Correct string gauge

I want to make a bowed string with a scale length of 14." I see where others have used steel wire (not that I could find any at Home Depot). From my estimations, I believe to tune that to a D like on guitar's fourth string, the gauge should be somewhere between .060 and .068. Does that sound reasonable to you pros in here? Thx.

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on August 20, 2020 at 11:20am

So are you talking about a one string fiddle? That’s weird, Home Depot in my area carries steel wire? have you tried Ace Hardware, they carry steel wire? 

Permalink Reply by Greg Turner on August 20, 2020 at 5:11pm
They had something called tie wire in the masonry section and was way too thick. All the other steel wire was braided and also too thick.
Permalink Reply by Greg Turner on August 20, 2020 at 5:19pm
Oh and it's a 2 string bowed Rawanahatha.
Permalink Reply by Korrigan on August 20, 2020 at 1:51pm

It depends how much tension you want. I calculate that a plain steel 0.064 (the middle of your range) would be 40lbs of tension when tuned to D3. That seems pretty high to me.

If you look at 4/4 sized violins (13" scale length) they usually have string tensions of 12 to 18lbs. If you wanted to go for a tension in the middle that range... use a plain steel 0.040 for 15lbs of tension when tuned to D3 on a 14" scale.

Permalink Reply by Greg Turner on August 20, 2020 at 5:20pm
Ok, .040 for D3 at 14".
Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on August 20, 2020 at 5:19pm

A violin string is always the best choice, but this what I used? Actually piano wire, so better than construction wire? I’m in Cali, so it may not be available in your area? https://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-9-ft-50-lbs-Smooth-High-Carbon-Stee...

Permalink Reply by Greg Turner on August 20, 2020 at 5:34pm
I clicked that link to order and then they won't ship it, they want curbside pickup so I agree. After the Paypal transaction it turns out they think I'm going to drive from Las Vegas to California to pick it up. Now how to cancel. Hmmm....
Permalink Reply by Greg Turner on August 22, 2020 at 7:33am
It arrived but looks too thick. Haven't tried it yet though.
Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on August 20, 2020 at 6:28pm

I think that’s a Toombi not a Rawanatha?

Permalink Reply by Greg Turner on August 20, 2020 at 6:39pm
I'm not making his Toombi. I'm making a Rawanahatha hopefully using his plastic with adhesive (if anyone can recognize what it is).

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