The Best Strings for a Violin

Different styles of playing require types of strings.

Finding the best strings for your violin depends upon a number of factors, including the violin itself, the type of music you play, and the type of tone you are searching for. There is not a "one size fits all" approach. A string that sounds warm and rich on one violin may sound lackluster on another violin. The basic things to consider in choosing violin strings are the type of strings and the gauge. The three types of strings are gut strings, steel-core strings, and synthetic-core strings. Each type is available in different gauges or thicknesses. The gauge of the string affects both the tone and the playability of the string.

Gut Strings

Violinists traditionally used strings made from sheep gut. Gut strings are cherished by violinists for their warm, rich tone. Gut strings also produce complex overtones that complement the tonal qualities of the strings. In the 16th century, the lower strings were wrapped with steel to increase the mass of the string. Gut strings need to be tuned frequently. They are sensitive to changes in weather, climate and temperature. Contemporary makers of gut strings include Parastro, Damian Dlagolecki and Kaplan.

Steel-Core Strings

Steel-core strings are very popular with non-classical violinists and fiddle players. They produce a clear, bright sound with fewer overtones. Steel-core strings are available in both unwound or wound versions. The wound strings produce a few more overtones. Steel-core strings are more stable in pitch than gut strings, and they have more longevity, which requires changing them less frequently. The contemporary manufacturers of steel core strings include D'Addario, Larsen, and Jargar.

Synthetic-Core Strings

Synthetic-core strings were introduced in the 1970s. They are made from a nylon core and composite materials. The tonal qualities are similar to the warmer tone of gut strings, but their stability and reliability is similar to steel-core strings. Contemporary manufacturers of synthetic-core strings include Dominant, Evah Pirazzi, and Obligato.

References

• Violinist: The Violinists Guide To Choosing Violin Strings
• Violin Answers: What Is The Best Violin String