Should I change these strings?

[sherry-lenox]

I have two gut strings on my 85P that have little tiny filaments unraveling from the string. One string has one, and the other has perhaps three or four, all unraveling at the same place in the string.

Both strings still sound fine. Should I cut off the filaments or replace the strings?

The only rather minor thing I notice is that the harmonic on one of the strings may be slightly harder to play.

Also, is it an old wive’s tale that you can repair a string by rubbing it between your fingers with a tiny bit of oil?

Thanks for your help.

[Tacye]

If you are happy with the strings why change them?

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

Oil will spoil a string that is not conditioned to accept it, in my experience. If it suits a Bow string, then okay. Pirastro has strings made to be oiled. Fraying means a string is beginning to wear out, but as long as the pitch is true, snip off the strands with a cosmetic scissor or razor, very carefully. Do not pull them.

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