Best Violin String

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Violin String + Reviews 

 

Here, you’ll find all the info you seek about best violin strings, especially if you’re pressed for time. After evaluating the most critically acclaimed models on the market, by taking into account customer reviews, expert opinions, and social media comments, we concluded that the D’Addario Ascenté should comfortably sit on top of your list. If you are a violinist seeking to become better at their craft, you will find these strings ideal for this purpose. The broader tonal range offered allows you to fine tune your performance, up to the point that you feel you are truly advancing in skill and expertise. The synthetic core construction definitely helps with achieving accurate sounds, and it will provide you with the type of strings you need for your violin. If you cannot find the D’Addario Ascenté anymore, the next recommendation we have in line for you is the Thomastik Dominant.

 

 

Violin String Comparison Chart

 

 

 

11 Best Violin Strings (Reviews) in 2021

 

 

While going through the many violin strings for sale available, we noticed that some models sit head and shoulders above the competition through the craftsmanship employed in making them, their exquisite performance and other features. You can find these excellent violin strings below.

 

 

1. D’Addario A310 4/4M Violin String Set

 

If you are looking for good violin strings, the D’Addario Ascenté might be precisely what you need. These elegant violin strings can make a difference for any violinist in training, as they can help you go from being a novice to an advanced user of the magnificent instrument.

They are designed with the needs of any violin teacher in mind. Allowing teachers to help their students advance, these strings will also help with the development of accuracy when it comes to striking more difficult notes. There are many advantages to enjoy if you decide to use these strings for your violin.

Their synthetic core construction ensures extra durability and also helps with the fantastic pitch stability. Any who has tried them is happy with the broad tonal range that contributes to honing your skills as a violinist to perfection. At the same time, everything mentioned is delivered at a decent price, another essential selling point for the D’Addario Ascenté.

 

Pros

If you are looking for some violin strings that help you practice to become an advanced user, these are a great choice for you.

These strings help you strike even the difficult notes with accuracy which is great if you want to teach your students.

For more durability, the strings come with a synthetic construction that also helps to obtain a wide and warm tonal range.

Playing the violin is more pleasant thanks to the great bow response and the short break-in time.

This model comes with superior pitch stability so you can enjoy your musical experience at its finest.

 

Cons

This model is good for beginners, but if you are an advanced violin player it is recommended to check other products.

Some customers complained that the diameter of the strings is not adequate as the A string has a thick diameter while the G or D strings have a thinner one.

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2. Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set

 

If you are asking anyone with a passion for playing the violin about the most important brands in the industry of making products in this field, you will hear them talking about the Dominant violin strings. This series is famous across the globe and very popular with violinists everywhere.

The synthetic strings used by the manufacturer are crafted to such a degree of perfection that they almost sound like natural gut strings. The flexible nylon material is created from multiple strands; this sort of construction makes them sound almost like natural gut strings, which is not something achieved by such strings.

One thing to bear in mind is that the Dominant is a complete set, and it includes an aluminum/steel E string, and it runs a full circle with ball and loop end. The medium gauge makes them versatile enough for anyone who is looking to enhance their craft. If you decide to spend money on the Dominant, you will not feel like your money goes to waste.

 

Pros

If you are looking for some versatile strings, this medium gauge set is a great choice for you in order to help you evolve as a violin player.

These popular strings have a synthetic construction that allows you to create accurate sounds that are getting close to perfection.

The manufacturer manages to create these strings from a multi-strand flexible nylon material in order to make them similar to the natural gut strings.

This complete set includes all ball-end aluminum/perlon A and D strings, a silver/perlon G string, and an aluminum/steel E string with ball and loop end.

 

Cons

This model is great for students, so keep that in mind if you are an advanced violin player as it may not be suitable for you.

The E string is a bit squeaky and noticeable and it may feel uncomfortable in some situations like group sessions.

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3. D’Addario Helicore 4/4 Scale Medium Tension

 

The sort of sound your violin can produce is at the heart of any string set. What you need from your violin strings is that they sound natural and vibrant. People who have tried the D’Addario Helicore can swear by the capabilities of this type of strings to deliver a superior warm and rich tonality that you cannot easily find anywhere else.

The material these strings are made of is called Zyex Composite that uses cutting-edge technology to maintain its qualities even under dramatic climatic changes. This manufacturer opted for this material because it helps the strings settle fast, especially when compared to other similar items on the market.

The same material is responsible for the warm sound it can produce. If you are looking for a set of strings to help you deliver fantastic projection, these may be the right choice for you. What helps in this area, as well, is the heavy tension.

 

Pros

D’Addario Helicore comes with a set of strings that allows you to reach a warm tonality and a vibrant sound.

The strings are durable and resistant to dramatic climate changes as they are made of a material called Zyex Composite which uses cutting-edge technology.

The strings settle fast compared to other products thanks to the Zyex Composite material.

For improved playability, the strings come with a stranded steel core that produces a warm and clear tone.

These medium-tension strings have a playing length of 13 inches and they are made in the U.S.A. with professionalism.

The strings are versatile as you can use these strings for electric violin too.

 

Cons

Some buyers complained that the D string is not very durable as it is vulnerable after some long-time use.

This set is not made for advanced violin players as it is more suitable for beginners and students.

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4. Pirastro Obligato 4/4 Violin String Set 

 

This string set works very well with bright sounding violins, and it is capable of delivering a very warm and broad sound. The strings can be enjoyed by musicians of all skill levels since they feel very good on the fingers, and the E string, in particular, is amazing since it won’t choke in high registers.

You can also be certain that these high-quality strings will handle heavy and frequent use since the core is made from a modern synthetic multifilament fiber that is not only durable but also delivers excellent response and playability. The advanced manufacturing techniques allow the synthetic core strings to deliver the complex overtones of gut core strings.

These strings can also deliver a large volume and are rich in all the aspects that matter, and when coupled with a matching violin, they can turn into a full powerhouse and deliver a very rich sound that’s full of color.

 

Pros

The Obligato strings are very quick to set, which means that you can install them the night before a performance, and they’ll still be stable the next morning.

With this option, you can enjoy a quick response throughout the entire dynamic range, as well as excellent playability.

It uses an exclusive new core made from modern synthetic multifilament fiber that delivers the warmth and complex overtones of gut core strings and the quick response and stability of synthetic core strings.

They can be played by anyone, and they are insensitive to variations in humidity and temperature so that you can rely on them to deliver consistent sound.

 

Cons

The main issue with this string set is the high price, and while they’re more durable than most other options on the market, they will still die out and need replacement.

It might not be the appropriate purchase if you’re looking for that dark, gut string sound.

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5. Pirastro Tonica 4/4 Violin String Set

 

Synthetic core strings must be made from top quality materials to deliver the same beautiful sounds as natural gut models can. That being said, the Pirastro Tonica is made from a particular type of material that combines fine single filaments and winding materials to create a set of quality violin strings that will not disappoint you.

One thing anyone who has tried these strings can tell you is that they are truly dependable. There is no loss of accuracy or sound richness, and because they go through a thorough quality control process, the chances of receiving a flawed set are minimal.

The full volume achieved with these strings is another reason why you should opt for them and not for another set. The lively sound they create allows a bit of leeway as far as modulation is concerned, which will give you more freedom to perform beautiful music. They are easy to tune, and they are impervious to humidity.

 

Pros

If you are looking for a set of synthetic strings that can provide a sound very similar to the natural gut models, this is the right choice for you.

Combining the quality winding materials with the flexible single filaments in one product, this set rises to the expectations of a great violinist.

To make sure that you enjoy your experience in a proper manner, the product goes through a strict quality control process.

The powerful volume, the great dependability, and the lively sound are the main features of these strings that give you freedom when performing.

For more durability and more protection, the strings are made to resist humidity conditions.

 

Cons

The tonal qualities are not as distinctive as the ones provided by the professional strings for advanced violin players.

This model is good for both beginners and intermediate violin players, but not so great for advanced players.

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6. D’Addario Prelude 4/4 Scale Medium Tension

 

Some people prefer strings that are synthetic, while others go for models made with a strong steel core, because of the superior durability. However, the latter category is often said to be incapable of delivering the sort of beautiful sound only natural gut and close imitations can. That is not the case with the D’Addario Prelude.

The solid steel construction offers the most of both worlds, being extremely durable, but still managing the warmest sounds possible, at the same time. This line of strings is available in full and fractional size, allowing you to choose what you need most.

Like any other D’Addario product, these are designed to provide consistent quality. The sealed pouch makes sure that the strings will not be affected by any changes in the surrounding environment. These strings are protected against corrosion, and they will last for as long as you need them. Students prefer them because they are cheap, dependable, and still manage to deliver beautiful rich tones.

 

Pros

Most people avoid the strings with a strong steel core as they are said not to deliver the sound with the same quality as the natural gut strings, but that’s not the case of D’Addario Prelude.

Due to the steel core, these strings are very durable and yet they are capable of delivering a warm sound.

You have the possibility to choose the set of strings in fractional or full size, according to your preferences.

The set comes with a sealed pouch to protect the strings while transporting them.

For extra durability and protection, the strings are also corrosion-resistant.

The strings are great for students as they are dependable while they are delivering a rich tone at the same time.

 

Cons

It was signaled by some customers that the strings are not so great for an advanced violin player.

The G string has a lower tension than other strings which leads to an unclear tone which is noticeable.

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7. Imelod Violin Strings Universal Full Set 

 

Any type of violin you play needs a good set of strings, and this universal set is just what you need. It works just as fine for 4/4 violins, as well as all the other sizes down to 1/4 violins. The set contains the E, A, D, G strings as expected from a universal model, and they are nickel wound with ball ends.

As far as their construction goes, it is worth knowing that the E string is made from stainless steel wire, while the other 3 are made from a steel core and are wound with nickel-silver. This type of configuration helps obtain warm sounds.

You will notice that the manufacturer pays extra attention to the product, as each string comes in its individual package. This way, they are protected against rust and corrosion. Overall, this set of strings is ideal for anyone looking for a cheap alternative that works on any violin.

 

Pros

It doesn’t matter if your violin is a 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, or 1/4 model, this set of strings will fit like a charm and help you obtain the type of sound you desire.

With a solid construction that uses stainless steel wire for the E string and a solid steel core wrapped in nickel-silver for the others, these strings will impress you with the warm sound they can produce.

Beginners, as well as advanced violinists, will find these strings ideal for a replacement when their old strings become damaged or unusable.

Because of the stable pitch of these strings, you will notice that they don’t require a lot of retuning, something helpful for novices in particular.

Individually packed, these strings are protected from damage during transportation.

 

Cons

Although they serve well as replacement strings, they can’t be a recommendation as a primary set for a violin.

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8. Full Set High Quality Violin Strings

 

You can use this set  for either a full-size violin or a 3/4 model, without a problem. Since both types of violins use the same size strings, you will encounter no issues if you decide for the Stravilio ST-FV. The core of the strings is made from steel, and the nickel ball end contributes to the superior durability of the model.

You will get a complete set so that you can replace all the four strings on your violin, should anything happen with the ones you are using now. While it may sound like a cheaper solution to just replace the string that gets damaged, that is not such a practical solution. Strings from different sets will not sound the same, and that will make you less able to focus on practicing.

The versatile solution offered by this manufacturer comes in handy for all violinists in training. You will discover soon that they are everything you need as a student who is still learning.

 

Pros

Durability is the main feature of this set of strings as they have a strong steel core and a round nickel ball end.

You can use these strings on either ¾ or 4/4 violin models since both use the same size strings.

This versatile set is ideal for you if you are a student as the strings are great for your training.

Buying this set allows you to replace all the strings even though only one is broken because the sound quality is better when all the strings are from the same set.

Even though the strings are made of steel, they deliver a warm tone, with a great response.

 

Cons

The E string lacks a rubber tube to keep the string from cutting the bridge.

There were some complaints that the A and D strings are more similar than they should be.

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9. Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set 

 

From first glance, you will be able to tell that this product is not your average, run of the mill set of strings. It is a full set that contains the 4 essential strings, each one with a particular construction so that they can produce the most beautiful sounds. The E string has a steel core and is gold-plated, while the A string has a synthetic core, and it is wound in aluminum.

The D string has a synthetic core, as well, by it is silver wound, while the G string is exactly the same. This set is created only for 4/4 violins, and it addresses more advanced players who don’t mind paying a premium price for high-quality strings.

Manufactured using the newest technologies in the industry available, these strings provide the violin player with a broad dynamic range, and they are particularly suitable for playing pianissimo passages.

 

Pros

One would feel hard-pressed to find a set of strings that sound as accurate and clean as this product from Pirastro Evah Pirazzi.

Each string has different construction, with the exception of D and G that share the same materials and manufacturing technique.

Notably, the E string is gold-plated with a steel core, which may be part of why the price tag for this set is so high.

The synthetic core used for the other strings is responsible for the brilliant tones you will obtain when using this set.

You will be delighted with the ability of these strings to provide you with a focused sound, and excellent responsiveness when you play pianissimo passages.

 

Cons

These strings don’t appear to be particularly durable as regular play, such as several hours daily, will cause them to wear off in less than one year.

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Best violin strings for beginners

10. Artisan Violin Strings Premium Quality

 

What do you seek most in your violin strings? Are you interested in durability? Or is it performance you seek most? Your bet should be on a product that manages to deliver both, and the Artisan Salzburger is the exact thing you need. The warm tone that these strings can provide will convince you that you will hardly discover a better alternative for the price.

These strings are versatile, and that is part of their appeal. They do more than just be a good fit for both 4/4 and 3/4 violin sizes; they are an ideal choice for players of all levels. No matter if you are just beginning, or you are a seasoned violinist, you will find these strings to be a good fit for your needs.

Do not be surprised to learn that these strings are extremely popular with violin players everywhere. Equipped with a stainless steel core that makes them durable and reliable, they are easy to tune in.

 

Pros

If you are looking for a set of strings that provides you both durability and performance, this product may satisfy your needs.

Besides the fact that buying this set is an economical choice, you can also enjoy the warm tone that the strings deliver.

These strings can be used by students, but it is a great replacement alternative for advanced players too.

The set is versatile, fitting both ¾  and 4/4 size violins.

Durability isn’t sacrificed in this set as the strings are made of stainless steel that is very reliable.

Tuning in your strings is easy so it won’t take you too much from the playing time.

 

Cons

If you are an advanced violin player, you should look for a more professional set.

The sound provided by these strings is not as rich as the one provided by other models.

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11. Super-Sensitive Red Label 

 

These strings are made with core steel and nickel winding, for maximum durability. One thing you may like to learn about this particular product is that it is highly recommended by teachers and instructors teaching the Suzuki Method. You can rest assured that the strings will be able to take some extensive practice without snapping.

Also, the tonal performance does not disappoint at all. The high quality of the craftsmanship involved in the making of these strings is superior in every way. At the same time, you are not required to pay a premium price to enjoy them.

For all fractional size instruments, these strings prove to be an excellent choice. They are also designed with students of different levels in mind, so you will find them quite versatile. Teachers love them, and that is why they recommend them so much. If you want a new set that will deliver as promised, you can safely choose the Super-Sensitive Red Label.

 

Pros

This strings set is exactly what you need if you are a student and you are discovering the violin as many instructors and teachers recommend it.

The strings have a steel core with nickel winding to provide them with durability and give you the possibility of longer playing time.

To make the features of these strings more complete, the set provides you excellent tonal performance and dependability.

This product is versatile as it comes in different sizes so you won’t need to use the larger-sized strings again if they are not suitable for your instrument.

The installing process is very easy so even the beginners can set up their own violin.

 

Cons

This is an excellent opportunity to practice as a student, but it may not be enough for a more advanced violin player.

Even though these are durable strings, they can still break after some use.

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

There can be many reasons why you want to purchase a new set of violin strings. Some people just want to have some replacement at their fingertips in case the ones they have on their violin snap or suffer other types of damage. On the other hand, other violinists embark on a quest to find the perfect set of strings that will deliver the music they want to perform to the best of their abilities. Regardless of your reason, the following guide, based on the violin strings reviews written by users and experts, will help you out.

What core material is used?

To get more in touch with how different violin strings behave, you need to understand the various core materials used by manufacturers. Natural gut strings are the old-fashioned model, and they are not just as popular anymore. Back in the days, centuries ago, in fact, there were no such things as synthetic materials and the like.

That left violin makers with little choices at their disposal. Their craftsmanship discovered that natural gut was the most appropriate material for making the strings. The gut was harvested from sheep intestines. Today, these strings are known to have a lower tension than those made from synthetic materials or steel. However, their tonality is warmer and richer.

They are characterized by a slow response time, which means that they are not such an excellent choice for beginners who are yet to achieve the required finesse to make the instrument react the way they want it to. Climatic changes, like hot lights on a stage, can affect their structure, and they need more re-tuning.

Steel was the second material that was discovered to behave in the desired manner when shaped into strings for violins. These are known to have a fairly quick response time, and the sound they deliver is crisp and beautiful. Nonetheless, you cannot expect the same warm, rich overtones, like the ones that can be obtained when playing a violin with gut core strings.

Synthetic strings were introduced to the market by an Austrian company named Thomastik-Infeld. The brand they created was called Dominant, and it gained universal approval and popularity within a short time. The stable pitch of these strings makes them sound close to natural gut strings, and that is an important achievement. If you want the best violin strings for beginners, these would be a right choice.

 

What is string gauge?

The gauge of your strings plays a certain role in how the violin will sound when played on. Why is such an aspect important? There is quite an important aspect to consider here. Natural gut strings, for instance, must have a larger width or gauge, to maintain the stability of the pitch.

Depending on the gauge you choose, you can obtain a crisper or a darker tone. It all boils down to your style of playing and what you want to achieve. A thin gauge, also named dolce, is the optimal choice for someone who wants brighter tones, at the cost of volume.

A medium gauge is ideal for enjoying the best of both worlds, while a forte or thick gauge will turn your violin into a veritable baroque instrument, capable of delivering dark, richer sounds, with more power and volume. As you may well expect, the response time is slower. It is up to you to decide which the best kind of violin strings is for you.

 

A bit about string tension

Tonal differences are important when you are selecting a new set of violin strings. While some people mistake gauge and tension for the same thing, nothing could be further from the truth. The available tension values are light, medium and heavy. If you remember the earlier information on gut strings, you already know that these have a lower tension, compared to the other types.

This does not mean that you should pick the strings you want on hard, cold facts alone. The best rated violin strings are those that are capable of delivering what is expected of them. There are no rules set in stone when it comes to what gauge or tension to pick. Be aware that a higher tension can make sounds come out as choked.

 

Evaluate your musical preferences

Before opting for your favorite violin string, you must think about the style or genre of music that you’re most likely to play. Certain genres sound better using a specific type of strings. For instance, steel strings are mainly suitable for folk and jazz players but they also represent a popular option for those who prefer electric violins.

On the other hand, if you lean toward a more classical approach, you can experiment with different types of strings made of synthetic materials or even with gut strings. Various brands like D Addario and Evah Pirazzi offer a wide selection of violin strings to meet the requirements of every music enthusiast, regardless of their choice of instrument or music genre. 

Consider your level of expertise

Another thing you should take into account is your playing skills and overall level of expertise. You want to opt for a violin string combination that enhances your playing abilities and isn’t more difficult to play when it comes to certain fingering and bowing techniques.

You can always ask for professional help when it comes to choosing the right violin strings for you, whether from your instructor or someone working in a professional music store. 

Generally speaking, strings made of synthetic fibers are extremely versatile and flexible enough to ensure you get the best sound with every finger motion, which means they represent an excellent choice for beginners. 

Brands like Evah Pirazzi or D Addario provide an extended selection of strings designed for all skill levels and music genres, so take your time and explore the market before making your choice. 

 

Keep your options open

One of the most common mistakes you’ll see in beginner violin players is their preference for a certain brand or type of strings. Although some are better than others depending on the type of sound you are looking for, this doesn’t mean that you should stick to a certain type of life. 

On the contrary, the more experience you gain, the more you should experiment with different brands and materials, including steel core strings, until you find the correct set for you.

Since strings are individual, you can also opt for various brands depending on the strings of your violin. For instance, some violinists find that a certain style E-string works better than another kind or brand so why not experiment if you have the ability?

Depending on your level of expertise and the number of hours you play per day, you’ll find that a set of strings requires changing every 3-6 months. This is an excellent opportunity for you to try a new brand or set or make the necessary adjustments so that the new strings accommodate your preferred music genre and playing style.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about violin strings

 

Q: Are violin strings color coded?

Yes, violin strings are color coded with the purpose of helping students to understand where each of them goes. Each string has its rightful place, and it would not be a good thing to mess them up, as each one of them must deliver a certain type of sound. Some manufacturers sell strings that are color-coded at both ends, while some do not abide by the same rules. Charts with various color coding are available online.

 

Q: What are violin strings made of?

A few materials are considered to be the most indicated for the delicate job of helping violinists deliver the beautiful sounds they are known to be capable of when playing their favorite instrument. Natural gut is the oldest choice, but it is now more and more often replaced with steel core construction, and with artificial materials. There are advantages and disadvantages of all available materials, so you should pick carefully the one that you want most.

Q: Are electric violin strings the same as acoustic?

The short answer to this question would be a simple ‘no.’ A violin, in its standard sense, is a hallowed musical instrument that creates sound when its strings are touched, and they start to vibrate. The way the body of the violin reacts and amplifies the sound is how such classical instruments work. On the other hand, the body of an electric violin is not empty on the inside. You will need to plug the violin into an amplifier to have the sound delivered.

 

Q: Will violin strings work on a viola?

There is a bit of a debate going on whether this would be a good choice or not. Violin strings usually have a lower tension compared to those used on a viola, so you may not experience the same sound effects on a violin. Another important difference to bear in mind is that strings that work on a violin tend to be longer, and that can make the re-stringing operation difficult and tedious. You should choose the proper strings for a viola instead of trying to replace them with violin strings.

 

Q: What violin strings do professionals use?

Violinists are known to be very peculiar and adamant about the sort of strings they use. You must bear in mind that professionals reach a level of finesse that allows them to sense the slightest differences properly. Dominants are usually much preferred by professional violinists if you are seeking a straightforward answer to this question. Other companies like Pirastro, and Eudoxa, are often among professionals’ preferences. As far as the materials used for the core, there are no set in stone rules. You will find natural gut, steel and artificial materials among the strings used by pros.

 

Q: Why change violin strings?

There can be different reasons to change violin strings. As a general rule, those who frequently play, are recommended to change the strings once every 3 to 6 months, as strings simply suffer a process of deprecation. However, if you are not a frequent user, you can opt for strings that are known for their durability, as you may end up using them for a very long time. If you notice that the strings start to deliver a dull sound, or their pitch is no longer stable, that may be serious reasons to change them.

 

Q: Are violin strings color coded?

The colors provide essential information when it comes to restringing your violin, so you should pay close attention to this if you plan on performing the restringing on your own and not taking your instrument to a professional music shop. 

The colorful wraps serve as the string’s “fingerprint”. Usually, the colors indicate the brand of the strings (D Addario strings, for instance, come in different colors than strings manufactured by Evah Pirazzi), which set or line of violin strings it came from, the violin strings’ gauge, and, in some cases, the type of coating used. 

For instance, if you hold a string with a solid purple wrap at the tailpiece end, you can easily identify it as one from the Peter Infeld line, thanks to the color-coding. Evah Pirazzi strings, for example, have a different color scheme. 

 

Q: What are violin strings made of?

Metal violin strings are also called steel strings and are a common choice for violinists. They produce a full and bright sound when played with adequate technique. Due to their enhanced durability and volume capacity, steel strings are mainly favored by jazz and folk musicians, as well as by electric violin players. 

Gut violin strings are as old as the instrument itself and were created using sheep intestines wrapped with copper or silver wire. They provide the warm and complex tone of “ancient” violins and this is why some musicians still prefer them today. However, they require more tuning and are less durable than other violin strings. 

Synthetic core strings are usually made from high-quality nylon and other composite materials and are the latest addition in the field, with a history of approximately 50 years. Synthetic core strings represent a great choice for beginner violinists. 

 

Q: Are electric violin strings the same as acoustic?

Since electric violins require to be plugged into an amp to deliver sound, it is easy to understand that the strings used for these instruments are not the same as the ones used for an acoustic violin.

The good thing is that you can use all types of strings on your electric violin, and, if it’s necessary, you can still opt for some classical violin strings. All acoustic violin strings are compatible with an electric instrument as long as you respect the type of string used by the electric violin. 

Even though the sound produced by the electric violin is little impacted by the types of strings used, most players will prefer steel strings instead of synthetic core strings. 

 

Q: Will violin strings work on a viola?

As we previously mentioned, the strings mainly used for violins are longer than the ones designed for violas but this doesn’t mean that you cannot convert them.

For those who are used to restringing their instruments, various online videos show how to convert a regular violin string to be used on a viola. However, the process is rather long and requires accuracy, so we don’t recommend you try it unless you have experience in the field. 

You could try to take your instrument to a music store and ask a professional to restring the viola for you but the easiest, most convenient, and affordable option, would be to stick to proper viola strings. 

 

Q: What violin strings do professionals use?

The answer to this question depends on each person and his or her set of skills regarding the violin. As some of the most popular violins in the world can cost millions of dollars, it is no surprise that violinists would pay a small fortune for the instrument’s most important part – its strings. 

Natural gut strings are less durable and more expensive so they are only chosen by a peculiar category of violinists. Most professionals will stick to steel core strings as they provide a great sound and they won’t break or wear as easily as those made of synthetic fibers. 

 

Q: Why change violin strings?

As with all other string instruments, violins require special care in time to keep their rich, original sound. Depending on how often you play your instrument, you may notice signs of wear or changes in the sound delivered after a few months, and this is why we recommend that you change the strings. 

If you don’t want to invest a small fortune in these accessories, you can simply opt for a set of steel core strings that are known for their durability. You will find decent replacements from brands such as Evah Pirazzi or D Addario. 

 

 

Best violin strings brands

 

If you’re looking up the most sought-after violin string names on the entire planet, the name D’Addario will pop up for sure. This family owned and operated business, dedicated to manufacturing all their products in the US, is a synonym to high-quality strings for instruments, so their popularity is unrivaled.

The history of the enterprise goes back in time several centuries, as the D’Addario family has been involved in the making of strings for various instruments since 1680. Moving to the US counted for a shift in the reach of the company. The same family still runs the business to date.

 

The first violin string with this name was created in 1930, and, as it is the case with everything with such a long-standing tradition, you can count on the high quality and expertise behind the products made for this line.

The company behind the brand is Super-Sensitive Musical String, and their mission is to create strings that will help educators and students in their endeavor to conquer the challenges of playing such a beautiful instrument. Endorsed by big names on the musical scene, the brand is one of the best you can find on the market right now.

 

If tradition and experience matter to you, you should never overlook a brand like Cecilio. Hundreds of years of making musical instruments sustain the popularity of the violin strings this company makes and has been making for a long time.

Renowned for their handcrafted instruments brought to perfection by experienced luthiers, the company also makes sure that their products remain decently priced. You can rest assured that all their products are designed to abide by strict quality standards. This thorough testing is what makes the brand stand out. You will make a sound investment, should you decide to purchase strings made by this company.

 

Whenever a new brand tries to launch, the company behind it will try putting their violin strings to the test against the well-known and popular Dominant strings. Thomastik-Infeld, the inventors of Dominant, made a name for themselves when they managed to create violin strings from artificial materials close to tonality to those made from natural gut.

Their excellence shows in every product that leaves their production facility, and you can never go wrong with these strings. They also resist humidity, which is a big plus, as not the same thing can be said by natural gut strings.

 

When looking for a set of violin strings that will help you hone your skills as a musician, Pirastro is one of the brand names that instantly come to mind. The brand is famous for the broad tonal range and deep overtones, and it is endorsed by many musicians.

One interesting fact about this brand is that they create strings that are made from various materials. Natural gut strings are available, as are synthetic or steel core models. Whatever you seek, you will not be left wanting. Whether you prefer the dark, rich tones of natural gut strings or the high pitch of steel core models, you will receive what you need.

 

This brand was established by a violinist, which is a rather rare thing. Pierre Holstein, the name behind the brand, created Fiddlerman as a resource for all educators and students to learn and to purchase musical instruments and accessories at a reasonable price. The expertise of the seasoned violinist was complemented by his son’s knowledge of running an Internet business, and that was how Fiddlerman was born.

A lot of people place their trust in this brand, due to the attention to detail invested by the people running the company into providing everyone with the sort of violin strings they need without spending a small fortune.

 

 

Unavailable products

 

Vizcaya 2 Full Sets Violin String

 

This complete pack is an excellent option for anyone looking for good value for their money. You will get 12 strings with your purchase, and in the package, you will find two full sets of strings and four extras as replacements. For any student in training, this is a value buy, as you will be able to replace the strings in case something goes awry without purchasing another full set.

These strings can be used on both 4/4 violins and 3/4 models. They use solid steel construction for delivering warm tones. At the same time, they are incredibly durable, so you can rest assured that you are making a sound investment, should you decide to purchase them. The ball end is made from a combination of materials that includes aluminum and magnesium alloy.

Even novices will have a good time using these strings. Because they are highly sensitive, and they respond well, they will not have you work hard to obtain the sound quality you want.

 

Pros

If you are looking for an efficient and economic acquisition, this set is a great choice for you as it comes with two full sets of strings and 4 extra strings for replacement.

These strings are great if you are a student as you don’t have to buy another set if one of your strings break.

This set is versatile and you can install the strings on both 4/4 and ¾ violin models.

The solid steel construction provides durability and a warm tone at the same time.

Every string has a ball-end that is made of an alloy that includes magnesium and aluminum.

You can create quality sounds using these strings because they have a good response and they are very sensitive.

 

Cons

The strings don’t come with a plastic bridge protector.

As some customers claimed, you may find it hard to tune these strings, especially if you don’t have enough experience.

 

 

Set of 4/4 Violin Bowstring Strings

 

Anyone looking for cheap violin strings will have a hard time to pass the opportunity offered by the uxcell VL-Strings. Sold for a particularly low price, they provide solid quality, something you might not expect in a set that sells for so little.

One of the first things that must be mentioned about these strings is that they come with a strong synthetic core, so you don’t have to deal with cheap strings made from steel. You will appreciate the attention to detail invested by the manufacturer in these strings. They are packed individually to avoid corrosion and any damage.

The medium tension configuration is ideal for players of all levels, so it doesn’t matter if you are a novice or a more advanced violinist in training. These strings are all brand new and manufactured to the highest quality so that you can enjoy them to your heart’s content. Since you might end up breaking plenty of strings before you manage to master your craft, it never hurts to have some replacements.

 

Pros

If you are a student who discovers the beautiful art of music, this set of strings helps you to achieve great results while training thanks to the quality provided by it.

These strings have a strong synthetic core to make you feel confident while contouring the perfect notes.

To give you the best experience, the strings come packed separately in order to avoid corrosion and to help you keep them in great form if you don’t replace the old ones immediately.

These strings have a medium tension which is suitable not only for beginners but for any level.

To provide you a pleasant musical experience, the strings are manufactured to high-quality standards to let you practice better.

 

Cons

Since the strings are made of synthetic core and not steel, and the E string is the thinnest one, the possibility that it breaks is pretty high.

These are more entry-level strings than professional ones.

 

 

Larsen Strings For Violin Synthetic

 

When looking for a full set of strings, do not hesitate to take a look at the Fiddlerman Fid-5512. The strings are made from synthetic materials with a good reputation among violinists, and you don’t have to worry that you will only get a set of cheap strings made of steel that never delivers to the quality level you seek.

The manufacturer seems to place a great deal of trust in these strings and even mentions that their model fared exceptionally well in a blind test when it was compared to other products of higher value and quality. These strings are made in Germany, and they abide by the highest quality standards, which means that you will not have to worry about their overall performance.

The overtones delivered by the strings are vibrant and clear. One other excellent thing about them is that they are quite cheap, something that top of the line violin strings cannot compete with.

 

Pros

This set delivers quality synthetic strings to make sure you enjoy your musical experience in a professional way.

The performance of these strings is great because the product is made in Germany in high-quality standards.

This set was compared to other similar products in a blind test in which it fared very well.

Thanks to the quality material, the strings offer a clear and vibrant overtone so you can play the violin with accuracy.

The E string comes with a removable ball-end for an acoustic difference.

Taking into account the quality of the sound, the scratchy noise is significantly reduced as so you can enjoy a smooth sound.

 

Cons

Customers have claimed that the strings are vulnerable after a long use as they may break at some point.

Depending on your violin model, the installing process is not very easy as the strings don’t fit into the tuning brackets or the peg hole.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Violin Equal Tension Strings

2) How violins are made

3) Know about strings

4) Do Violin Strings Make a Difference?