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Finding the ideal string combination on your violin, viola, cello, or upright double bass can help maximize the quality of tone, response, and projection, but only after the instrument has been adjusted to its optimal set-up. Taking your instrument to a trusted violin shop for a check on the set-up—soundpost placement, bridge height, string height, fingerboard scoop, non-vibrating string length, etc.—is an important first step before setting out to try new strings. JSI's Repair and Restoration Workshop
Some stringed instruments may need adjustments several times a year (especially if you live in a climate where humidity levels vary greatly throughout the year, like New England!) Some instruments remain fairly stable throughout the changes of seasons, however, so you'll have to listen regularly for how your instrument is sounding and responding, and decide when it's time to bring it in.
Once your luthier has set up your instrument to its optimal set-up, how do you decide which are the best strings to use? Your luthier may suggest a string brand or type for your particular instrument, you can read reviews and comments by other string players on websites like Violinist.com, and you can learn about strings in articles in printed and online magazines for bowed strings, like Strings and The Strad. There is no single ideal string; a match must be made between the player and the instrument, so finding the right strings for you may require some experimentation. However, since some strings are fairly expensive, you may like to follow a few guidelines below to help you avoid purchasing strings that may not be right for you or your instrument. We hope this information helps you find the best violin, viola, cello, or bass strings to make your instrument sing, respond, and project to its highest capability!
1. Determine the tone quality of your instrument. You might describe the sound as bright, loud, rich, resonant, warm, sweet, etc.— or any of the opposites of those qualities, such as dark, quiet, thin, dull, harsh, etc.
2. Determine the playability of your instrument, after it has been adjusted by your luthier. Does it have a quick response? Or, does it resist the bow pressure a bit before producing a sound? Is the tone quality even across the strings? Or, does the sound of one string pop out while other strings are dull and less responsive? Some strings can help quicken an instrument's response which can make playing feel freer and easier. Some instruments need the response slowed down a bit; the right strings can help subdue an overly sensitive response as well as soften a harsh or overly brilliant tone quality.
3. Determine what sound you'd like to have. After your instrument has been properly adjusted by a qualified luthier, you can read about the general characteristics of the many different brands listed below and decide which ones to try on your instrument to achieve your desired sound. You may be looking for the most volume and projection possible from your instrument, or the most warmth, the easiest response, or the richest and most resonant sound. Usually, players want all of the above! You may end up with one brand for all four of your strings, or you may find that your instrument prefers one brand or type for the A string, and another brand for the D, etc. In some cases, a player learns that it may not be possible to find the desired sound on the current instrument, and it may be time to shop for another.
There can be some confusion surrounding string gauge (or gage) and tension for bowed stringed instruments. To help you to determine the best strings for your particular violin, viola, cello, or double bass, we will attempt to present facts and brief definitions of gauge and tension, as well as explanations for how their different properties can result in different tonal qualities and playing responses on a bowed stringed instrument.
Medium strings. Medium, also known as mittel, gauge strings are the most popular because the tension has been engineered by the manufacturer to result in an even, balanced tone and response on most instruments. (Manufacturers vary greatly in their categorization of string tension; one brand's middle tension formula may be significantly different than another brand's middle tension formula..) We recommend trying middle tension strings first when experimenting with new strings on your instrument.
Heavy or Thick strings. A thicker string, also called stark or forte, or heavy, requires more tension to stretch it up to the pitch it's been engineered for. A thick-gauge string will bring more volume and a fuller, more powerful sound to most instruments, and also will result in a slower response time when you apply the bow to activate the string. A choked or dull sound, or an unresponsive effect means that the gauge and tension of that string is too high for that particular instrument. Try a smaller or lighter tension string!
Light or Thin gauge strings. Thin strings, also known as weich, soft, light, or dolce, require less tension to bring the string to the pitch it has been engineered for. They are used to brighten up the tone of an instrument, and/or quicken the response. If the sound of one of your strings is dull or unfocused, you might try a lighter tension string. A shrill or overly bright sound, or an overly-sensitively responding string may mean that the gauge and tension of the string is too thin or light. Try a middle tension or a thicker gauge string!
Strings with
choice of light, medium, or heavy tension:
Crown for Cello
D'Addario – Zyex (For Violin)
D'Addario – Helicore (Also comes in 5-string set for Violin.)
D'Addario – Kaplan Golden Spiral and Golden Spiral Solo (gut)
Jargar
Larsen Synthetic Core (for Viola only).
Larsen Soloist for Cello/Larsen Wire Core for Cello
Pirastro – Chorda (pure gut)
Pirastro – Eudoxa (gut)
Pirastro – Evah Pirazzi
Pirastro – Flexocor Solo for Bass (Violin and Cello Flexocor come in medium, only.)
Pirastro – Gold Label (gut)
Pirastro – Obligato
Pirastro – Oliv (gut)
Pirastro – Passione (gut)
Pirastro – Tonica
Prim for Cello (Prim Violin and Viola strings come in medium, only.)
Savarez Corelli – Crystal
Savarez Corelli – Alliance Vivace
Thomastik – Dominants
Thomastik – Spirocore for Cello (Spirocore Violin, Viola, and Bass come in medium, only.)
Strings offered in a single gauge or tension only:
Bel Canto for Cello and Bass
Bel Canto Gold for Cello
Crown for Violin
D'Addario – Prelude
D'Addario – Pro Arte
JSI – Special Set for Violin
JSI – Special Set for Viola
JSI – Special Set for Cello
JSI – Master Set for Cello
Pirastro – Aricore
Pirastro – Chromcor
Pirastro – Flexocor Permanent for Violin
Pirastro – Flexocor for Cello (Bass Flexocor strings come in medium or stark.)
Pirastro – Permanent
Pirastro – Piranito
Pirastro – Synoxa
Pirastro – Violino
Pirastro – Wondertone Solo
Prim for Violin and Viola (Prim Cello strings come in light, medium, and heavy.)
Thomastik – Infeld Blue
Thomastik – Infeld Red
Thomastik – Peter Infeld
Thomastik – Vision
Thomastik – Vision Solo
Thomastik – Vision Titanium Orchestra
Thomastik – Vision Titanium Solo
There are four types of strings:
1. Synthetic-Core
2. Gut-Core (Plain gut, or
Wound gut)
3. Steel-Core
4. Composite-Core
Synthetic-core strings are made from various types of synthetic materials, including nylon (from which perlon and stabilon are made) and composite fibers. They tend to produce a richer, fuller, and warmer tone quality than steel-core strings. They also generally have greater complexity and a wider spectrum of tone colors, and are capable of more subtle tonal effects than steel. Many have been developed to assimilate the desired warmth and feel of gut-core strings, but, unlike most gut strings, their pitch tends to stabilize fairly quickly after installation. Because of the above qualities, they are the most popular type of string for bowed string players. The volume and response of the strings can vary, depending on the instrument on which they are strung.
JSI – Special Set for Violin JSI's Special set for violin combines the clear and bell-like Pirastro Gold Label E string with the Dominant A, D, and G strings. A very popular combination for a bright, even sound on most violins.
JSI – Special Set for Viola JSI's Special set for viola combines the projecting Jargar chromesteel A string with the Dominant D, G, and C strings for a bright, clear sound on most violas.
Thomastik – Dominant for Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass. The original synthetic-core string, made with perlon. Dominant strings are bright and responsive, and were, at one time, the most popular strings for violin and viola. When new, Dominant strings have a slightly metallic sound, which fades after a few days of playing. They are a long-lasting, reliable string.
Thomastik – Peter Infeld for Violin. Perhaps the best violin strings on the market today for the professional player, the PI strings were named to pay homage to the innovative string engineer and musician Peter Infeld. These are very high quality synthetic-core strings made with lower tension to produce a high number of overtones, which give a rich spectrum of tonal colors, much like gut strings. Infeld created the first platinum-plated E string for this set, which is an option when ordering a full set (tin-plated and gold-plated are other options). Very impressive blend of power and elegance, brilliance and warmth. Some players have remarked about the pleasing soft feeling under the fingers. They hold pitch right at installation. These are highly recommended strings for the professional violinist.
Thomastik – Infeld Blue for Violin. These synthetic-core strings are quite brilliant--brighter than Dominants, but with more character, complexity and resonance. And, unlike Dominants, they don't have the tinny edginess when first installed. Can help a violin speak with greater clarity. Can be mix and matched with the Infeld Red violin strings. See also Viennese Melange.
Thomastik – Infeld Red for Violin. These synthetic-core strings have a dark, warm tone, and offer subtle playing effects. Very good strings for darkening an edgy sounding violin. Can be mixed and matched with the Infeld Blue violin strings. See also Viennese Melange.
Thomastik – Viennese Melange for Violin. Thomastik's most successful synthetic-core single strings blended in a set: Thomastik E01 multilayered steel E string, Dominant medium gauge A string, the bright Infeld Blue D string, and the warm and rich Infeld Red G string. This set is very successful on many violins, with many professional players voting them among the best violin strings they've tried!
Pirastro – Evah Pirazzi for Violin, Viola, and Bass. ( Evah Pirazzi cello strings have a steel-core A & D, and a rope-core G & C. Click here for Evah Pirazzi cello strings.) A wonderfully powerful synthetic-core string with a lot of richness, depth, and projection to the sound. It is available in light, medium, or heavy gauges. The string has a brilliant core sound with excellent response and pitch stability, and is capable of providing a range of expressive nuances. Perhaps the best viola strings for power and richness.
Pirastro – Obligato for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Brilliant, yet warm synthetic-core strings with a fast and easy response. Available in light, medium or heavy gauges. Excellent uniformity across strings.
Pirastro – Tonica for Violin or Viola. Pirastro's answer to Thomastik's Dominants, Tonicas are bright like Dominants, but with a fuller sound with more overtones and less edginess. The break-in time is very short and they are reported to have a long lifespan.
Pirastro – Aricore for Violin, Viola, or Cello. Pirastro's first synthetic string, they are mellower than the Tonicas, and have a warmth like Pirastro Eudoxa gut-core strings. The D, G and C strings are popular with cellists who seek a darker sound.
Pirastro – Synoxa for Violin, Viola, or Cello. Another perlon-core string (like Aricore) by Pirastro. The Synoxa has been designed as an alternative to Pirastro gut strings, providing similar warmth and colorful tone quality without the long break-in period.
Larsen for Viola. The A string of the Larsen viola set is alloy steel, and the D, G, and C are aluminum wound synthetic-core. Big, brilliant tone on most violas, slightly darker than Dominants. Punch and power to the sound, with an amount of depth and complexity. Some players have remarked that the lifespan is shorter than other synthetic-core viola strings. Larsen's regular violin and cello strings are steel-core; see Larsen Steel-Core strings for Violin and Cello below. The "Tzigane" set is Larsen's synthetic-core string set for violin.
Larsen Tzigane for Violin. Named after Ravel's famous solo piece for violin, these strings are made with lower tension than other synthetic-core strings. They can improve the tone of a harsh or shrill sounding violin. Very smooth, yet projecting sound.
Pirastro – Synoxa for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Synthetic-core strings very similar to the Dominant strings in brilliance, but with perhaps more clarity and focus. The silver cello G and C work well with steel A and D strings such as Jargar or Larsen.
Pirastro – Wondertone Solo for Violin. Clear, focused, and smooth as well as brilliant; not unlike Pirastro's Infeld Blue (see above). They have a direct sound and less background noise than other synthetic-core strings.
D'Addario – Zyex for Violin. Brilliant, yet warm and rich-sounding synthetic-core strings with a very focused sound. Extremely stable under changing climatic conditions. Excellent projection. A good alternative to Dominants.
D'Addario – Pro Arte for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Inexpensive perlon-core strings designed at a lower tension for a warm, mellow tone with a slower bow response. They are less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, and break in quickly. The violin strings come in light, medium, or heavy gauges, the viola strings come in medium or heavy gauges, and the cello strings come in the medium gauge only.
Savarez-Corelli – Crystal for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. These strings are another good alternative to Dominants, when the player desires less of an edgy sound. They are a high quality wound nylon string with a natural warm and rich tone. They have a somewhat darker tone than Dominants, and feel somewhat thicker under the fingers.
Savarez-Corelli – Alliance Vivace for Violin and Viola. These strings have a kevlar core and more brilliance than the Corelli Crystal. The tone quality has more richness and complexity, and tend to have a longer life than most other synthetic strings. They remain very stable in variations in temperature and humidity.
Crown for Violin and Cello. These inexpensive perlon-core strings have a bright tone and an edginess to their sound that is popular with fiddlers and some cellists. The violin strings come in medium gauge only, while the cello strings come in medium or thick.
Gut strings provide warm, rich tone quality, and complex, colorful sound with the plentiful overtones produced when played. Gut strings come in either plain (pure) unwound gut, or as a gut-core string wound with metals. They come in various gauges and can vary greatly in volume and response, depending on the instrument they are strung on.
Plain (pure) gut strings (unwound) are used on stringed instruments with Baroque set-ups (the E, A, and sometimes D strings on violins; the A and D and sometimes G of violas and cellos). Occasionally (but rarely), a player will use pure gut on the upper strings of an instrument with a modern set-up. Jascha Heifetz used plain, unvarnished gut A and D strings (and a Goldbrokat steel E-string)! He believed that a player could develop a more individual sound using gut for the middle strings.
Wound gut strings (with aluminum or silver) are often used on the lowest strings of instruments with Baroque set-up, and are used on instruments with modern set-up by players seeking the deepest, most colorful effects from their instruments. The volume of gut strings depends on the instrument they are strung on. While quiet on some instruments, on others they can actually create a more projecting sound than synthetic or steel-core strings. The brands differ in response and tone and come in different gauges or tensions. Experimenting with different gauges on your instrument can be very illuminating.
Pirastro – Passione for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Wonderfully full, round, sweet, and warm-sounding gut-core strings with plenty of projection. Very colorful, dynamic sound. An instant way to warm up any instrument. Pitch stabilizes quickly; faster than any other gut core string. They are offered in thin, medium, or thick tensions. The best violin, viola, and cello gut strings for tone quality and pitch stability.
Pirastro – Passione Solo for Violin. Similar characteristics as the regular Passione gut-core strings, but with more depth and focus. Slightly less colorful and complex than the regular Passione strings on some violins, but on other violins, they are equally complex with additional projection.
Pirastro – Oliv for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Moderately brilliant sound with rich and complex overtones due to the low tension gut core. The most popular wound gut string before the introduction of Passione, they are at once brilliant, beautiful, and warm. They come in four different gauges for each string, and professionals often mix and match the Olivs with other strings on their sensitive instruments to find a particular balance of sound. The D strings of the violin and viola are wound with aluminum and gold; the G strings are wound with silver and gold.
Pirastro – Eudoxa for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Dark, mellow, and warm gut-core strings with a slower playing response than the Olivs. Not as projecting as Olivs or Passione on most instruments. They come in several different gauges for each string. D and G strings often used on violins with Baroque set-up.
Pirastro – Gold Label for Violin, Viola, and Cello. An economy aluminum-wound gut-core string with a sound midway between the other Pirastro wound gut strings. The violin strings are available in thin, medium, or thick gauges, but viola and cello strings come in medium gauge only. The steel Gold Label E string is popular for its brilliance; we use it with Dominants to create the JSI Special Violin Set.
D'Addario – Kaplan Golden Spiral and Golden Spiral Solo for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Relatively inexpensive gut-core strings from the D'Addario company. Rich, warm sound. Some players have reported a sluggishness to the regular Golden Spiral; the Solos have a quicker response. The cello A and D strings are a good choice to inexpensively upgrade from steel-core cello strings. (D'Addario also makes a special E String for violin called Kaplan Solutions Non-Whistling E String for Violin.)
Pirastro – Chorda for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Pure or plain gut, also known as unwound gut. Often used on instruments with Baroque set ups for the upper two strings (some Baroque players use wound gut like Eudoxas or Passiones for the lower strings. Note: some Baroque violinists also use a plain, unwound D Chorda rather than a wound gut D).
Steel-core strings are thinner in diameter than synthetic or gut strings. In general, they have a simple, bright, well-focused sound, a very quick response, and they maintain good pitch stability. The volume they produce depends on the instrument they are installed on. In general, they will give a well-adjusted instrument an edgy, thin, and cutting-through quality of sound. They are often used by string players who play jazz, country, bluegrass, rock, and alternative music.
JSI – Special Cello Set
JSI's Special set for cello includes the Jargar chrome/steel A and D strings, combined with the Helicore tungsten-silver/steel G and C strings to create an inexpensive set of well-balanced strings for most cellos.
JSI – Master Set for Cello
JSI's Master set for cello is made up of the smooth and projecting alloy/steel Larsen A and D strings, and the powerful Spirocore tungsten/steel G and C strings. One of the best cello string combinations for advanced players.
D'Addario – Helicore for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Multi-strand twisted steel-core strings. These strings have a relatively warm sound, for steel-core strings. The small string diameter provides quick bow response. Excellent pitch stability and longevity. Cellists and violists especially like the G and C strings. We use the Helicore G and C strings to make up the JSI Special Set for Cello. Violinists who play electric instruments often use Helicores. (For more information on strings made especially for electric instruments, see NS Electric Strings.)
D'Addario – Helicore Orchestral; Hybrid Series; Solo Series for Double Bass. The Hybrid provides both a good bowing response and a good pizzicato response. The Solo is a version of the Orchestral strings, designed to be tuned to a higher pitch for solo work (A, E, B, F#).
D'Addario – Kaplan for Cello. New in 2010, these steel-core strings are made for cello, only. (D'Addario makes a Kaplan set for violin called Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo (violin), as well as steel-core A strings for Viola, and a Kaplan Solutions Non-Whistling E string for Violin). The Kaplan cello A string is titanium/steel; the D is nickel/steel; and the G and C strings are tungsten/steel. The strings are well-balanced, and have a rich and complex sound.
D'Addario – Prelude for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. D'Addario's least expensive steel-core strings, they work well for student instruments, and come in smaller sizes for violin, viola, cello, and bass.
D'Addario – NS Electric Strings are strings made especially for use on electric stringed instruments by expert electric instrument designer Ned Steinberger and the D'Addario string company. They are available for electric violin, viola, and cello, as well as electric upright basses which use the NS standard double bass string length. (See more information here.) Perhaps the best strings for electric violins on the market today.
Thomastik – Spirocore for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. A bright sounding string with a good deal of edge, and perhaps the loudest strings made for bowed stringed instruments. The cello G and C tungsten are high-tension strings with a big sound that are especially popular with cellists who are looking for more brilliance. We chose the Spirocore tungsten/steel G and C strings together with Larsen upper strings to create JSI Master Cello Set. The silver G and C have less of an edge to their sound. Spirocore bass strings are the most popular with musicians who play mostly pizzicato, such as jazz upright bass players.
Thomastik – Bel Canto for Cello and Bass. For cello: Chromesteel A and D; rope core G string, and tungsten wound steel C string. For bass: Chromium wound steel rope G, D, A, and E strings. Bright, yet a singing and warm sound as well. They can have outstanding projection on some instruments.
Thomastik – Bel Canto Gold for Cello.
Multi-alloy steel A and D strings, with rope core G string, and tungsten wound C string. Transparent, rich, and warm in timbre with excellent response and pitch stability. A rounder sound than regular Bel Cantos, and is often mixed with other string brands to find a fussy cello's perfect balance. Highly recommended for the solo cellist. All Belcanto Gold strings are 100% nickel free and are ideal for players who suffer from nickel allergies.
Thomastik – Superflexible for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Less stiff than the Spirocore steel strings, these rope-core strings offer a darker sound and smoother response.
Pirastro – Chromcor for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. A bright string, excellent for inexpensive student instruments, especially those of small size.
Pirastro – Chromcor Plus for Cello. Made especially for cello, these strings have a dark timbre, large tonal volume, and higher quality sound than the regular Chromcor strings.
Pirastro – Flexocor Permanent for Violin. Steel-core strings with a rounder, warmer sound than other steel-core strings for violin. The D string is titanium wound, and the G string is wound with silver.
Pirastro – Flexocor for Cello. Steel rope-core strings with a rounder, warmer sound than other steel-core cello strings. The D string is titanium wound. The G string is silver wound, and the C string is wound with tungsten.
Pirastro – Flexocor Solo for Double Bass. Chromesteel/steel. A, E, B, F# strings for solo tuning. These double bass strings offer high flexibiliy and large, non-metallic tone. These strings are Pirastro's current version of the original string with purple winding and offer a warm, strong double bass string sound.
Pirastro – Original Flexocor for Double Bass. Chromesteel/rope core. G, D, A, E strings for orchestral tuning. These strings are some of the most popular double bass strings for orchestral playing. They provide a powerful yet warm sound that is perfectly fit for arco playing.
Pirastro – Evah Pirazzi for Cello. A powerful string with richness, depth, and projection. The A and D strings are steel-core, and the G and C strings are rope-core. It is available in light, medium, or heavy gauges. It has excellent response and pitch stability, and is capable of providing expressive nuances with a brilliant core sound.
Jargar for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. These steel-core strings have been popular for many decades, especially with cellists, who have made the Jargar A the string of choice. The G and C strings are also available with silver winding for a brighter, more brilliant sound. Jargar strings have a warmer sound than most other all-metal strings. We have chosen the steel Jargar A viola string with the Dominant D, G, and C synthetic-core strings to create the JSI Special Set for Viola. We also use the Jargar A and D strings for cello to make up the JSI Special Set for Cello.
Larsen Steel-Core for Violin and Cello. A very popular string with cellists for their pure, clear sound. The Larsen "Solo Edition" strings have a brighter, more brilliant sound. Available as A, D and G (tungsten) for cello. Larsen's viola set is made up of one alloy steel A string and 3 synthetic-core strings for the D, G, and C (see Larsen synthetic-core strings for Viola above. We use the Larsen A string with Dominant D, G, and C strings for the JSI Special Set.).
Larsen Soloist for Cello. More brilliance and projection than regular Larsen steel-core cello strings. The powerful Larsen – Wire Core strings with tungsten, more recently introduced, andgive further clarity on the lower strings of most cellos.
Pirastro – Piranito for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Pirastro's least expensive steel-core strings, they work well for small-sized student violins, 1/8 size through 4/4 size. The viola and cello strings come in full-size, only.
Pirastro – Permanent Soloist for Cello. Steel, rope-core strings specially engineered with greater tension to produce a more focused and powerful tone for the solo cellist.
Pirastro – Permanent for Viola or Cello. A steel rope-core string with a rounder, warmer sound than other steel-core strings for the alto and tenor instruments of the bowed string family.
Prim for Violin, Viola, and Cello. These inexpensive, bright strings have an edginess to their sound that is popular with fiddlers and some cellists. The violin and viola strings come in medium gauge only, while the cello strings are offered in soft, medium, and thick.
Supersensitive – Black Diamond Fiddle. These silver-plated wound steel strings are designed for fiddlers who play traditional bluegrass and country music. At $3.89 per set, they are the least expensive violin strings available!
Supersensitive – Red Label for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Low price and durability make these nickel-wound steel strings popular with many school systems.
Composite-core strings are synthetic-core strings representing the latest in advancing string technology. They are made with new types of synthetic materials combined in new ways to create denser, stronger strings that are immune to temperature and humidity changes.
Pirastro – Violino for Violin. The Violino is a lower tension composite core string. It has been described as the "sweetest" sounding synthetic string by some players, as well as being soft to the touch and having a quick response.
Thomastik – Vision for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. An extremely durable string with a brilliant and very focused sound. Can give small sized instruments more volume and clarity (good for small violas). Perhaps the most durable synthetic core string. Plain, straight sound without much warmth or complexity.
Thomastik – Vision Solo and Titanium Solo for Violin and Viola. Adds power and "sizzle," enlivening weaker or duller sounding violins or violas. More warmth and depth than regular Visions. The Titanium Solo for violin has a pure, focused, and complex sound on some violins. Some players find the tone too stark, cold, or colorless.
Thomastik – Titanium Orchestra for Violin and Viola. Targeted toward orchestral violinists and violists, as well as chamber music players. Developed to replace gut strings, they have an amount of warmth like the Vision Solos, but blend well in ensembles. They can be mixed and matched with synthetic- and gut-core strings.
NS Electric Strings are strings made especially for use on electric stringed instruments by expert electric instrument designer Ned Steinberger and the D'Addario string company. They are available for electric violin, viola, and cello, as well as electric upright basses which use the NS standard double bass string length.
Since volume is unlimited for electric instruments, NS electric strings focus on tone quality and expressive nuance rather than acoustic power. These strings provide the richest tone quality for electric instruments, and have also been found to offer greater tonal subtleties for acoustic instruments as well! The strings are made from stranded steel cores wound with aluminum, brass, tungsten, nickel, and stainless steel.
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How often should you change your violin, viola, cello, or double bass strings? How do you know when to change your strings? Most string players change their strings about every six months. Although the string may still appear to be in good shape, over months of playing, strings gradually lose their brilliance and responsiveness. Investing in new strings every six to eight months will help your instrument consistently produce its best sound. Of course, if you see a bit of the metal winding on the string beginning to unravel under your fingers when you play, or extensive fraying of the silk winding at top of the string from rubbing on the pegbox, or hear a false and wavering pitch when you play the open string, you'll also know it's time to change that string.
How do you change your violin, viola, cello, or bass strings? Some players prefer to have a luthier install new strings after having the set-up checked and adjusted (see JSI's Repair and Restoration Workshop). If your instrument is well adjusted, with pegs lubricated properly, you can certainly install a new set of strings yourself. When changing an entire set of strings, it is important not to remove all of the old ones at once. If you do, you may lose the proper placement of the bridge, and the sudden loss of tension on the instrument's top may cause the soundpost to fall down (requiring a luthier to reposition it properly). Remove just one string at a time, keeping all the others up to pitch. Thread the new string through the hole in the peg, and wind it evenly from the center of the peg to the edge of the peg box. Tighten the string only up to pitch so as not to weaken the string. If a relatively new string breaks after installation, take note of where the string broke, as your instrument may have developed a rough spot at the peg, nut, or fine tuner, which may need correcting by a luthier. Or, if the winding of the string is too close to the peg box wall, it may have been subject to sufficient stress to cause it to snap.
If a peg keeps slipping or sticking, you can remove the peg and apply a peg lubricant such as Hill's Peg Compound to the shiny parts of the removed peg. The product, made especially for pegs, will provide the traction needed for slipping pegs, or the lubricant needed for sticking pegs. Bear in mind that changes in humidity have a significant impact on pegs, causing them to swell or shrink. Players often must push the peg in a bit more firmly on days when the air is dry, or pull out the peg slightly on very humid days. Continued problems with pegs may mean that the pegs no longer fit well in the holes of the peg box. Bring your instrument to a luthier to see whether the pegs need replacing.
After installing the strings, make sure to check that the bridge of the instrument is standing up straight. If the bridge is leaning toward the fingerboard, carefully correct the bridge by using two hands to slowly bring the bridge to a perfect right angle to the top of the instrument.
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