About Gut Strings
One of the biggest differences between baroque and modern instruments is that baroque string instruments use gut strings versus the metal strings of their modern counterparts. But gut strings do not belong exclusively to the baroque world. In fact, they were used by a majority of string musicians until World War II. Some of the first references to gut strings date back to the 15th century, found in Italian commerce transaction documents. Since then, the basic product has not evolved very much. To make a gut string, a string maker uses dried lamb intestine and twists it into the appropriate size. One innovation that did appear in the late 17th century was the silver-wound string. Wealthier musicians of the day wound silver around their lowest (and biggest) strings to improve the “action”, or performance, of the bow. Metal strings first became commonplace during the First World War, when gut shortages prompted a serious search for alternative string materials. Gradually, steel strings became more and more common in recognition of their economical and practical advantages over gut strings. Steel strings are cheaper than gut, stay in tune better, last longer, and require less maintenance. Additionally, because of their bigger sound, steel strings made it easier for an ensemble’s sound to fill up large, modern halls. Eventually, most modern musicians made the switch to steel strings. However, this transition was not immediate – the Houston Symphony Orchestra did not officially make the change to steel strings until the early 1960’s. This means that even modern composers such as Strauss and Stravinsky would have composed with gut strings rather than steel strings in mind. The sound difference between steel strings and gut strings is dramatic. Gut strings have an open and rich sound that is impossible to reproduce with steel strings. Modern musicians who were trained on steel strings must learn to adjust their technique to make the most of gut-stringed instruments. Those who make the effort are rewarded with a layered and nuanced sound that can bring new life to a piece. The Mercury Baroque Ensemble plays exclusively on gut strings in its efforts to bring to life the richness of Baroque music. Thanks to Damian Dlugolecki, string maker, for his insight in the preparation of this article.

Baroque Bows
Bows have been modified through the centuries. At first there was little standardization; bows varied by function and locale until François Tourte developed the modern bow in the late 18th century. In general, early bow sticks curved outward, echoing the curve of the bridge and looking more like actual arrow-shooting bows. The first dance-band bows were very short and light, and had clip-in frogs. Later bows tended to be somewhat longer and featured a screw mechanism to tighten and loosen the bow hair, which was developed by 1700. Baroque bows have less hair and less tension then their modern counterparts. They are also weighted quite differently. As a result, they do not have the sustaining capabilities of today’s bows. However, Baroque bows were perfectly suited to making quick, short strokes and allowed for a great variety in articulation.