Violin Strings
by Principal Composition
| Gut | | Olive | Eudoxa | Gold Label | Passione | Golden Spiral | Chorda | |
| Synthetic | | Dominant | Infeld Red | Infeld Blue | Evah Pirazzi | Obligato | Violino |
| | Tonica | Larsen | Larsen Tzigane | Vision | Zyex | Pro Arte | Alliance | Crystal | Wiener Melange | Synflex | | |
| Steel | | Flexocor | Chromcor | Piranito | Spirocore | Superflexible | Precision |
| | Kaplan Solutions | Helicore | Prelude | Jargar | Astrea | Goldbrokat | | Protos | Pirastro No.1| Supersensitive Red Label | |
Please visit: thesoundpost.co.uk string section for a comprehensive list of bowed instrument strings including links to manufacturer websites.
Strings are made from basically three different core materials: gut, synthetic (nylon-type) fibre, and steel as listed above.
Each has pro and cons.
For centuries strings were made from unwound gut (sheep intestines). Later, gut was wound with metal, such as silver, which increased the density and decreased breakage. Gut has a warm, rich, “colourful” tone that players seek.
Steel core strings provide powerful, direct, and transparent timbre. Relatively inexpensive with fast response and quick break-in period, these strings are long lasting. Soloists often prefer this option as well as any musician seeking clean clear precision.
Synthetic fibre String companies have experimented with different materials trying to replicate the warm tone of gut while providing the player with the obvious advantages of tuning stability.
Manufactured with a variety of metal windings, synthetic strings are reliable, long lasting and offer a robust, complex tone in an easy to play string. As the string is stiffer the response is superior to gut. Suited to violinists and violist these strings are the correct choice for the beginner, advancing student and professional player.
Catgut strings. Strings have never actually been made from the intestines of pussy cats.
Key Facts
Violins have four open strings: G, D, A, and E.
Choose between gut, synthetic and steel.
The ideal choice for a student starting out would be to fit Prelude, Red Label or similar budget priced strings.
Viola and Cello Tuning: C G D A
Bass Tuning: E A D G
Strings: Viola, Cello and Bass
