Cat gut weight cord ? Old timers question.

[Robert Ling]

I picked up a older Waltham Banjo that looks to still have a cat gut weight cord. It's broken but the case shows no damage. The cord looks very old.
I'd post a pic but I don't see the link I used to use ( paper clip ) ?

Anyway, I was wondering when (as in what years)was this type of cord no longer the standard replacement, or fazed out for a better type cord?

 

[Robert Ling]

I picked up a older Waltham Banjo that looks to still have a cat gut weight cord. It's broken but the case shows no damage. The cord looks very old.
I'd post a pic but I don't see the link I used to use ( paper clip ) ?

Anyway, I was wondering when (as in what years)was this type of cord no longer the standard replacement, or fazed out for a better type cord?

 

[Viv Rose]

Hi CJ

Just sent you an e-mail explaining how to post pics.

 

[Mike Phelan]

Originally posted by SidneyClockCo.:
Afternoon Bob
Most guys use http://www.flickr.com

Or post the itself from flickr using (someone may listen to me, eventually!)

[QUOTE]
I just bought out a guy and he had bags of Cat Gut So I'm sure someone still sells it
[/QUOTE]
Synthetic catgut is still made by material dealers
[QUOTE]
, not sure on faze out.
[/QUOTE]
I think it is because it's meant to be 'phase'

 

[Robert Ling]

Yes, the correct spelling is "phase" It's Monday

Heres a picture of the cord tied to the movement.


Thanks for the picture posting info everybody.

 

[Robert Ling]

Here's the clock

The reason for the Cat gut question ( If this is Cat gut? ) Is I don't think this clock has been run in quite awhile. I was trying to get a feel for how long by the age of the weight cord and or when did most repairmen stop using it. Just curious.

 

[Viv Rose]

Hi CJ,

The "OK" button I mentioned is on the bottom of the image display block.

See here. at the end of the Align Image line.

 

[Viv Rose]

The image icon is next to the envelope second last on the right side.

 

[Robert Ling]

Originally posted by SidneyClockCo.:
Hello Viv
Thanks
I hit the URL and copied the second box below the photo on Flickr and pasted it.
There was two boxes
one on bottom is what I used.Or do I use the top one?
Boy what a newbie here
CJ

It's the first box you want to copy and paste.

 

[harold bain]

Bob, getting back to your question, we haven't stopped using catgut cables. The major suppliers still carry it , and I will use it if the customer requests it (after explaining the pros and cons). Harold

 

[harold bain]

Hi, Sidney. I have never seen catgut in a banjo, but have seen it in many tall case clocks. Have also seen the bottom broken out when it breaks. But a careful owner should notice the signs that it is getting old (when it starts fraying). The same can happen with modern metal stranded wire cables. The pro is keeping it as original as possible. Harold

 

[Tom McIntyre]

I put catgut in my Vienna regulator when I restored it in 1967. I waxed the cord with beeswax and it has been doing just fine for 38 years now. I think the beeswax is an important component of the application.

 

[Robert Ling]

Originally posted by SidneyClockCo.:
Hello again
Sorry for the photo thing getting in the mix of this thread.

Harold
What are the pro's and cons of this stuff?
Thanks
CJ

CJ, No problem, We both learned how to post a picture.


Thanks for the info Harold,

I'm not even sure this is Cat gut as I've never seen it before ?
To me it looks kinda organic for lack of a better discription.

Would Cat gut have been the standerd fitment to a clock made about 1906 ?

 

[Robert Ling]

Well after a bit of research and the comments here I've learned that Catgut is still used today and it is a matter of personal preference.

Now I just have to deside what I will hang this heavy weight from in the new clock ?

 

[Mike Phelan]

Originally posted by Robert Ling:

I'm not even sure this is Cat gut as I've never seen it before ?
To me it looks kinda organic for lack of a better discription.

Would Cat gut have been the standerd fitment to a clock made about 1906 ?

Robert
As far as 8-day longcase clocks in England go, it was always used. These stopped being produced mainly around 1870, but a few were still made sporadically.
Fusee clocks used them until about this time, then used wire rope.
What we call catgut is actually made from the intestines of a sheep (hope you are not eating as we speak!)
You will have seen it - it is used on stringed instruments.