Violinists are very meticulous when it comes to their instrument, and having the best possible strings is essential to their performances. Logically, if you have a high-quality violin, it normally comes with high-quality strings. However, the strings do not last that long to ensure perfect tonal qualities each time you play. It does not matter how many times you play your violin; it must be replaced at the very least every 9 months to a year. Although some violinists require their violin strings to be replaced every three to six months to achieve the sound that they need.
Indeed, not all strings are created equal. Sometimes, it also depends on the type of material; some can last longer than the others. Be that as it may, it is advised that one should use the kind of violin strings that is appropriate to the playing level of the violinist. Most advanced player has their own string requirements, and it does not necessarily mean they would work perfectly with new violinists, but when it comes to violin playing, the experience is the best teacher.
The following guide can help new violinists in choosing the best strings possible for their violins.
Professional Violinist String Requirements
Not all strings are the same, and the kind of string you choose to use would have an impact on the kind of sound that you produce. It is, therefore, important that a violinist uses the type of string appropriate for the situation.
- Soloist: Professional soloists needed a sound that can be heard easily when handling numerous overtones. That should be able to amplify the tones smoothly when playing on an outdoor arena.
- In a Band: The clashing of sounds can be expected when different instruments are played with a professional band, and a violinist should overcome. The violin sound should be able to penetrate and be heard above other instruments being played simultaneously.
- Part of an Orchestra: In an orchestra, the ultimate goal is to play harmoniously with other players. There is no need to command attention by playing aggressively to be heard over the other instruments. Blending the sound of the violin to the whole orchestra should require great control over volume.
Most Recommended Violin Strings For Advanced & Professional Violinists
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Gold Wound G - Ball E
Key features: 4/4 Violin, full string, medium gauge; G String: Gold Wound Synthetic Core Ball-End; D String: Silver Wound Synthetic Core Ball-End; A String: Aluminum Wound Synthetic Core Ball-End; E String: Stainless Steel Ball-End.
The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi String Set has been a favorite of most string players using synthetic core strings. They added a new set, which is the Gold Strings. This set of strings should solve the problems that some violinists have with previous versions of the Pirastro Evah Strings, which they say brought too much brightness and high tension. This new construction and design were made to fix all those issues. Players would have a great time as these new strings have a very short break-in time, which are totally shorter than the Evah Pirazzi and even Obligato. They are rich in overtones and have impressive tuning stability. The Gold G-string comes wounded with pure gold wire and has a round and full sound to it.
D'Addario Helicore Violin 5-String Set
Key Features: 4/4 Violin, 13 inches playing length, medium tension, stranded steel core.
The D’Addario Helicore Violin String Set comes with durable, strong, and stable strings as promised by its unique engineering as they are made of the stranded steel core. Bowing back and forth is really easy because of the rope texture kind of metal core. Its easy playability will give out a clear and warm sound.
Most traditional and alternative style players and even advancing student players would often use these strings confidently. They are also popular with those who like to play folk, country, bluegrass, and jazz. Even those heavy metal enthusiasts appreciate the flexibility of the strings. And it’s also suitable for the advanced violinists who prefer to play in darker tones.
The only thing to watch out for is that these strings are not protected well from extreme changes in temperature, so expect your strings not to last long if played in those conditions. It is perfect for those players who use five strings as the string set comes with a low C string.
Obligato 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - with Gold Ball-end E & Silver D
Key Features: G Silver, D Silver, A Aluminum, E gold, all strings ball ended, modern synthetic multifilament fibre core, medium gauge.
Obligato offers an exclusive core material with new construction and design that gives out complex overtones you require from a gut string while enjoying the fast responsiveness and stability of synthetic string. While it generally offers a warm tone, it can also provide a certain brilliant overtone when needed. Soloists and baroque players would enjoy playing these strings. It can also be used for ensemble playing as the tones can easily be controlled and can blend well with other instruments smoothly.
This Obligato 4/4 Silver string set is very suitable for the modern violinist that always plays contemporary music, which requires fast finger and movement.
Pirastro Wondertone Gold Label Violin Strings
Key Features: 4/4 Size string set, ball end E-string, Medium gauge, Gut core.
These strings are an affordable alternative that will work even with older violins. From the violin string set, three strings are made of modified synthetic fiber gut core such as G, D, and A. Classical players would often end up using these strings, and they give out the classical violin tonal quality. There is no need to worry about it when being played in extreme weather conditions.
However, since they are made with gut core, it is important to remember that playing them would need a certain bow speed to create the perfect sound. It may produce buzzing sounds if the player is not careful or skillful enough. Also, please be aware that these strings may require frequent tuning, but they offer great stability and short break-in time.
Thomastik Infeld Vienna Vision Violin Strings Set 4/4
Key Features: Complete string set, 4/4 in size, A – Aluminum, D, and G – Silver.
The Thomastik Infeld Vienna Vision Violin Strings are quite popular as they are made by the reputable German violin string maker who first launched synthetic strength on its core strings. It offers short break-in time and settles quite easily with fast, stable tuning as one of its advantages.
Another great thing about this string set is that they can be used with other synthetic strings so you can afford just to replace two strings at a time. It offers a smoother and rich tone. This string set is often used by students and professionals alike.
Buyer's Guide: Tips in Strings Longevity and Replacement
Most professional violinists would only discover their personal preferences during their musical journey. Experience will always be the greatest teacher.
Never replace your violin strings by yourself if it will be your first time to do so. Make sure someone with experience walks you through the process.
Replacing the strings is indeed a simple process, but if done incorrectly, it will not only produce unwanted sound but may damage the violin.
Check the strings regularly if they are worn out or fraying, especially if being used regularly.
Strings may last longer due to infrequent playing but always check them out because some strings do not react well with extreme changes in temperature.
If you plan on not playing it for a long time, make sure to loosen the strings a bit as it would help in their longevity but not to the point that the bridge of the violin will be affected. Just slightly loosen them up.
When in doubt, please consult a violin teacher or a violin technician.
Phyllis Gonigam says
The A string on my violin came unwound and had to be removed. The existing strings are OK but have been on so long that I don’t remember which brand they are. One of the strings was borrowed from another violin but is still okay. They are gut-core. Which brand to you recommend?