How to choose the right violin strings?

Violin strings are an essential supply for violinists, and when shopping for strings you'll find that there are many options – different materials, tensions, sizes and tones. But how do you know which set is right for you? If you're new to violins or just want to try a different brand, it might be helpful to know some basics about strings. You can also check out our interactive violin string comparison chart to see the differences between many of the top brands.

Modern string string brands have a lot in common: they consist of a core and an outer covering, which is covered with cloth at the head end and ends with a ball or ring at the tail end. The different materials and methods used to make strings will affect their timbre and playing characteristics.

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Service life

The lifespan of strings will vary – the more you use them, the faster they will wear out. You can usually expect them to last about 4 to 12 months. If you play for more than a few hours a day, the strings may lose their luster within a few months. Wiping away the rosin and sweat after playing will help keep them clean.

As with synthetic strings, a good indicator that your strings are going "fake" is that they are more difficult to tune and playing the tune seems more challenging than before. Their voices will also become less lively and begin to lack the full, "loud" sound they once had. If the winding on your string is loose, its sound will be restricted or muffled and it will most likely break.

your violin

Each violin has its own unique sound and characteristics, and you may want to try different strings to find the best match for your violin. It's a good idea to make sure your violin is in working order before trying all the strings. Changing string brands or tensions may not help a violin with a damaged bridge or improperly positioned sound post. It's best to take your violin to a luthier and have them check that everything is positioned correctly. Violins have many small parts that must be aligned precisely, otherwise strange things may happen and your sound may be restricted.

If you'd like to learn more about how to keep your violin in good condition, check out some of our care and maintenance videos.

Kernel

The core of a steel core string is made of solid steel or steel strands. Typically, steel strings respond quickly and sound strong and bright. But they can also sound metallic and often lack depth or personality. They can help brighten up dull-sounding violins, as well as fractional-sized violins. They are widely used in styles such as country, folk or jazz – you will also find them in school orchestras. Due to their non-flexible nature, playing perfect tuning with these strings can be difficult, and the tone can become sharp when pressure is applied with the bow. Steel strings are usually the cheapest option.

Synthetic core strings tend to be the most popular choice; typically a powerful, clear sound with rich overtones and excellent playability. In most cases, they produce greater volume than steel strings while maintaining a stable pitch. The synthetic core is made of a polymer (nylon, pearl string, etc.) that forms the strands. It seems like every manufacturer has some slightly different approach that might even be a secret!

Gut strings are the original strings – used on a wide variety of stringed instruments for centuries. They are usually made from sheep intestines. Gut strings have lower tension and tend to have a warm sound, with a variety of interesting timbres. You can use gut core strings to help bright and lively instruments, or in downtuning (i.e. early music). These strings can be somewhat difficult to maintain in tune in different climates and need to be played in a sensitive manner. In South Florida, players rarely use them due to their poor performance in the hot and humid climate.

E string

A common question about the E string is whether you need a ball end or a loop end. You'll need to look at your spinner to decide which one you need. Typically, a ball head will be secured with two hooks, while a loop head will have one hook.

The modern E string is made of steel, and you may notice that this string has the most options. Pure Steel E is basically a steel wire – it has a direct and warm tone without being overly sharp. Other variations coated with gold

metals such as tin, chromium, gold, platinum or titanium. Each metal has a unique tone and feel that sometimes even outlasts pure steel strings.

Another option is to "wrap" the E string, which is made from a core and outer cladding, just like other strings. These are slightly thicker and slightly slower to respond. Wound E strings have a warmer tone and can help with sharp E string problems.

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Tension and winding

When talking about strings, tension and gauge are two different terms that refer to the same thing. Tension is how much force is held between the ends, gauge is the thickness of the string. Thicker strings generally have higher tension. Additionally, stronger metals can be used to change the string's tension without changing its thickness.

Higher tension strings require more force to activate and may be more difficult to press with the left hand. Conversely, lower tension strings require less force and feel softer under the fingers. Steel strings generally have higher tension, while gut strings have lower tension.

Changing the tension can also change the sound. For example, if one or two of your strings sound too bright or too weak, you can try using thicker strings. If one or two strings sound too dark or unresponsive, you can try using thinner strings. However, unless a luthier or professional advises you to use one, medium tension is probably what you should use. Switching to higher or lower tension may vary from instrument to instrument, producing unpredictable results.

The outer winding of the string is made of flat metal that wraps evenly around the core. Different metals can be used to change the sound, tension, and feel of the string. Additionally, some players may find that their sweat reacts poorly with certain metals, causing the winding to dull quickly. If the winding on your string is damaged, the sound and response of the string will be greatly reduced, and it will most likely break.

Aluminum and silver are common metals used for winding, but other options include chromium steel, nickel, gold, and even aluminum hydride. Each material will have a subtle impact on the sound and feel of the string, and manufacturers will often mention this in their product details.

If you have any questions about strings, or if you're looking for advice, feel free to contact us!