Gone were the days when violin strings were solely made of gut. Of course, the gut had been the standard material until the close of World War II, and its use dated back to the ancient Egyptian (6,000 years ago). However, the gut string evolved and got wound with silver, raising the G-string’s density while reducing its diameter. Then comes the steel E string, which became popular at the end of the 19th century.
The manufacturing of violin strings has dramatically changed since then, and now you can find synthetic violin strings made of synthetic materials like nylon and composite fibers. Synthetic-core strings tend to create a fuller and richer tone characterized by warmer tone quality compared to steel-core strings. Moreover, they offer greater complexity while providing a broader tone color spectrum. Plus, they can offer subtler tonal effects than that of steel.
Some synthetic-core strings further evolved into something that mimics the desired feel and warmth of gut-core ones. Moreover, they can stabilize their pitch more quickly than the steel core. Hence, many bowed string players prefer this type over others.
One type of synthetic-core strings is the composite-core strings, which showcases the most advanced string technology type. They come with more innovative synthetic materials, and they are denser and stronger. They are also not susceptible to the vicissitudes of weather changes.
Most Recommended Synthetic Violin Strings
When it comes to synthetic-core violin strings, you will find several great options in the market today. However, you may get confused when choosing, given the different options at hand. To make it easy for you to zero in on the right choice, we have listed here the most recommended synthetic-core violin strings in the market today:
1) Pirastro 4120 Tonica Synthetic Core Violin String Set
Pirastro, as mentioned above, is a well-known producer of strings for violins. Pirastro’s synthetic-core, like the Pirastro Tonica, include steel strings (Flexocor and Chromcor). The Tonica come with a nylon core that provides well-rounded and lively sounds. These strings also offer easy tone attack and easy response. Moreover, these strings are not so much affected by the weather’s vicissitudes and change in humidity.
The Tonica offers rich overtones and optimal brilliance and power. The soft and orchestra gauges of the Tonica were developed to let a string match the adjacent strings even if they got different gauge, allowing you to perform through various registers.
2) Fiddlerman Violin String Set
The good thing about the Fiddlerman Violin String Set is that it gives you a consistent tone, which lets you easily predict the outcome and precisely know what you can expect when you replace your strings again. This set comes with G, D, A, E strings. Moreover, the strings come with synthetic cores and high-quality steel wound. You will find it hard to differentiate these strings from Dominant strings..
Fiddlerman LLC is a German company known for producing quality violin strings. It also comes with a ball-end E string that you can remove. Fiddlerman violin strings provide warmth and are gut-like. They also offer clear, rich, and soft overtones that you would surely love. Nevertheless, they come at half the price of the Dominant strings.
3) Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin A String
One famous brand when it comes to string manufacturing is Pirastro. Pirastro has been producing strings for violin, cello, and viola for almost around 200 years. It has been reputed for producing quality and being reliable. Hence, most professionals, teachers, and students worldwide prefer the Pirastro strings, given the fact that Pirastro strings come with the finest materials and designs.
The Pirastro strings are of high price, compared to those of other brands. Yet, I am sure you can afford these products. Pirastro’s Evah Pirazzi comes at a cost that is quite affordable.
Evah Pirazzi strings come with synthetic cores and are perfect for soloists. These strings feature aluminum winding that provides warm and dynamic tones that connect well to the audience. You will not be disappointed with the Evah Pirazzi strings.
4) MI&VI SOLOIST’S Violin Strings
The MI&VI SOLOIST’S Violin Strings have been engineered for a distinctive and well-rounded bright tone. These strings offer a quick response to the bows. They also offer dynamic and vibrant timbre and stable pitch that bring about incredible playability.
MI&VI Violin Strings are medium-tensioned and are perfect for fitting a full-sized violin. Moreover, humidity and weather changes do not readily affect these strings. They are also ideal for use by beginner, intermediate, and advanced violinists.
These strings offer a broader dynamic range that is perfect for soloists. Its G, D, and A strings are wrought with synthetic core with silver and aluminum wound. The E string, however, is gold-plated and delivers richer and full-bodied sounds.
Other Top-rated Synthetic Core String for Violin
Conclusion
As musicians, you need to search for innovations in the musical instruments you play. It will also help if you know how the instruments you are using has evolved through time. For example, as a violinist, you need to understand how violin strings developed over time from guts to synthetic materials. At present, the most popular strings in the market today are the mid-priced synthetic-core strings.
The first synthetic-cores were developed and released in the 1970s, known as Dominant. Since then, synthetic-core increasingly became popular. Synthetics, of course, present the best characteristics of both the gut and wound steel. They offer a warm timbre typical of the gut string and the steel’s reliability, making them the most sought after in the market today.
When was Synthetic-core Strings First Used?
The use of synthetic-core strings began around forty years ago when an Austrian string manufacturer (Thomastik-Infeld) first introduced the Dominant string. This string came with a Perlon core. Soon after its introduction, the Dominant became an instant success and radically changed violin playing. The Dominant offers a more stable pitch compared to the gut. Nevertheless, it sounds gut-like with a more focused tone and less complicated overtones.
The synthetic-core technology has further evolved since then, and manufacturers experimented with different combinations of synthetic materials and core materials to create more complex sound. Thus, you will find strings having a composite core.
The composite-core strings may not sound like that of the gut-core, but they offer sophisticated and engaging tonal quality. Moreover, these composite core strings come with higher tension than gut-core strings, but with darker and warmer tonal quality.
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