Violin strings
Violin strings
Strings
Every musician – whether soloist or orchestrator - throughout his creative endeavor wonders: which strings to choose for his instrument? After all, there are many new strings with a base of different materials being created. Indeed, however, not everything new and innovative can suit well for your instrument. Strings should be chosen exclusively for one’s violin! Some musicians may immediately like the standard, well-known set on a metal base Thomastik Superflexible (it has been popularly called "blue Tomastik" since Soviet times), others still are having a trouble finding suitable strings for their instrument.
Specialists from World of Classical Music Art Association will help you correctly identify and choose violin strings. The ideal solution is to come to the office of our company with your instrument, where you can test it, get advice from our specialist and choose the right strings. Otherwise, we suggest that you read the brief analytical information about strings below and, if you have any questions, contact us by phone.
Analytical review
There are three main types of strings:
- - strings on a gut (natural) basis
- - strings on a synthetic basis
- - strings on a steel basis
Gut strings
Since time immemorial, strings for musical instruments have been made from the intestines of sheep. Until the end of the XIX century, such strings were made with no wound. Today, only those musicians who perform ancient music use unwound gut strings to give an instrument authentic sound. Nowadays, gut strings are available with aluminum, silver or gold wound. Gut strings are inherently unique, they are characterized by a full, noble sound with a timbre with lots of overtones. Since gut strings have less tension than the others, they are more flexible and soft. Their main disadvantage is high sensitivity to weather conditions (humidity and temperature). These factors negatively affect the tuning. Another disadvantage of gut strings is their prolonged stretching. New strings can be settled within a week! Modern technologies of gut strings production (such as chemical treatment, wound, etc.) make them less sensitive to weather conditions and prolong their lifespan.
Historically, the leading string-producing countries are Austria (Thomastik), Germany (Pirastro), the United States (D’addario), as well as France (Corelli) and Denmark (Larsen).
Pirastro Oliv
Pirastro Oli is the first gut-based strings made by Pirastro. They offer impressive sound. A wide range of sound tones. Rich and deep tone. The standard set is completed with D-string - gold-aluminum wound gut. The manufacturer also offers an additional version of D-string - silver wound gut, which is richer in overtones and has an easy response (see P/N 2118). G-string is made with gold and silver wound. It has a good and clear sound. The set of the strings is completed with A-string, the ball end. D and G are a loop. E-string is chrome-plated stainless steel, has a beautiful powerful sound with a quick response. It is the most popular string among soloists.
The tensile force is of great importance, on which sound intensity of an instrument depends. In turn, the tensile force of strings depends on their thickness, which is determined by conventional units (denoted by RM). For example, D-string (medium) has the designation RM 16 ¾, and D (stiff) - RM 17. Thus, increasing the unit of RM by ¼ changes (increases) the string tension by 3%.
See on the website: Pirastro Oliv standard set (see P/N 211021).
Pirastro Oliv-Stiff
Pirastro Oliv-Stiff is additional sets of D and G strings with high tension. They have a denser and more powerful sound than ordinary Pirastro Oliv.
See on the website: D-string (see P/N 2103), G-string (see P/N 2104).
Pirastro Gold
Pirastro Gold is also one of the first gut strings of Pirastro. Good value for money. Characterized by bright sound. The set of strings is completed with A-string with the ball end. D and G - strings with a loop. They are made only of medium stiffness. E-string is steel and it is one of the most popular. It perfectly harmonizes with many other brands of strings. It is available in three types of stiffness: soft (thickness - 0.25 mm), medium (0.26 mm) and stiff (0.27 mm).
See on the website: Pirastro Gold standard set (see P/N 215021).
Pirastro Eudoxa
Pirastro Eudoxa is an old-timer on the market. They have a warm, dark and surround sound. It may not be suitable for new instruments. At the same time they will be ideal for old violins (German or Italian masters). These are great strings for orchestra, chamber music or studio. The set of strings is completed with E-string with the end ball. D and G strings- with a loop.
The tensile force is similar to the Pirastro Oliv strings. There are two variants of E- strings: one made of ordinary steel, the other is steel with aluminum-wound. E- string - steel with aluminum-wound is made in two types of stiffness: medium and stiff. E steel string is produced only of medium stiffness.
The manufacturer also offers an additional model of the strings - "Brillant". These are only "Brillant" - D-string (silver-aluminum-wound gut) and "Brillant" - G-string (silver-wound gut). The sound of these strings is significally brighter.
See on the website: Pirastro Eudoxa standard set (see P/N 214021).
Pirastro Eudoxa-Stiff
Pirastro Eudoxa-Stiff represents additional strings D and G with high tension. They have a dense, dark and more powerful sound than the usual Pirastro Eudoxa.
See on the website: D-string - gut / aluminum (see P/N 2133), G - string - gut / silver (see P/N 2134).
Pirastro Chorda
Pirastro Chorda is mostly made for baroque (ancient) music. The strings of E, A, and D are pure gut, with no wound. G- string is produced with a copper or silver wound. It has a very low tensile force and is designed to adjust = 440 Hz. For a play with tuning = 415 Hz, you need strings with a higher tensile force. In turn, the string tension depends on their thickness, which is determined by conventional units (denoted by RM). For example, D-string (medium) has the designation RM 19 (D (stiff) - RM 19). Therefore, increasing the RM unit by ¼ changes the string tension by 3%.
See on the website: standard set Pirastro Chorda (see P/N 112021).
Pirastro Passione I Passione Solo
Pirastro Passione I Passione Solo represent innovative gut strings from Pirastro. They suit great for solo performances. They have excellent power and beauty of sound. They stretch much faster than other usual gut strings. They have a wide range of sound tones, instant and good response. Passione Solo strings are made only of medium stiffness, but they are thicker than ordinary Passione.
See on the website: standard set Pirastro Passione (see P/N 219021).
See on the website: standard set Pirastro Passione Solo (see P/N 219081).
Synthetic strings
In the early 70's of the twentieth century Thomastik-Infeld released a revolutionary model of strings on a pearl (stranded synthetics) basis - Thomastik Dominant. The goal was to make new universal strings, which in terms of sound characteristics would not be inferior to gut (natural) strings, but would be long lasting and not responsive to weather conditions. Thomastik-Infeld used perlon (a type of nylon) as the material for the string base. Silver and aluminum cables served as wound. These strings stretch and settle very quickly (1-2 days)! Perlon is resistant to humidity and temperature effects! After the release of Thomastik Dominant strings, there has been boom time in production of synthetic strings.
Corelli Crystal
Corelli Crystal is a set from Savarez manufacture (France). The strings are made on the basis of nylon with aluminum (A-string) and silver (D and G - strings) wound. Characterized by a warm pleasant tone. They have a specific sharpness, therefore they don’t sound dull.
See on the website: Corelli Crystal standard set (see P/N C700B).
Corelli Alliance Vivace
Corelli Alliance Vivace are revolutionary strings of the Corelli family. The core of the strings is made of composite high-tech synthetic materials. These strings have an instant and precise response, increase the potential of subtle nuances of quiet passages, have a rich and clear sound in all positions and near the fingerboard, give a feeling of surrounding. Able to maintain their sound qualities for a long time. Their sound is the most similar to the sound of gut strings.
See on the website: standard set Corelli Alliance Vivace (see P/N C800B).
Corelli Cantiga
Corelli Cantiga is a model of innovative strings from Savarez. It is absolutely the latest multifilament polymer base, which has not been used before. The new material offers unprecedented characteristics. The strings have an intense, rich, focused and clear sound with a large harmonic spectrum. They have a great response in all positions. In addition, they feature stability of tuning and durability. Strings are suitable for both modern and antique instruments. Initially, they were offered to academic musicians - soloists, orchestras, but later they were highly praised by famous jazz performers. Due to the low price, the strings are affordable for all musicians.
See on the website: standard set Corelli Cantiga (see P/N C900B).
D’Addario Zyex
D’Addario Zyex from D’Addario manufacture (USA). These are synthetic-based strings, made of new generation synthetic materials. They are incredibly stable in harsh climates. They have an extremely warm and rich sound. Zyex strings are a great choice for bright sounding instruments. Medium-tension strings enable high projection and surround potential. The set includes: D - string - synthetic core, aluminum wound (see P/N DZ313A) and D-string - synthetic core, silver wound (see P/N DZ313S).
See on the website: D’Addario Zyex set (see P/N DZ310A) - D - aluminum
See on the website: D’Addario Zyex set (see P/N DZ310S) - D - silver.
D’Addario Pro Arte
D’Addario Pro Arte are strings on a pearl (synthetic) base which have a warm and soft tone. An ideal choice for violinists who are looking for a warm and dark tone. They are less sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Available only medium, therefore, optimized for the needs of most musicians.See on the website: D’Addario Pro Arte set (see P/N J56).
Larsen
Larsen from Larsen manufacture (Denmark). The strings have excellent sound qualities. They are characterized by special strength and splendor. A- string is made in two versions: A - synthetic core, aluminum wound (see P/N L5522) and A - steel (see P/N L5522SL). A - steel string offers a brighter sound and longer durability, hence it gained its popularity. A - steel string is made only of medium stiffness.
The standard string set is completed with D-string - synthetic core, aluminum wound (see P/N L5523) and G - string - synthetic core, silver wound (see P/N L5524).
The manufacturer also offers a single D - string - synthetic core, silver wound (see P/N L5523S).
There are two variants of E-string: one of plain steel (see P/N L5521), the other - stainless steel (see P/N L5521G)
See on the website: standard set Larsen (see P/N L5525).
Larsen Tzigane
Larsen Tzigane is a set of advanced strings from Larsen. Their novelty lies at the core - modern synthetic multifilament fiber (nylon). The sound of these strings is richer, with a wide range of sound tones.
See on the website: Larsen Tzigane standard set (see P/N LT5525).
Larsen Virtuoso
Larsen Virtuoso is a set of innovative synthetic strings from Larsen. They are characterized by a warm tone, producing a significant flight ability of sound. These strings are made with completely different indicators of tensile force. For example, Larsen Virtuoso (medium) is correlative in their performance to Evah Pirazzi (soft). With these characteristics, Larsen Virtuoso strings have moderate strain on an instrument, making them ideal for playing old (rare) instruments.
See on the website: Larsen Virtuso standard set (see P/N LV5525).
Pirastro Aricore
Pirastro Aricore - the string core is synthetic (polyester). These strings have a warm sound with a dark timbre. They soften and ennoble the sound of a sharp, loud instrument. Only medium stiffness is available. The strings are resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. The standard string set includes: E - steel (see P/N 3101), A - aluminum (see P/N 4162), D - aluminum (see P/N 4163), G - silver (see P/N 4164). The manufacturer also offers a single A- string (see P/N 4182) and D (see P/N 4183) strings made of chrome steel. These strings are much brighter in sound and impervious to sweat!
See on the website: standard set Pirastro Aricore (see P/N 416021).
Pirastro Synoxa
Pirastro Synoxa is a set of strings which have an intense and bright sound unlike Pirastro Aricore. The specialists of our company recommend them for instruments with a weak and toneless sound. Similar to Aricore, these strings are produced only with medium stiffness. The core is nylon. The strings are insensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. The standard string set includes: E - steel (see P/N 3104), A - aluminum (see P/N 4132), D - aluminum (see article 4133), G - silver (see P/N 4134).
See on the website: standard set Pirastro Synoxa (see P/N 413021).
Pirastro Tonica
Pirastro Tonica are popular strings among different categories of musicians, both students and professionals. A perfect ratio of price and quality! Characterized by lively, bright, deep and surround sound. They have a very good and quick response. The specialists of our company recommend Tonica strings (stiff) (see P/N 412021 - stiff). These strings give quiet instruments a more powerful and surround sound. The manufacturer offers two variants of E- string: E- string, silver-plated steel (see P/N 3127) E – string, steel, aluminum wound (see P/N 3124) E- string, aluminum wound is recommended for instruments that tend to high pitch sound, especially on an open string. A-string set of Pirastro Tonica strings is a perfect ratio of price and quality.See on the website: standard set Pirastro Tonica (see P/N 412021).
Pirastro Obligato
Pirastro Obligato are synthetic violin strings made of modern synthetic multifilament fibre. Characterized by a sound rich in overtones, with a splendid projection. The tone is mellow, surround and warm. The sound is very close to the sound of gut strings. The strings have a great and quick response. Completely insensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. The specialists of our company recommend them for overly bright instruments.
The standard set includes: E- string, silver wound (see P/N. 4113) and E- string gold-plated (see P/N. 3131).
E-string - non-alloy steel (see P/N 3137) is included in another set (see P/N 411521). The manufacturer also offers single strings: A-string, chrome steel (see P/N 4117) and D-string, aluminum wound (see P/N 4118)
See on the website: standard set Pirastro Obligato (see P/N 411021).
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi are synthetic violin strings made of modern synthetic multifilament fiber. These are expressive and ideal strings for solo performances. Characterized by instant response. The sound is rich in overtones, with bright and spotless projection. Large dynamic range. Resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
№ 1 professional strings on the market today.
The standard string set includes : E-string, silver-plated steel (see P/N 3132), A-string, synthetics / aluminum (see P/N 4192), D-string - synthetics / pure silver (see P/N 4193), G-string - synthetics / pure silver (see P/N 4194).
The manufacturer also offers E-string (gold-plated) of two types of stiffness: medium (0.26 mm) (see P/N 313331) and stiff (0.27 mm) (see P/N 313331).
See on the website: standard set Pirastro Evah Pirazzi (see P/N 419021).
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold represents an advanced version of Evah Pirazzi strings, innovative production technology. Unlike the regular Evah Pirazzi set, it offers a new G-string (gold or silver), E-string (stainless steel). These strings have a rich, noble and surround sound from low to high registers, a wide range of tonal nuances, instant response. It takes very little time to play these strings up. They are resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
See on the website: G - chord string, gold (see P/N 415021):
G- string, pure gold wire wound, offers a deep, round and full sound.
G- chord string - silver (see P/N 415091):
G- string/silver offers a dynamic sound, emphasizing its brightness.
Thomastik Dominant
Thomastik Dominant is a set of legendary strings from Thomastik-Infeld. One of the most popular strings of the last century is recognized as a reference standard. They are still in demand among musicians. The multi-stranded synthetic core of these strings accords them flexibility and warmth of sounding similar to gut strings. They are resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. The strings feature stable tuning and soft sound, transparent and rich overtones. Immediately after being set on an instrument, they have a rather metallic and sharp sound, which fades away after a few days of playing.
The standard set includes: E - steel / aluminum wound (see P/N 130), A - synthetic / aluminum wound (see P/N 131), D - synthetic / aluminum wound (see P/N 132), G - synthetic, silver wound (see P/N 133).
The specialists of our company recommend a set of strings (see P/N 135B) which is completed with E- string - chrome steel (see P/N 129), as it features brightness and durability.
The manufacturer also offers a single D- string - synthetics / silver wound (see P/N 132A).
See on the website: Thomastik Dominant standard set (see P/N 135).
Стандартные аккорды струн комплектуются:
Infeld Blue струна Ми – карбоновая сталь с луженым покрытием
(см. артикул IB01)
Infeld Red струна Ми – хромсталь с золотым покрытием
(см. артикул IR01)
Струна для скрипки Ля — композитная синтетическая основа /обмотка — гидроналиум*
(Infeld Blue см. артикул IB02);
(Infeld Red см. артикул IR02)
Струна для скрипки Ре — композитная синтетическая основа /обмотка — гидроналиум*
(Infeld Blue см. артикул IB03);
(Infeld Red см. артикул IR03)
Струна для скрипки Соль — композитная синтетическая основа /серебряная обмотка
(Infeld Blue см. артикул IB04);
(Infeld Red см. артикул IR04)
Thomastik Infeld Blue
Infeld Red
Thomastik Infeld Blue and Infeld Red are synthetic strings that entered the market later. They can complement each other which makes them interesting and unique. The tensile force of the strings is equal so that helps to combine chords to improve the sound. Infeld Red sound is warm and dark, and Infeld Blue is bright. These strings quickly get played up.
The standard set includes:
Infeld Blue E-string - carbon steel, tinned wound
(see P/N IB01).
Infeld Red E-string - chrome steel, gold wound
(see P/N IR01).
Violin A- string - composite synthetic core / hydronalium wound*
(Infeld Blue, see P/N IB02);
(Infeld Red see P/N IR02)
Violin D - string - composite synthetic core / hydronalium wound*
(Infeld Blue, see P/N IB03);
(Infeld Red see P/N IR03)
Violin G - string - composite synthetic core / silver wound
(Infeld Blue, see P/N IB04);
* Hydronalium is a high-strength alloy of aluminum and magnesium.
See on the website: Thomastik Infeld Blue set (see P/N IB100).
See on the website: Thomastik Infeld Red set (see P/N IB100).
Steel strings
Steel strings began to be manufactured at the end of the 19th century with theE-string, made of pure steel, entrance on the market. The strings A, D and G are made of very thin steel wires twisted together, so-called steel wire ropes with metal wound. The wound itself is made of various metals such as silver, chrome steel, titanium, tungsten and others. The first strings with steel wire ropes were invented by D'addario (D'addario Helicore strings). Steel-core strings have a bright, mellow, but, unfortunately, simple sound, with a small amount of overtones. Some cheap brands of steel core strings often sound rough and sharp. Well-known expensive brands, on the contrary, have quite good sound qualities. Steel core strings almost don’t react to temperature and humidity effects. These strings are long lasting and responsive to a bow. Steel strings are a perfect choice for a beginniner!
D’Addario Helicore
D'addario Helicore from D'addario manufacture (USA). These popular strings produce a clear, warm tone and quick bow response. Unlike most other steel strings, the strings are soft and very flexible. Also they are well-suited for electric violins.
The set includes E - carbon steel (see P/N H311), A - steel wire / aluminum (see P/N H312), D - steel wire / titanium (see P/N H313), G - steel wire / silver (see P/N H314).
See on the website: D'addario Helicore set (see P/N H310).
Jargar
Jargar from Jargar manufacture (Denmark). Jargar strings are very popular among cellists, especially A and D - strings. Violinists prefer E and A. These strings are characterized by warm sound and excellent response. Made of chrome steel.
See on the website: Jargar set (see P/N J5585).
Prim
Prim from Prim manufacture (Sweden). Strings are popular among orchestra performers. Also, Swedish Prim set is a great choice if you play jazz, folk or country. The strings give volume and flight of sound. Bright and sharp sound and low price make them a perfect value for money! Manufactured of high quality chromium steel wire twisted around a hard steel core. The A string is especially in demand among violinists due to its bright sound and outstanding durability. The specialists of our company recommend combining this string with other sets of strings (with a steel or synthetic base).
See on the website:: Prim set (see P/NPV10).
Prim Lisa
Prim Lisa is a groundbreaking E- string from Prim. Made of high quality stainless steel. It features immunity to corrosion caused by high humidity or moisture from fingers. This means it can be used in all climates. It offers an excellent dynamic range, richness in overtones and a great response. At the tip of the string is a removable ball. It is produced in three types of stiffness: soft, medium, hard.See on the website: Prim Lisa E-string (see P/N PV21).
Pirastro Piranito
Pirastro Piranito is a budget brand of strings made from Pirastro (Germany). They have remarkably good sound for a low price. Piranito set strings is recommended for student instruments of small sizes: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4.
The standard set includes: E- string - steel (see P/N 6151), A - steel / aluminum (see P/N 6152), D - steel / chromium steel (see P/N 6153), G - steel / chromium steel (see P/N 6154).
Our specialists recommend a string set (see P/N 615500) with a complete set of A - steel / chromium steel (see P/N 6157) which features its brightness and durability.
See on the site: standard set Pirastro Piranito (see P/N 615000).
Pirastro Chromcor
Pirastro Chromcor is a popular set of strings among musicians. Their sound is clean and very bright, warmer than Piranito. They have an easy response. The string feature a particular durability. Material: steel / chromium steel.
See on the website: Pirastro Chromcor set (see P/N 319020).
Pirastro Flexocore-Permanent
Pirastro Flexocore-Permanent is a set of rope core steel strings. The strings have a warm and round sound with a clear overtone spectrum. Also they provide a great projection and an outstanding response.
The set includes: E - steel (see P/B 3161), A - rope core / aluminum (see P/N 3162), D - rope core / titanium (see P/N 3163), G - rope core / silver (see P/N 3164).
See on the website: Pirastro Flexocore-Permanent set (see P/N 316020).
Thomastik Spirocore
Thomastik Spirocore violin strings from Thomastik-Infeld manufacture (Austria). The strings have a direct and bright sound. They are popular among orchestral performers, especially musicians who play non-classical styles such as jazz, folk, country. Also good for dull sounding instruments.
The standard set includes: E - steel / aluminum wound (see P/N S9), A - chrome wound (see P/N S10), D - chrome wound (see P/N S12), G - chrome wound (see P/N S13) .
Our specialists recommend a string set (see P/N S15A), including E- string- chrome wound (see P/N S8), which features brightness and durability.
The manufacturer also offers a single G- string - silver wound (see P/N S14) and G - tungsten wound (see P/N S16).
See on the site: Thomastik Spirocore standard set (see P/N S15).
Thomastik Superflexible
Thomastik Superflexible are universal strings that go well with many instruments. They offer a dark and soft sound, a little edgy. Specialists of our company recommend these strings for both beginners and professionals.
The standard set includes: E - steel / aluminum wound (see P/N 9), A - chrome wound (see P/N 10), D - chrome wound (see P/N 12), G - chrome wound (see P/N 13) .
Our specialists recommend a string set (see P/N S15A), including E- string- chrome wound (see P/N 8), which features brightness and durability.
The manufacturer also offers a single G- string - silver wound (see P/N 14) and G - tungsten wound (see P/N 16).
See on the site: Thomastik Spirocore standard set (see P/N 15).
Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo
Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo set from D’addario manufacture (USA). The sound is similar to Pirastro Gold. Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo offers a brighter sound and is available in different sizes.
See on the website: E- string Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo - carbon steel (see P/N 420)
E- string Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo - steel / aluminum (see P/N K301 W)
E- string Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo - gold (see P/N K311GB)
Larsen Magnacore
Larsen Magnacore cello strings are an innovative series from Larsen (Denmark). These strings are incredibly warm and well-balanced. The richness of overtones and an exceptional response, even when played in the pianissimo. They feature a quick settling and particular durability. The strings have a rolled flat wire core, wound with high quality tungsten. Larsen Magnacore is ideal for cellos with both neutral and bright timbres. It is produced in two variants of tension: medium and strong.
See on the website: G- string Larsen Magnacore (see P/N L5533)
C - string Larsen Magnacore (see P/N L5534)
Larsen AURORA
Aurora cello strings are an innovative series from Larsen (Denmark). These strings have a steel base, but provide non-metallic sound with excellent brilliance and fine projection. In addition, the uniqueness of these strings lies in their economic feasibility. They are much cheaper than the well-known professional strings Larsen Soloist and Larsen Magnacore, although provide an economical alternative of both great musical value and potential. Larsen Aurora G and C strings go well with the A and D Larsen Soloist (or regular Larsen) strings. Larsen Aurora is a particularly good choice for instruments with a darker timbre.
The string set includes:
A-string - core - hard steel / wound - chromium steel (see P/N LA01)
D- string - core - hard steel / wound - chromium steel (see P/N LA02)
G- string - core - hard steel / wound - chromium steel - nickel (see P/N LA03)
C- string - core - hard steel / wound - chromium steel - tungsten (see P/N LA04)
See on the website: AURORA standard set (see P/N LA05).