Were ‘Catgut’ Strings Ever Authentic?

The term 'catgut' has long been used in the context of musical instruments and strings, but the reality is quite different from the myth. 'Catgut' strings have been standard on lutes, guitars, and various stringed instruments for centuries before the introduction of nylon strings, which are the modern synthetic strings we use today. Despite popular belief, these strings were not made from cat intestines. Let’s explore the truth behind 'catgut' strings.

Historical Use of 'Catgut' Strings

Before the widespread adoption of synthetic strings, 'catgut' strings were the norm. These gut strings were made from the intestines of animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, hogs, horses, mules, or donkeys. They were used extensively in historical musical instruments and were favored for their natural quality and sound. However, the use of these traditional strings has largely given way to modern synthetic alternatives due to their many advantages in terms of precision, durability, and consistency.

Perception and reality

Even great guitarists like Andrés Segovia started their careers using gut strings. Although he later became a proponent of nylon strings, this does not diminish the historical significance and nostalgic value of gut strings for performers who aim to achieve a more authentic period sound. However, it is important to note that from a purely musical perspective, gut strings are somewhat inferior to modern synthetic strings. They are more expensive, less precise in terms of intonation, more susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, and have a shorter lifespan.

Specialty Nylon Strings

To address the desire for a gut-like sound and experience, some manufacturers have produced specialty nylon strings designed to emulate the feel and tone of gut strings. One prominent example is the Aquila “nyglut” strings, which provide a blend of traditional gut string characteristics with the advantages of modern nylon. These specialty strings offer a middle ground for musicians who wish to achieve a historically accurate sound without the drawbacks of genuine gut strings.

The Myths and Facts Behind 'Catgut'

Despite the name, 'catgut' strings were never made from cat intestines. The term likely originated from a folk etymology or a misunderstanding. The word 'catgut' could have derived from 'kitgut' or 'kitstring,' where 'kit' referred to a fiddle or, in some contexts, a young cat. This confusion arose due to the shared term 'kit' in both contexts. In reality, the gut used for 'catgut' strings comes from a variety of animals, none of which include cats. This is a reassuring fact for anyone who has ever wondered about the safety of their felines and canines, as catgut was never made from these animals.

Besides their use in music, 'catgut' strings were also employed in surgeries and sports such as tennis. However, similar to their decline in musical use, synthetic alternatives have largely taken over these applications due to their superior properties and reliability.

Conclusion

While the term 'catgut' carries a historical significance, the traditional strings made from this term were far from being made from actual cat gut. Instead, they were an innovative use of animal intestines from various livestock. Music enthusiasts seeking a more authentic historical sound can explore specialty nylon strings, but modern synthetic strings offer the advantages that have driven their widespread adoption. Understanding these facts helps to dispel the myth and appreciate the true heritage of the 'catgut' string tradition.