Quote Originally Posted by n2ize View Post
Hmmm... Not to sure of which is better, the latex or the gut prophylactics. I remember reading that historically the gut condoms were the first available and latex came along much later. Otherwise I have no idea which gives the bigger bang for the buck...LOL. :)

As far as the violin strings go there are two types. The most popular is the "gut core" types where the gut is tightly would to form a string and then the gut core is wrapped in silver, aluminium or gold Less common (and harder to find) are the pure unwound gut strings. The latter are preferred by some very dedicated baroque style musicians who want to capture that authentic period style and sound. Often they will even have their instruments altered to even further affect that early baroque style.
The unwound strings must be awkward as the gut seems to dry out, probably why they were twisted directly after the sheeps' slaugheter. Once twisted I think they should retain their flexibility better.

I forgot also that longcase (Grandfather) and Vienna clock lines were traditionally made from gut. I used it in my clock but often substituted a twisted nylon look-alike when repairing other people's clocks if I knew they were not going to look after the timepiece. I made my clock about 18 years ago and have only applied a little oil to the lines twice since. There's no sign of wear or fraying though mine runs with two 10lb weights whereas others can use up to 14lbs each side. It seems the longcase lines can last for 50 years or more.