Violin
Strings
Violin strings usually cost between $35-120 a set. The
more affordable sets tend to be made from 100% steel, while the
more expensive (and greatly more popular) sets are most usually all
made using the new synthetic technologies. There are three
basic violin string groups:
Steel, Gut and Synthetic Violin Strings
First, violin strings that made from steel tend to be on the lower
end cost. Steel strings are also mainly seen on cheaper
rental violins (school instruments) because they hold so well over
time and therefore will not have be replaced as often. Tonally,
they are probably the last preferred string type for their tone.
"Hard", very little overtones or tonal complexity which also tend
to be a little less resonsive, harder to respond. They also
tend to be the highest tension (in comparison to gut and
synthetic) strings.
Gut Violin Strings
Gut violin strings have been around since the beginning.
They are less in tension than any other type of string (including
synthetic and steel) and while you can get straight pure gut
violin strings (Chorda), today many of the most popular strings
combine a gut core, with some kind of softer metal alloy wrapping
around the core.
The gut core gives the string less tension and an easier response.
Even with today's super rich technologies and 'know how", gut
materials and violin strings made with gut have some potential
drawbacks, which include drying out, or fraying (wearing out too
fast). Gut strings also break easier than the steel or
synthetic type. Two very popular gut core strings are both by
Pirastro, Passione and Solo Passione. The regular Passione
comes in several tensions and gauges, while the Solo Passione only
come in one gauge. Both sets are very popular. They
both use pure gut cores, with silver wrapping on the outside.
Synthetic Violin Strings
Synthetic violin strings are where all the technologies are
focused on today. The top, most popular brands are Evah
Pirazzi, (in the green label), Evah Pirazzi Gold, Perpetual and
from Thomastik, their most popular violin string is the Peter
Infeld brand. The idea of synthetic string is where
the core is something other than a gut core or one of metal.
For Thomastik, they first invented Dominant violin strings using
a Perlon core. Perlon is a type of braided nylon which
behaves and acts like a sensitive gut core (they stretch much
the same while first installed), and have a lighter, less
tension feel. With the lower tension, they are so much
more responsive than a steel and longer lasting than a gut core.
Wtih the different alloys available (tungsten, silver, chrome,
platinum and tin), there are almost endless possibilities and
choices for violin players today.
Even with so many late and new additions on the high-tech
string market, still, one of hte most popular strings (and most
expensive) are Pirastro's Olive strings. Even while those
these were THE string to have and play in the days of Jasha
Heifetz, they are still imencely popular. They have a warmth
and response that only gut/metal combinations can achieve.
Where to buy your violin strings and save money? For the
best prices (do shop and compare) find them always at
http://www.violin-strings.com
For Evah Pirazzi synthetic violin strings, go to
https://www.violin-strings.com/pirastro-evah-pirazzi-violin-strings/
There's also much to read about on this website. A good
family run business that beats them all with the best quality,
cheaper combined sets and fast service.
For their Peter Infeld strings:
https://www.violin-strings.com/peter-infeld-infeld-blue-and-infeld-red-violin-strings/
On the violin strings website, there are also some great
articles on "Cheap
Strings for Students"
Also a nice interesting page that shows what some of best
violin soloists use on THEIR own violins:
https://www.violin-strings.com/string_faq/famous-violinsts-string-brand-choices/
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