Choosing the Right Strings

Types of strings

Choosing/Changing strings

Guide to choosing and using strings


The brand of strings you select for your instrument can have a dramatic effect on the sound.  Some strings produce a brighter sound, while others produce a sound that is darker.  Not every string reacts the same on every instrument, so the following listings are only offered as a general rule to the bright and dark character of different string brands.  If you have no idea where to begin in selecting strings, these guidelines may give you a starting point.
Only the more popular strings in our area are listed here.  If we receive enough response about a particular popular brand that is not included in the lists below, we will gladly check it out and add it to the list.

The following strings range from brightest to darkest in sound.

     1.     Infeld Blue (high, bright, metalic)
     2.     Dominant
     3.     Tonica
     4.     Evah Pirazzi
     5.     Infeld Red
     6.     Pro Arte/Larsen
     7.     Zyex


Miss Cori's favorite string sets to pick and choose from!

Corelli - Alliance These premium priced strings have a kevlar core. Their sound has more brilliance than the Corelli Crystal along with a with richness and complexity. Alliance strings also seem to have a longer life than most other synthetic strings.

Thomastik - Infeld Red Thomastik's first new violin strings in over 20 years, these two strings were introduced together. The Infeld Red has a darker, warmer tone and the Infeld Blue is more brilliant in sound. They are designed so that you can mix and match them on your violin to get the balance you need. The tension is the same for either set. I found the Blue set to have a brilliant sound like the Dominant but with more character. I also found that they break in quicker and don't have a metallic edginess when new. The Infeld Reds are warmer and darker in tone but not dramatically so. The difference is subtler than the difference between Pirastro's Obligato and Evah Pirazzi.

Corelli - Crystal Like the Aricore strings, these strings have a relatively dark, warm sound. Unlike the Aricore strings they do have more edge or punch, which makes them sound a bit brighter and more focused.

Pirastro - Evah Pirazzi A recent addition to the ever-growing assortment of high-tech strings, the Evah Pirazzi joins the Obligato in Pirastro's lineup of composite core strings. These excellent strings have a brilliant sound as compared to the darker Obligato. When they were announced I thought that they might sound similar to the venerable Olive strings but they really have their own sound. They are brilliant with a nice silvery sound and plenty of depth. I have been using these strings for a while and am very enthusiastic. I do find that they take longer to settle in than other synthetic strings, usually four to five days, so give them a chance.

Larsen - Made in Denmark of the best steel, they project well with a warm sound. Balanced carrying power and powerful tone. These strings are exceptional in quality and long lasting.  I have used these strings professionally on a daily basis and find them to be the strongest in durability and good for use for both acoustic and electric pickups.  Their synthetic core is the closest I've found to the authentic sound of gut which is my first choice but due to a humid Florida climate are unable to use. They are also used and endorsed by some of the finest musicians in the world.  I recommend using the 14 karat gold overlay E string for a warmer gentler tone and string that reduces the common "whistle" associated with E strings in general.

VIOLIN STRING MAGAZINES
Strings www.stringsmagazine.com 


FIDDLE/BLUEGRASS
Gulf Coast Bluegrass Music Association contact Keith Rowell
BlueGrass Festival  Stapleton, Alabama  850/-937-8497
Pace Scottish Festival & Highland Games Pace Presbyterian Church, 4587 Woodbine Rd. Pace, FL 32571


STRING CAMPS
Bob Jones University  http://www.bju.edu/events/highschool/index
Bob Jones Summer Music Camp http://www.bju.edu/events/summer/index
Pensacola Christian College