Colored Rotor String

[clonefiter]

Hi all, I have been using for a while a purple colored braided fishing line for rotor string but it is far too thin for it to really be viable. Does anyone know where I can find some string/fishing line that would be thick enough to use on my rotor? The string I currently have is .45mm and the yamaha is about 1mm and is great but... too boring.... )

[JohnL]

You might look into braided nylon (either fishing line or kite line). Strong, comes in some interesting colors.

[nateaff]

Fly fishing specific fly line backing comes in all kinds of colors and is super strong, it might be hard to find it that isn't too thin though.

[PhilTrombone]

Try out actual rotor string.....

https://www.hickeys.com/search/products/sku032186.php

I avoid using fishing line and other plastics as they tend to stretch.

[ghmerrill]

Go on Amazon and search for "Dacron braided fishing line". I'm sure you know that the heavier the "weight" the heavier the string. You'll see that it comes in a pretty good variety of decorator colors. Of course, you may have to buy a spool that -- for use solely on your trombone -- will last you about 200 years. But some offerings are not expensive. The idea of backing line or "leader line" may be better because you can get a smaller quantity. The Yamaha rotor string may be less expensive (and can probably land a good-sized fish), but color is more limited.

[BGuttman]

Fishing line is sized as "test" and rated in pounds (in the US). I found 30-40 pound test (roughly 15-20 Kg in Metric) is a good size for use on rotors. Use multifilament (braided) line since monofilament isn't flexible enough. I've found yellow and green in something called "leader" (intended to go from the main piece of line to the hook or lure) comes in smaller spools. Nylon line tends to stretch with use. Polyester line tends not to stretch.

I bought a double spool of Ice Fishing line (it's white) a couple of decades ago. I think I've used about a foot of it, and gave lengths to everybody who needs it.

For what it's worth, I once used dental floss to fix a rotor and it lasted for 5 years until I took it off. Not because it stopped working, but just because I was embarrassed.

[ghmerrill]

If you're not familiar with it, be a bit wary of "braided" line. It's great stuff, but some of the more recent varieties can be very thin for their strength -- flexible, excellent for long distance casting, and resistant to abrasion (and saltwater fish). If you're not careful, they can do some serious damage to you as you're handling it. My son loves the stuff (especially for saltwater fishing). Me ... not so much. For stringing a trombone valve linkage, there really shouldn't be much to worry about; but I'm always careful about wrapping any braided fishing line around a finger and then pulling to tighten a knot.

[nateaff]

What I was describing isn't nylon or poly line, thick fly fishing line is attached to the reel with backing, which is a light braided string similar to whats on string linkages, the only issue is the only stuff that's about the same thickness as standard rotor string is 60-80 lb test and is kinda pricey.

https://www.cortlandline.com/collection ... extensions

[timothy42b]

I have braid on a couple of reels. It is much thinner than monofilament for the same strength, so maybe fish don't see it. I'm not sure it matters, mostly you use a leader between it and the hook.

It casts well. It doesn't stretch. And it abrades like crazy!

I bought the Yamaha rotor string, though I've yet to restring a rotor. I like having it just in case, since I have two horns with the string linkage.

[ghmerrill]

I don't see why you'd need stuff that's particularly thick, as in the old days for string linkages, but "thin" and "thick" here are too vague to know exactly what's at issue. You can get 20 lb or 30 lb "Dacron braided fly line backing" in relatively small quantities on Amazon. Piscifun is very inexpensive and perfectly good quality (and comes in several colors), as is Aventik. What I use (for fly line, but not trombones since I don't have anything with a string linkage) is either 20 lb. Scientific Anglers (mine is orange), or 30 lb. Cabela's Prestige (white). The same product is also now known as (Bass Pro) White River Fly Line Backing.

The best approach might be to go to a fishing shop near you (if possible) and check out the possibilities. Many shops, of course, sell reels and line, and also do a business in replacing lines on reels -- which means that they have giant spools of backing that they use on a daily basis. They'd likely sell you a few yards off the reel for a dollar or so (or possibly even just give it to you). Might be worth a try. Also, it's a good excuse for a beach trip if you don't have anything local.

https://www.amazon.com/Piscifun-Braided ... r=8-7&th=1

[UnserMannInK]

I had Diabolo string around and used that. It's a little larger diameter (1,35mm), but can be made to work by melting the ends forming a tip that can be threaded through the holes. The string is near indestructible. It comes in various colors:

https://www.henrys-online.de/en/shop/ju ... g-10m-roll

In case you're wondering what a Diabolo is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabolo

When I get my horn back from the tech I can post a photo if you like

[BGuttman]

I had Diabolo string around and used that. It's a little larger diameter (1,35mm), but can be made to work by melting the ends forming a tip that can be threaded through the holes. The string is near indestructible. It comes in various colors:

https://www.henrys-online.de/en/shop/ju ... g-10m-roll

In case you're wondering what a Diabolo is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabolo

When I get my horn back from the tech I can post a photo if you like

I'm surprised that Diabolo string would work -- it's pretty big. String for a linkage has to be between 0.5 and 1 mm (and I'm not sure of the 1 mm). At least it should be flexible enough. I've seen what some performers can do with Diabolos.

[UnserMannInK]

I'm surprised that Diabolo string would work -- it's pretty big. String for a linkage has to be between 0.5 and 1 mm (and I'm not sure of the 1 mm). At least it should be flexible enough. I've seen what some performers can do with Diabolos.

I wasn't sure at first as well, I didn't have anything else and it has worked well enough. Maybe on my next Thomann order I'll get the real deal so I can compare

[BGuttman]

"Genuine" rotor string isn't really necessary. I've been using various grades of fishing line for years. I even used dental floss (I used plain, but flavored might smell nice ). If the Diabolo string works, have at it.

[Posaunus]

On Tuesday (whatever date that was) I changed my rotor actuator on my Conn 88H to a multicolored string.

It may seem hard to believe, but my playing has improved perceptively. Not only has my range increased, but I can now play multiple styles of music with better facility and authenticity - classical, jazz, big band, salsa, brass quintet, early music, Dixieland, trombone choir, avant-garde, ...

I can hardly wait to also restring my Conn 71H. Perhaps I'll be able to hit that low C with even greater authority!

As has been said here before, "everything makes a difference!"

I wonder what was special about last Tuesday?

[Blabberbucket]

On Tuesday (whatever date that was) I changed my rotor actuator on my Conn 88H to a multicolored string.

It may seem hard to believe, but my playing has improved perceptively. Not only has my range increased, but I can now play multiple styles of music with better facility and authenticity - classical, jazz, big band, salsa, brass quintet, early music, Dixieland, trombone choir, avant-garde, ...

I can hardly wait to also restring my Conn 71H. Perhaps I'll be able to hit that low C with even greater authority!

As has been said here before, "everything makes a difference!"

I wonder what was special about last Tuesday?

Red makes it play faster