Hakenlänge

Hakenlänge is a German unit of length that was traditionally used in measuring the length of wire and other thin materials, particularly in the context of music instrument making, such as the strings of a lute or the soundbox of a violin. It is an old unit, still used in some German-speaking regions and among luthiers.

The term "Hakenlänge" translates to "hook-length" in English, although the etymology of the word is not entirely clear. One theory is that it originated from the hooks used to suspend instruments in the process of crafting. The unit was divided into smaller fractions known as "Längen"-in some cases down to a sixtieth. It is necessary to note that Hakenlänge is no longer an official part of the German system of measurement, and its use is now largely confined to historical and cultural contexts.

In the course of music instrument making, the length of the Hakenlänge was often denoted by a number of scales on strings, typically employing a varying number of pitches over a fixed interval. These scales were used in traditional German music, spanning the medieval period to the Baroque. Although other, less traditional units have become more commonly utilised in their place, with the International System of Units (SI) imposed on the measurement system of many countries, Hakenlänge is preserved as an example of traditional craftsmanship's idiosyncrasies.

Although no longer an integral part of German measurement, Hakenlänge provides a fascinating glimpse into the practices of historical craftsmen and composers. Its historical use in music instrument making becomes an irresistible addendum in accounts of artisanry's unique epitaphs.