volume3,chapter9themethodformakingstrings.docVIP

Volume 3, Chapter 9: The Method for Making Strings Note: In addition to the original text, please see a modern commentary at the end of this chapter. The very best kind of silk for strings is made from the che (柘) tree. The next best is made from silkworms fed on mulberry leaves. The third best is made from original silkworms, [ second silkworms]. The che kind is clear and the mulberry variety is soft. The strings get finer as one proceeds from number one to number seven. There are also a set number of cords used to make up each string. Also strings one to four have an added wrapping. The method of manufacture: There are three kinds, T’ai-ku (太古), Chung-ch’ing (中清), and Chia-chung （加重). Chung-ch’ing is the most suitable. In all cases use “material glue”(料膠 and boil the strings with it after the strings are made. The method for matching up the cords: Silkworms make their cocoons out of one thread. Every cord is made of twelve threads. If there are too many threads, then the cord will be too thick. If there are not enough, then it will be too thin. The first string should be made up of one hundred and eight cords. For the second string use ninety-six cords. For the third string use eighty-one cords. For the fourth string use seventy-two cords. For the fifth string use sixty-four cords. For the sixth string use fifty-four cords. For the seventh string use forty-eight cords. These are Chung-ch’ing. For T’ai-ku add twenty percent to every string. For Chia-chung add fifty percent on every string. Every set of Chung-ch’ing weighs about three and a half ounces. T’ai-ku weigh about four and one fifth ounces. Chia-chung weighs about five and one fifth ounces. The method for winding up the strings: First take eighty feet of string cords that have been matched up and divide this up into three or four bunches. For every bunch use a suspended foot of weight four ounces. Revolve it to the left and twist the cords extremely tight. Let it turn to