About

About Andrew Hartig Custom Strings

Andrew Hartig Custom Strings provides historically appropriate wire strings for period wire-strung instruments. While my focus is on historically appropriate strings, I also provide an alternative to wound strings for players of modern acoustic instruments who are interested in exploring historical stringing practices.

My interest in creating twisted strings originally grew from my own desire to experiment with better low-range strings on my own instruments. I discovered it takes hours of calculation and experimentation to understand the relationship between strand gauge, spread angle, and amount of necessary counterweight to create a consistent, accurate string of equivalent diameter to a specific gauge of monofilament string. I offer you the benefit of my experience and expertise in creating the best possible twisted string.

As both a musician and instrument maker, I understand just how important strings are to both the feel and sound of an instrument. I bring this background in every consultation to find just the right strings for your instrument. Whether you are trying to find a set of strings for a new instrument or just change one or two for a better feel or sound, I can provide you with suitably matched strings when given the type and gauge of any other successful string on your instrument.

I stand by all of my work for both quality and accuracy. I personally test all of the strings I make, and all strings are supplied in reusable tarnish-resisting bags to provide you with the best possible string in the best possible working condition.

-AMH

About Andrew Hartig

I have been playing lute and other early music instruments since 1993. I started the Renaissance Cittern Site in 1999 and began devoting my time to instrument building and string construction in 2006. I have focused most of my research and interest on early wire-strung instruments.

I have written about citterns and wire-strung instruments for the column "The Wire Connection," in the Lute Society of America Quarterly. I have contributed instrument and music source information for citterns, bandoras, and orpharions to the synoptic pull-out poster of The Lute in Europe 2: Lutes, Guitars, Mandolins, and Citterns (2011) by Andreas Schlegel and Joachim Lüdtke. My most recent research contribution has been writing articles on the many styles of cittern tablatures for the forthcoming Encyclopaedia of Tablature being published by the Centre d'Etudes Superieures de la Renaissance in Tours.