How to Choose the Right Strings for Your Instrument

If you are a string player, you know how difficult it is to find the right strings for your instrument. Because there are so many brands on the market, and also because strings react differently depending on the instrument on which they are installed, choosing strings can resemble something close to a nightmare. By keeping a few important facts in mind, it is possible for the task not to be so daunting after all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide which kind of strings could be the best: Gut (nice deep sound but not very stable), Steel Core (more stable than gut but high-pitched sound) or Synthetic Core (warm sound and very stable). Usually, the average violinist prefers stable strings that won't require constant tuning.
2. Decide which gauge (thickness) would fit your instrument the best. A thick string will produce more volume and focus on the tone, as opposed to a thinner one which will produce a light (in volume) brighter sound.
3. Address the E string problem. The one that comes with the set may not be the best one for your instrument. Some E strings whistle a lot so playing around with a few different ones is a good idea. The whistling occurs more often on a violin that has a lot of overtones (natural resonance). Unfortunately, not many companies produce "whistle-free" E strings. However, the "whistle-free" claim involves a definite trade-off in tonal projection.
4. Get on the Internet and do a search on "violin strings" so you can compare what all the different brands are made of and how they will impact the sound of your instrument.
5. Be thorough in your research so you can make a wise choice. Strings can be fairly expensive, yet it is necessary to experiment with different kinds and various brands.
6. Once you've installed a set of strings, play with them for at least 2 weeks and take notes of what you like and don't like as far as volume, tone production, stability of pitch and tension. Then, try a second one and compare.

Tips & Warnings

• Finding the right strings for your instrument can take years! It is a trial process for which one needs to be patient. But it is worth this upfront work so your instrument can finally produce the sound you've been longing for!
• Remember that strings will never compensate for bad playing or lack of practice! They are an essential tool for your talent to bring out the best of your string instrument.