The Best Violin Strings: Find What Works for You
Choosing the best violin strings to use for your instrument can be difficult, especially if you are new to playing. Many different brands and types of strings on the market, but not all of them will work well with your violin or bow. Whether you are using a modern violin or an acoustic electric violin, choosing the best strings is essential to ensure high-quality sound. This blog post is here to help make that decision easier by providing some information about what kinds of strings there are and which ones might be right for you!
Like many other products and services, Violin strings may appear to be a monotonous process that you must undergo every six months to a year. It doesn’t have to be this way. The cost of violin string sets is continuously increasing, so getting the best violin strings for the best value is critical.
Quick Picks: The Best Violin Strings
Product Name | Product image | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Thomastik-Infeld – Dominant |  | |
Pirastro – Evah Pirazzi Gold/Regular |  | |
Jargar |  | |
Thomastik-Infeld – Vision |  |
Popular Violin String Combinations
Sometimes, violinists use different violin strings when mixing and matching them to get the best sound. Instead of purchasing an entire violin string set, you may buy distinct strings on Amazon to save money and avoid wasting strings.
1. Thomastik-Infeld – Dominant
The flexibility and constant pitch of Thomastik-Infeld Dominants make them one of the most popular violin strings. Many virtuoso violinists have or currently use Dominants as their primary string. Because they have a long life, Dominants are well worth their money. There are many different lengths and gauges available, so you’ll be able to discover a size that works for your instrument.
The Dominants were the first strings to be produced with a synthetic person or nylon core and have become a yardstick against which other synthetic violin strings are assessed.
2. Pirastro – Evah Pirazzi Gold/Regular
Evah Pirazzi strings are employed by several illustrious violinists, including Joshua Bell (violin) and Kristina Fialová (viola). While they come at a premium, their sound is unrivaled. Pirazzis have a sophisticated and warm sound with dynamic responsiveness and projection. These are excellent soloist or concert hall violin strings.
Evah Pirazzi violin strings come in three styles: Regular, Gold, and Platinum. We recommend the most cost-effective style for beginners or intermediate students. The most expensive style is for more experienced players who want a complex sound from their violin.
3. Jargar
The most interchangeable strings are Jargar strings. Although they sound superbly clear when played individually, most violinists combine them with others. A popular combination involving Jargar E string is a D, A, and G on the Dominant scale.
Jaguars come in a variety of gauges.
4.Thomastik-Infeld – Vision
The smoother, richer brother of the Dominants is the Vision series from Thomastik-Infeld. Visions are a little more expensive than the Dominants. They’re ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want a lovely addition to their finer instrument. They’re fantastic for both solo performers and orchestra players, but they should be reserved solely for solo usage since
These strings are brighter and sound better on higher-end violins, but they may not be heard on less expensive student models. Only obtain these if you’ve advanced beyond a student violin.
5. Prelude
The Prelude strings are a fantastic entry-level string for people who are just getting started. They’re less expensive than most sets of guitar strings and provide a reliable tone that is suitable for any new student. These will work well for at least the first year or two of playing, but after that, you’ll want to change your strings.
6. Pirastro Gold
The Pirastro Gold family of strings is adored by violinists, especially when the Gold E string is used with Dominants. The strings are gut strings constructed from modified synthetic fiber, giving them a quick response and break-in period.
Gut strings produce a more distinct sound than ordinary strings, so you’ll need to play with the appropriate bow speed to get the desired volume. Otherwise, we heard a little buzzing noise when the speed and pressure were incorrect.
7. Helicore
Helicore strings are good for beginners or students because they sound clear and respond quickly. They are more expensive than the other affordable string sets on this list. However, they are still a good choice, especially for beginners. Helicore strings have been getting more popular in pop music in the last few years, even though their tone and quality are not as high as other brands. But this does not mean that Helicore strings are bad – they provide a great foundation for beginners and perform better than Preludes.
8. Obligato
The sound of the Obligato strings for violin is somewhat brighter than that of Evah Pirazzis. Obligatos are composed of the same fundamental material as Pirazzis, although they are a little less expensive. If you can’t afford to pay for Pirazzis, Obligatos are an excellent alternative.
9. Fiddlerman
Fiddlerman gut strings are a bit stiffer than regular gut strings. They have been reported to be indistinguishable from Dominants by experts. These strings cost less than $40 and make excellent alternatives for the more expensive Dominant strings.
10. Super Sensitive
The most inexpensive and durable of all violin strings. They’re ideal for beginners who just want to dip their toes into the violin pond. They are very low-cost (less than $15 at this writing) and quite sturdy. These strings are made with a steel core and nickel covering, which will perform the task, but intermediate players should not play them.
What Qualities Should You Seek in Violin Strings?
Strings from the same manufacturer can sound different on various violins. Even the relatively constant sound of Dominants sounds distinct because of the uniqueness of each violin. As a result, try many various strings before choosing the ones that make your instrument sound best. Whether you are playing the guitar, violin, or ubass, you need to be mindful of the strings you are using to ensure you are producing high-quality sound.
If you’re a serious player, it’s critical to find the right fit for your instrument and violin playing style. Buying a new brand of strings every time you need to change them is one approach to discover which ones are best for your violin. Suppose you buy a different brand each time you replace your strings. In that case, you’ll eventually figure out which ones perform best for your violin.
String for violin vary on several main factors:
Gauge/Thickness
The diameter of the violin string, known as a gauge, has a significant impact on the sound. You may want to try different strings to see which gauge and thickness are ideal for your violin.
Material
The materials used to make the string also impact the sound. Whether you choose gut or steel will make a difference, too. Modern strings are made from synthetic material wrapped in metal coil or solid metal.
Price
Violin strings, which must be replaced at least once a year and can cost more than $60 for a complete set, aren’t cheap. Strings are costly; there’s no way around it. When looking for the finest violin strings, balancing quality and price is vital.
While there are several string types, you may be overwhelmed. This article will assist you in making some beginning selections that will allow you to experiment with the tone of your instrument.
How Much Do Violin Strings Cost?
Strings for a violin usually need to be replaced once a year. These strings can cost around $200, but you can find cheaper strings for around $100. Some strings are better than others. For example, Merano strings sound very good and cost only $17 per string set.
Violin strings are indeed costly, but there’s no avoiding it. When looking for the ideal violin strings, balancing sound and cost is vital.
What Are Violin Strings Made From?
Traditional strings for the violin were formerly made from dried-out sheep or goat intestines. Modern strings are wound with metallic materials such as aluminum, titanium, chromium, and synthetic (nylon) or steel cores. Most violin strings are machine-wound; however, some are hand-wound, such as those in the Passione family.
What Are Violin Strings Made From?
If you are new to stringing violins, ask your teacher for help. It is hard when you first start, and it might take some time to get used to. But if you know what you are doing, follow these steps:
- Check the violin strings to ensure they are the suitable length. If you have a smaller violin and use 4/4 violin size strings, you’ll need to cut them. Here’s information from Fretless Finger Guides regarding how long your violin strings should be.
- 4/4 Violin = 330mm = 13 inches
- 7/8 Violin = 317mm = 12½ inches
- 3/4 Violin = 310mm = 12¼ inches
- 1/2 Violin = 285mm = 11¼ inches
- 1/4 Violin = 260mm = 10¼ inches
- 1/8 Violin = 235mm = 9¼ inches
- 1/16 Violin = 215mm = 8½ inches
- Place the violin on its back in a comfortable position. Some people prefer to put a towel or soft cloth behind it when resting the instrument.
- Start with the E string. Remove the other end from the tailpiece or fine tuner until you pull the string out of the peg. Make sure that the bridge stays put.
- Remove the old peg and install the new one. You may wish to apply peg dope to the peg while it is out if you’re having difficulties turning it.
- Thread the new string through the fine tuner or tailpiece. Thread the other end into the peg and begin turning it to tighten it.
- Repeat with the other strings. You should do the G string next, followed by the A and D. This will keep pressure on the bridge, so it doesn’t fall over.
Best Violin String Reviews
If you have a good violin, it will come with some of the best violin strings in the world. However, even these strings need to be maintained and replaced every once. In short, you always need to replace your violin strings. The strings are the most important part of your instrument, so they must be the right length or tension for you to play well.
How Often Should You Replace Your Violin Strings?
A professional violinist will be aware of the fact that violin strings need to be replaced every 300 hours of playing time on the instrument. In linear time, this occurs approximately every three to six months.
The time frame we've provided above is merely an estimate based on our experience. Assume, on the other hand, that you are a serious student or professional. This means that you'll have to replace your violin strings much more frequently than every three to six months in this case.
It is possible that you will need to replace your strings for a variety of reasons. A personal preference, as well as the frequency with which you play your instrument, are both valid reasons for doing so. If you learn how to do it yourself, you will save yourself a lot of time and aggravation down the road.
We recognize that the violin strings you use are an important part of your overall performance. As a result, we'll be looking at some of the best violin strings available on the market right now.
How to Choose the Right Violin Strings?
Different types of violin strings produce different sounds. You will tell the difference between a good sound and a bad sound. The right set of strings for your violin depends on the type of music you are playing, your bowing style, and your instrument.
You need to know a few things to select the correct set of strings for your violin: the string core material, the string tension, and the string thickness (gauge). Let's take a look at each one of them.
String Core Materials
Three types of material are used to make the cores of violins. These are solid and stranded steel, synthetic, and gut cores.
Solid and Stranded Steel Core
Steel-core strings are made from a thin steel wire. Stranded steel core strings are made from a thin steel wire used through the string and then wrapped with different metals, such as silver, titanium, or steel.
Steel-core strings have a thinner diameter than synthetic or gut strings. This makes them sound brighter and more accurate, and they also respond quickly when you bow them.
Steel strings tend to stay in tune better than synthetic or gut core strings because they are not as impacted by changes in temperature and humidity.
Synthetic Core
These strings are made of synthetic man-made materials such as nylon, perlon, stabilon, and Kevlar, among other things. They are made up of strands of fibers that have been wound around metals such as silver or aluminum.
Synthetic strings are intended to produce a sound that is similar to that of gut strings. Their pitch stabilization after installation is improved because they are more resistant to corrosion. They are also more resistant to temperature and humidity changes.
Compared to steel-core strings, synthetic-core strings produce a wider range of tones that are richer and warmer in tone. They also have the ability to produce more subtle tonal effects. It is as a result of this that they are the most popular strings among violinists.
Gut Core
Gut strings were among the first types of strings to be used in violins, dating back thousands of years. They were made from the intestines of sheep or cows, depending on the region. Gut strings can be divided into two types: plain gut and wound gut. Plain gut is the most common type of gut string.
The process of making gut strings consists of stretching, drying, and twisting the fibers. It is possible to make gut strings with a metal core by winding a metal wire around an inner gut core.
Strings are still used today to create a distinct sound, despite the fact that they are centuries old. This is a warm and full-bodied sound. It also has a complex tone as a result of the overtones that are produced when the instruments are played.
The disadvantages of this type of violin string are that it does not maintain its tuning for a long period of time, that it has a shorter lifespan, and that it is extremely sensitive to changes in temperatures and humidity.
String Tension
The tension in a musical instrument string is the force that causes the string to be stretched throughout its entire length of play. String manufacturers, such as D'Addario, determine the tension of a string by measuring how much mass (material) is wound onto the string, as well as the frequency of vibration and the length of the string.
Strings of varying tensions are available from different manufacturers. This is due to the fact that the materials used to manufacture the string, as well as the metals used to manufacture the string, can differ. As a result, it is critical to understand what brand of string you are using in order to determine how tight or loose the string will be.
For light, medium, and heavy products, all string brands have different tension grades, which are labeled as such.
String Tension and Sound Response
Different types of strings can create different sounds on your violin. Light strings will create a brighter sound, medium strings will create a more mellow sound, and heavy strings will create a richer sound.
Light-Tension Strings
Thinner gauge strings will require less tension to be in the correct pitch. This will result in a brighter-sounding instrument with a quicker response.
If your violin sounds dull or unfocused, and you see that the string is over vibrating, you should try a thicker gauge like medium tension strings. Other names used for light-tension strings are soft and dolce.
Medium-Tension Strings
These strings deliver an even and balanced tone in the instruments installed. They are the most popular type for beginners and intermediate players.
Heavy or High-Tension Strings
Fortes are strings with a thicker gauge than normal. They produce a louder and fuller sound with a wide range of tones than other types of amplifiers. Although they respond more slowly than thinner gauge strings, they are still effective. Using the same bowing technique on this string as you would on a thinner gauge string will result in a louder sound.
Keep in mind that high tension strings are thicker materials that require more force to move than low tension strings. When compared to light or medium tension strings, they can be more difficult to control.
On a violin, different strings produce a variety of different sounds. This is why it is critical to experiment with different strings in order to achieve the desired sound. You may prefer the sound of some strings from one set over the sound of other strings from a different set, for example. Therefore, experimenting with different violin strings until you achieve the best possible sound is recommended.
Best Violin Strings On The Market Reviews
D’Addario Prelude Violin String Set
Prelude violin strings are the best-sounding student violin strings on the market right now. Because of their warm tones, they are particularly popular among beginning and intermediate violinists. These strings are also preferred by teachers because of the high quality of their sound.
In order to achieve a warm tone and good bow response, the Prelude violin strings go through a special damping process that is unique to them. You're going to adore the way they sound. You might also appreciate the fact that they only take a short break every now and then. The benefit of this is that they will not malfunction in the middle of a performance.
These strings are of extremely high quality, and they have a medium tension as well. They are extremely long-lasting and simple to install. Do you understand why they are our top choice now? These reasonably priced strings are favored by violinists around the world because of the characteristics listed above, as well as the fact that they can be played by the majority of people of all skill levels.
D'Addario Helicore 4/4 Size Violin Strings
It is one of the most popular violin sets on the market, and the Helicore violin set is no exception. This software is used by both professionals and students alike. As a top-notch student, you may want to consider investing in these premium steel core strings, which offer excellent value for your money. In the event that you perform in concerts or wish to ensure that your professional career remains at the highest level possible, these strings will be ideal for your needs.
These violin strings have a dense tone and a quick bow response. They are a good choice for beginners. As a result, they are suitable for classical, bluegrass, and alternative musicians, as well as those who play electric instruments. If you fall into any of these categories and are looking for violin strings that produce a warm tone, the D'Addario Helicore 4/4 Size Violin Strings are a great choice.
The difference in pitch and tone between these strings may cause some people to be hesitant about purchasing them due to the small difference between them. However, as you grow older, you will be able to distinguish the difference more clearly, and you will want to invest in a set of violin strings similar to this one.
D'Addario J56 4/4M Pro-Arte Nylon Violin Strings
Need a set of strings that will perform admirably on your violin and other string instruments, such as the viola and the cello? Look no further. This is exactly what these strings do. Their breaking time is intended to be brief, so that you don't experience any difficulties while performing.
These violin strings have a nylon core, which makes them very durable. Their mellow and warm tone has become well-known as a result of this. Consider the following scenarios: you are a beginner, an intermediate violinist, or even an enthusiastic violinist. In that case, you will appreciate the fact that these Pro-Arte strings are stable and long-lasting.
These violin strings are an excellent choice if you are looking for violin strings that are less sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Even though they are more expensive than our top pick, they are well-suited to a wide range of players and work well with 4/4 size violins with a playing length of 13 inches or less. Their nylon core allows for a very high pitch to be achieved.
Prim 4/4 Violin String Set
These violin strings are excellent for producing warm and lively tones on the violin. Additionally, they are cost-effective. You will not hear any unpleasant metallic noises when using these silky smooth-sounding and beautifully responsive stringed instruments. It is possible that you will prefer these strings if you play bluegrass, old-time, or even country music because they are long-lasting and have a pleasant pleasing tone that is warm and lively.
Considering the price, these medium gauge strings represent excellent value. They are more affordable than some of the other strings available on the market, but they maintain a high level of performance. They are simple to clean, and you can tune them in a short period of time with no difficulty. If you are a passionate violinist, you will appreciate these strings, which are made from high-quality string core and chrome steel winding. They are supplied with ball ends, which makes it simple to attach them to your violin.
Prim brand strings are preferred by many professional musicians because they produce a high level of sound quality. If you are a student looking to impress your teacher with your abilities, pick up this set and take pleasure in the pleasant, bright sound it provides you with.
Stravilio Nickel-wound Ball-end Strings
Stravilio strings are a reasonably priced option for students and beginning musicians. On their windings, they have a lovely bronze color to them. The steel core ensures that they are both strong and robust in their construction. They are available in medium tension as well as 3/4 and 4/4 lengths.
Stravilio attempted to lower the cost of strings by winding them with nickel. He was unsuccessful. They still have a bright and rich sound, however. Due to the fact that they are attached to the tailpiece with ball ends, they are an excellent choice for beginners.
Vizcaya 2 Full Sets Violin Strings
These Vizcaya Violin Strings are a low-cost option for those who don't want to spend a lot on replacement strings. They work for both ¾ scale and full-size violins. Like many other brands, they are made with a solid steel core to allow durability and a nice, warm sound.
These strings are flexible and soft, making them easy for players of any experience level to use.
This package comes with 4 E strings, 4 A strings, 2 D strings, and 2 G strings. With so many extra strings, you likely won't need to buy new ones for a while.
Stravilio Full Set High-Quality Violin Strings
This is a set of four violin strings. They are all high quality, and each one is a different note.
They make both smaller and full-sized violins. These Stravilio Strings are a little more expensive than the Vizcaya ones, but they are still very affordable.
They have a steel core, similar to other brands. While these don't come in a huge pack, each string is likely to have a higher quality which ultimately makes it less likely to break.
Artisan's Violin Strings
The Artisan's Violin Strings strings create beautiful, clear tones that make even those with a little violin experience sound like pros.
The steel core of these pipes means they are strong and durable. They also don't need to be tuned as often.
There are two types of dummy contracts: full size and ¾ scale. They are both good for people of any experience level.
Artisan Strings are a popular brand of violin strings on Amazon. This shows that they are already well-known and people like them.
These strings also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can feel safe trying them out.
JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set
Professional violinists will find this to be yet another excellent option to consider. If you are looking for high-quality strings that are also functional, the JSI string set is a good option to consider. A great deal of expertise in the field of stringed instruments is evident in their offerings.
Strings for the 4/4 violin are included in this set! A Pirastro gold label E String is used, which produces a full sound with a very high volume and produces a full sound. Perlon cores with multi-strands and high flexibility are used in the A, D, and G strings, which are also synthetic. They have the same feel and sound as natural gut strings and are made of synthetic materials.
Pirastro Oliv Violin String Set
Pirastro Oliv strings are some of the best gut core strings on the market. They sound rich and complex, and they are made by hand.
Pirastro Oliv gut strings have a complex and rich sound that is much better than synthetic strings. The sound is alive, and the balance between the G, D, A, and E strings is almost unnoticeable. These strings are best for expensive violins because they allow you to use the full potential of your violin. Although these strings are more expensive than other violin strings, they have a longer lifespan and will last longer than usual.
Final Thoughts
Many people don't realize how much difference the right violin strings can make to their playing.
It can be hard to think about restringing your instrument, but it's worth it because the new strings will make your instrument sound better.
Just as important as finding the right violin is finding the right strings. Finding strings that suit your playing style is important whether you're a professional or a beginner. Great strings can make all the difference in your playing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Violin Strings
Thomastik Dominants are a popular kind of synthetic core strings. People played on a gut string in the past, and many still prefer to use it. Of course, gut strings are used in period performance.
Usually, the strings on a violin are made from metal. Some brands offer an option to have them made from a different metal. The metal can affect how bright the strings sound and respond to being played.
The violin has four strings, from highest to lowest E, A, D, and G. They are constructed of various materials, including catgut (sheep intestine), nylon, and steel.
Steel core strings have a long life. Some more expensive steel core strings have a sharper, edgier sound, like Prim or Pirastro Chromcor.
Examining the color on the peg end of any particular string will tell you which one it is. In the case of the E string, whether your string is platinum-plated, tin-plated, or gold-plated.
Every 9-12 months, you should replace your strings. The only downside to replacing them too soon is the cost, but waiting too long can have other bad consequences.
The top was constructed of spruce, the internal blocks and linings were made of willow, and the back, ribs, and neck were composed of maple. It’s been suggested that the wood used in the violin’s construction was treated with various minerals before and after it was built.
Gut strings are popular among many classical and baroque string players. They’re still the most common choice for concert-tension pedal/grand and some lever harps due to their fuller, darker sound as well as their ability to withstand high tension in low alto, tenor, and high-bass registers.
Catgut is a type of string that was used for violins. It is made from animals’ intestines. Nowadays, they use different types of strings.
You can use nylon strings on a guitar to make it easy for beginners to play. The strings are soft and won’t hurt fingers. Steel strings will hurt your fingers, but they are made of steel, so they will not break very easily.
Synthetic strings are made from synthetic materials, like nylon. They tend to produce a better sound than steel-core strings.
Yes, the strings on your violin affect the character of the sound you produce and how easy it is to make those sounds.
The most popular type of string for violins is the warm-sounding string. Many violin players like this type of string because it creates a beautiful, deep, warm tone. These strings could be a good match if you have a bright, large-sounding violin.
There are three types of violin strings: synthetic core, gut, and metal. Synthetic core strings are the most popular because they are more stable than gut strings but have tonal colors.
Violin strings usually have a certain color and combination unique to that string. The brand and manufacturer are usually printed on the bottom of the string. The scrolled end is winding color designates which string it is (GDA or E).
You can change all the violin strings at once, but you should not remove all the strings simultaneously. You can also wait a day or two between changing each string, so the bridge doesn't move as the strings settle.
You could try tapping the soundpost through the 'F' hole, straight back (towards the tailpiece) away from the bridge foot about 1 - 3 mm. You will probably need a soundpost setter to do this. This will often make the violin sound more mellow.
Read more: A Guide to Choosing the Right Violin Strings
