Replacing tuning cord?

[kyokuhon]

Hi, I was very disappointed recently when one of the tuning cords on my qin broke. I've been able to jerry-rig in a piece of trimmed mini-blind cord which works well enough, but I'd like something that looks nicer. I checked on the chineseculture website to no avail, though I haven't emailed them yet. Has anyone else had this problem? Does it happen often? What material do others use?
Thanks for any help,
Kyokuhon.

[davidmdahl]

Hello Kyokuhon,

I don't know that my opinion should count very much since I don't have a qin and have never actually bought anything from CCN, but I suggest that you email CCN with your query. Tuning cords are not something that is likely to be listed on a website. The responsiveness of the answer may tell you if you want to proceed with them or go elsewhere.

Best wishes,

David

[gubaba]

I broke a cord also. I was able to shorten the cord and reuse the broken one.

You can get the cords from CCN but you will also have to buy the pegs. A set runs about $50 for pegs and cords.

If you check out the major guqin sites like Thompson's , Binkley's and Christopher's I think you will some instructions along with material recommendations.

[blueharp]

The best material is silk beading thread in size FF or FFF. I have also used DMC pearl Cotton from a craft store (Michael's) at US$1.49 per 25 meter skein.

Mr. Gong Yi demonstrates how to make the tuning cord (Rong-ko) in his VCD tutorial. You cut about 11 pieces of thread to length (about 24" or 60 cm).

Then one end of the bundle is held in your teeth while the other end is twisted clockwise between the palms of your hands.

When you think it is twisted tightly enough pull the rong-ko out straight with your left hand and using your right thumb and forefinger grab the middle, pull it to your right as you bring the left end toward the other end in your teeth keeping the embryonic rong-ko stretched tight.

Carefully remove the bundle from your teeth with your left hand. Holding both ends firmly in your left hand release the right. It should coil up nicely and all you do is knot the end.

Threading it through the peg is easier if you use a carpet needle or small tweezers (forceps) to pull it through the side hole.

It takes some practice, but isn't all that difficult. It's *much* easier to learn when you see it being done.

Steve

[Charlie Huang]

Like Blueharp-san said.

I think silk is best, and it should be of the appropriate colour. Also when twisting, make sure it is is the same direction as the other cords.

To assemble the tuning peg, push the head of the cord through the bottom hole of the peg, when you see the head through the side hole, pick it out with a pair of tweezers, pull it out. Then wrap it around the neck in a clockwise direction, tuck the head under the bit of cord that left the side hole (if you don't do this, it would be loose), then stick it back in the side hole. Use tweezers to pull the head of the cord out of the top hole (taking care not to pull the other part of the cord coming from the bottom), adjust and pull tight, et voila!

[kyokuhon]

Thanks, all! What a great response! I think I'll try making one myself, since I have some instrument-making experience. I'll let you know how I make out.
Best,
K.