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Violin Tailguts & Tailpiece Hangers — Wittner, Thomastik, GEWA
A violin tailgut (tailpiece hanger, string holder) is the cord or cable connecting the tailpiece to the instrument's end button. A properly chosen tailgut ensures optimal after-length (~55mm for 4/4), which is critical for resonance and violin sound. The SoundsGood catalog features tailguts and tailpiece hangers for all violin sizes: steel, nylon, and Kevlar from leading manufacturers.
All Sizes — 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8
Top Brands — Wittner, Thomastik, GEWA
With Adjuster — easy fine-tuning
Free Shipping — orders over ₴4,000
🔧 Types of Violin Tailguts
Modern violin tailguts are made from various materials. Each has its own sound characteristics and practicality.
🪛 Steel Cable
Most popular choice for violinists.
- Material: braided steel cable
- Diameter: ~1-1.5mm
- Sound: neutral, clear
- Advantages: thin, strong, stable
- Brands: Wittner, GEWA
- Price: 100-200 UAH
🌳 Nylon / Perlon
Soft option for warm sound.
- Material: synthetic fiber
- Diameter: ~2-3mm
- Sound: warm, mellow
- Advantages: light, affordable
- Drawback: may stretch
- Price: 50-100 UAH
💫 Kevlar / Dyneema
Premium option for maximum resonance.
- Material: ultra-strong fiber
- Diameter: ~1-2mm
- Sound: open, resonant
- Advantages: doesn't stretch, light
- Brands: Thomastik, Pirastro
- Price: 200-400 UAH
🌟 Carbon Fiber
Modern high-tech option.
- Material: carbon fiber
- Construction: rigid, fixed length
- Sound: bright, projecting
- Advantages: maximum stability
- Drawback: not adjustable
- Price: from 500 UAH
Material Comparison for Violin
| Material | Sound | Stability | Adjustment | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Warm | ★★ | Easy | 50-100 UAH |
| Steel | Neutral | ★★★★★ | Easy | 100-200 UAH |
| Kevlar | Open | ★★★★★ | Easy | 200-400 UAH |
| Carbon | Bright | ★★★★★ | Fixed | from 500 UAH |
📏 After-length for Violin
After-length is the distance from the bridge to the tailpiece. For violin, this is a critically important parameter affecting resonance and overtones.
Optimal After-length by Violin Size
| Violin Size | String Playing Length | Optimal After-length | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 328mm | ~55mm | 328 ÷ 6 = 54.7 |
| 3/4 | 310mm | ~52mm | 310 ÷ 6 = 51.7 |
| 1/2 | 285mm | ~47-48mm | 285 ÷ 6 = 47.5 |
| 1/4 | 260mm | ~43-44mm | 260 ÷ 6 = 43.3 |
| 1/8 | 230mm | ~38-39mm | 230 ÷ 6 = 38.3 |
💡 Golden Rule: After-length = 1/6 of string playing length. For 4/4 violin, this is ~55mm. Correct after-length tunes the string overtones behind the bridge into resonance with the fundamental frequencies.
How to Measure After-length
- Take a ruler or caliper
- Measure from the back edge of the bridge (tailpiece side)
- To the front edge of the tailpiece (where strings attach)
- Compare with the optimal value for your size
How to Change After-length
- Tailgut with adjuster (Wittner): simply turn the screw
- Fixed tailgut: needs re-tying or replacement
- Carbon: needs different length
📏 Violin Tailgut Sizes
Tailguts are made for all violin sizes. It's important to choose the correct size!
| Violin Size | Student Age | Tailgut Length | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 (full) | 12+ years | Standard | ★★★★★ |
| 3/4 | 9-12 years | Shorter | ★★★★ |
| 1/2 | 6-9 years | Shorter | ★★★★ |
| 1/4 | 4-6 years | Shorter | ★★★ |
| 1/8 | 3-4 years | Shortest | ★★ |
| 1/16 | 2-3 years | Shortest | ★ |
💡 For children's violins: Wittner and GEWA make tailguts for all sizes. Specify violin size when ordering!
🏆 Violin Tailgut Brands
🇩🇪 Wittner (Germany)
Market leader with convenient adjuster.
- Material: steel cable
- Feature: length adjuster
- Sizes: all (4/4 — 1/16)
- Compatibility: perfect with Wittner Ultra
- Price: 100-200 UAH
🇦🇹 Thomastik (Austria)
Premium Kevlar tailguts.
- Material: Kevlar
- Sound: open, resonant
- Sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2
- Best for: professionals
- Price: 200-400 UAH
🇩🇪 GEWA (Germany)
Reliable steel tailguts.
- Material: steel cable
- Quality: German reliability
- Sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2
- Best for: students and amateurs
- Price: 80-150 UAH
🇮🇹 Pirastro (Germany)
Premium options for demanding players.
- Material: Kevlar, Dyneema
- Sound: maximum resonance
- Sizes: 4/4
- Best for: concert musicians
- Price: from 300 UAH
🎯 How to Choose a Violin Tailgut?
Step 1: Determine Violin Size
The tailgut must match your instrument size (4/4, 3/4, 1/2, etc.).
Step 2: Choose Material
| Your Level | Recommendation | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Nylon or steel GEWA | 50-100 UAH |
| Music school student | Steel Wittner with adjuster | 100-200 UAH |
| Amateur, orchestra player | Steel Wittner or Kevlar | 150-300 UAH |
| Professional | Kevlar Thomastik/Pirastro | 200-400 UAH |
| Soloist | Kevlar or carbon | from 400 UAH |
Step 3: Consider Your Tailpiece
- Wittner Ultra: original Wittner tailgut — perfect match
- Ebony tailpiece: any tailgut with loop
- Tailpiece with built-in fine tuners: steel or Kevlar
💡 Tip for beginners: Start with a steel Wittner tailgut with adjuster. It allows easy after-length adjustment without a luthier's help.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct after-length for 4/4 violin?
Optimal after-length is ~55mm (1/6 of 328mm playing length).
Steel or Kevlar tailgut — which is better?
Steel — reliable standard. Kevlar — premium with more open sound. Both are excellent!
Can I replace the tailgut myself?
Yes! On violin it's fairly simple. Loosen strings, replace tailgut, adjust after-length.
Why do I need an adjuster on the tailgut?
The adjuster allows after-length changes without removing strings. Convenient for experiments and fine-tuning.
Which tailgut fits Wittner Ultra?
Original Wittner tailgut — ideal choice. Has adjuster and fits perfectly.
How do I know if my tailgut is worn?
Frayed fibers, visible damage, unstable after-length. Replace for safety!
Does a 4/4 tailgut fit a 3/4 violin?
No, it will be too long. Choose tailgut according to violin size.
How much does a violin tailgut cost?
Nylon: 50-100 UAH. Steel: 100-200 UAH. Kevlar: 200-400 UAH. Carbon: from 500 UAH.
🎯 Why Choose SoundsGood?
🛠 Authentic Products
Official distributor of Wittner, Thomastik in Ukraine.
🎓 Selection Help
We'll help choose a tailgut for your instrument and level. Free!
📦 Fast Shipping
Same-day dispatch. Free for orders over ₴4,000.
💰 Great Prices
Direct imports. Pay in installments via PrivatBank, monobank.
📞 Contact Us
🌏 Showroom: 15 Olzhycha St., Kyiv, 04116, Ukraine
📞 Phone:
- Kyiv: +380 (73) 060-01-01
- Lviv: +380 (97) 667-14-43
📧 Email: info@soundsgood.kiev.ua
🕑 Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:00–18:00