5
Now aline the peg, so the hole in the peg should point toward the string side.
1.)Take the new string , put it on the nail, insert the pearl and then pull the string through the peg hole on the other
side of the instrument.
2.)Take 1/2 inch of the end of the string and bend it down at a 90 degree angle, using your fi ngers or a small pliers.
Than pull the string back so the bent down piece of the string points downwards at the peg. You want the fi rst two
winding of the string to go over the bent down piece of string. If this sounds confusing just look at the other pegs
which already have strings on them so you see the end result.
3.)Start to turn the tuning key clockwise to slightly tighten the string. Guide the string so that the fi rst two windings
of the strings will be over the bent down end of the string the next ones below that.
4.)When there is no more slack but the string is not tight yet you can start the tuning process.
But fi rst make sure
the string at the end of the pearl is in the notch of the wood.
Now you can start the tuning process (see „
the tuning process
“).
Important only use the original strings as they are custom made to fi t the instrument.
How to replace a broken string
If a string is broken, fi rst remove the string completely.
Keep the pearl as you will need it for the replacement string.
Look at the other strings of the same typ: how often are they
twisted around the pegs?
Please turn the peg of the bro-
ken string counterclockwise just as often!
If you don’t do this the peg will be pushed deeper and
deeper in the wood during the tuning process and either the
peg will break or the wood will split.
Playing instructions
Tip
If you intend a relaxing effect we recommend to play smooth and steady on the monochord strings to create
an even sound wave. Imagine a small, long wave that rolls back and forth on the beach.
a.) Put one fi nger (middle or ring fi nger) of the right (or left) hand in the middle of the top string and
run it smoothly across all strings towards your body. Before the fi nger reaches the last string, the fi nger of the
other hand starts at the top string. After a short period bright overtone will apear and resonate with the movement
of your fi ngers.
b.) After you have established the basic tone you can start varying the tone: Try out what happens when you play
with the tip or the center part of the fi nger. While keeping the fl owing movement of the fi ngers you can move
one fi nger to an other position of the string and play there and other overtones will appear. Also the strength and
speed of your motion changes the sound quality.
c.) To avoid getting blisters on your fi ngers you can either press more lightly or use a leather plectrum.
