when the instrument is held for playing. Indicate which courses are tuned in unison, which in octaves, and which have single strings. Please do not indicate "standard G tuning" as there are almost as many variations for tuning a lute as there are lutes, and we have no way of knowing what you consider to be standard.

5) Tension desired, if known, in Newtons or kilograms per course or per string. If you don't know this, indicate preference for light, medium, or heavy tension for your instrument's construction.

All orders are sent via U S Postal Service "Priority Mail" in boxed containers. Handling and shipping fees are $5.00 per order.