Everything you ever wanted to know about violin strings! Knowledge IS Power!
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- Not sure what violin strings to get? Confused between gut, steel and synthetic? Gauge and tension?
In this video, I have put together everything you need to know about strings so you will be able to choose the right strings for your violin - its easier than you think!
The more you know about strings, the better equipped you will be at choosing the correct string(s) for your violin.
The PDF im using in this video is here: / all-about-violin-29895699
Part 2 which is all about specific string brands: • What strings should yo... 
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You are SO knowledgeable, and I’m a beginner. I feel like someone trying to get a drink of water from a fire hydrant.
2:59 types of strings
7:40 gauge and tension
11:32 choosing your strings
It's very hard in our country, the Philippines, to buy violin strings. But this knowledge about strings will help me in the future if and when I find a store to shop for strings. Also, strings are SOoo expensive here.
Wonderful video jam packed with information, thanks for shining a light on this topic. I was avoiding doing this and now I feel really excited about a string change
Thank You ,,, Thank You ,,,, Thank You !!!!!!
This video has a TON of information it hon that is truly valuable !!!!
I've been thinking about saving for a violin but i wasn't completely sure. After finding your channel i started saving and i'm going to buy one soon. All the videos really are great, keep up the videos, and thanks for the help. :)
I want you to know that I really appreciate you for taking your time to make and post these videos. People like yourself help the public out in such a tremendous way and save us so much money. I only hope that people give something back by sponsoring you. Good luck to you and your business. R. C. Ray from Wood Inspirations and Design LLC
Just found your channel. This is such a helpful video! THANK YOU for all of this information.
Very useful information and the string "jargon" is well explained. Thanks. I completely support your advice to put a set of Pirastro Tonica on a cheap student violin. I did this and it made a noticable and significant improvement to the tone and feel of the violin and they are not expensive, last very well and stay in tune. Now, after a few years playing, I might consider changing them and mixing up the strings a bit more but Tonicas will easily get you from beginner to intermediate.
Super Helpful! Thanks so much
Doing a string experiment project on my new first professional quality violin I got back in February. So far I've tried Evah Pirazzis and Obligatos and I'm currently trying out the Thomastik-Infeld Peter Infeld "PI" strings!
Evah Pirazzi violin strings are my favorite. Their sound is really brilliant. And the violin sings out.
Thanks for that very informative video!
You’re wonderful thank you 🤍
Thanks for all of your knowledge of the subject.
A few years ago I got my son some Tonicas after your recommendation and hours of listening to comparison videos. Recently we let a shop replace them and they put on the Helicore and I'm just unimpressed with them. Tonicas are for sure long lasting and a great base string.
great video very informative well delivered. always appreaciated and respected.
Thanks for this video
What a wonderful presentation of valuable information in such limited time. Desiring warm sounds from the the D and A strings, but wanting the G and E strings to boldly sing out!!! Yes, yes, yes!
Mix the strings from different packaged sets.
Thank you again.
An old guitar player at the violin level of
Twinkle star & Song of Joy!😐🎻
I got my friend a set of Tonicas... aaggg tooooo bright ... can't wait to get enough $$$ to get her a set of pirastro olive :D yes expensive but oooh my! lovely sound!
Thank you!!!!❤
Top tips cheers
you have amazing videos
I’ve heard a lot of people say that Helocores are more for electric violins but I’ve tried them on both of my acoustic ones (ones a $900 ‘student’ violin and the other is an antique from 1830) and I was surprised. They brought a really nice focused sound to my antique without being scratchy, shrill or metallic and on my student violin it produced a really unique tinny sort of tone that was perfect for playing Norwegian folk music. I wouldn’t rule out Helocores on acoustic violins, but I could see them being a hit or miss on certain violins depending on that instrument’s natural voice is.
Totally agree Taran ... Helicore's are a fantastic string and sound rich, responsive and vibrant on my acoustic fiddle. I play a quality hand made modern well set up instument and I am as discerning about tone and quality of sound as any classically trained musician. I use a quality bow and rosin. I think most peoples problems with different strings might be because their instrument is not set up properly.
Thank you for the choice of strings. I'm a luthier, but this combination of strings is excellent. =)
I love your videos! You are a natural tutor and you get right to the point - no fluff! Thank you so much for the hard work you put into every lesson. I have learned so much already. One criticism - the background music is very distracting.
Yes, this video is 3 years old now. I have not used background music for years.
I totally figured that out after watching about 10 more of your videos. I should have returned and deleted that part of my comment. Thanks so much for all you do. It is really brilliant and you make the learning process so enjoyable. I upgraded from my really inexpensive violin to a Kennedy pupil outfit. Such a difference! Question though: I saw a video from another violin tutor and she recommended putting rosin on the bow AND the strings. Is this advisable?
Im using a not so famous strings called opera perlon and they are easy to tune and sound just fine, i changed to them because tonicas really hurt my finger tips
I put a set of Visions on my Shar, Carlo Lamberti Master Series and wow, they are dark and strong. A set of Pirastro Arcores on a 1906 Saxony and they work really well, and I'm soon to get my 1850 French violin back from a violin maker repairing the edges with Warchal Ambers. I'm looking forward to hearing it. Life is so much simpler with my 1920s Gibson mandolins... just throw $7.00 DiAdario EJ74s on them and they're good. With my banjo, who cares, it's a banjo.
Firstly make sure that the bridge and soundpost is super quality and set up nicely. Strings comes second
I have an antique violin made in 1926 by Giovanni Longiaru, i've recently changed it strings to Thomastik Prazision ☺️ recomanded by it previous owner
I've found Dominant best for G, D, A and Pirastro gold for the E string
Does that combination works well ???
thanks
I tried the Pirastro Eudoxa and loved the sound of them on my violin but what a pain to keep in tune so not the string for my humidity weather sadly. And every time I change string I try a different set to see what difference it make on my violin. Right now I have Tonica next one will be obligato
I have to say I loved Dominants when I was in high school. Now 18 years on, I'm not impressed. Warchal Ambers really brought out a beautiful tone, and I plan to experiment mixing those with different e strings. The spiral e from that full set never quite sounded in tune.
Its interesting how subjective strings and sound are. I for myself tried out Pirastro Tonicas, but I just did not like the sound of them on my Stentor II. When I upgraded to a better violin, some of them had also Pirastro Tonicas on them and even on this better studentviolins for round about 1000 Euro I just did not like the sound of the Tonicas.
On the other hand I really liked the sound of the Dominants.
Thank you for your video! Can you please explain why you need a high tension string to work less hard in the upper positions? I thought it's the opposite.
Tho voice is so perfect, so balanced, so smooth and lively both, its like singing nicely all the time, to me like a profound lulaby.. i find it beter than a violin tones, it just makes me wanna listen to it quite a lot, it just makes me fell so good, i dont believe this, it never hapend to me before, heh..
I have a $7,000 violin. Right now it has Eva Pirazzi Gold strings, which I liked on my former violin, but I’m less in love with them now for a couple reasons: 1) my G string is horrid. I don’t like how I have to dig into my G string to get some decent sound. 2) harmonics are ridiculous. What I mean by that is that the whistle sound is nearly impossible to achieve with these things. In 7th or 8th position, it’s almost inaudible. I know it’s not my technique with harmonics. I want to brighten the tone a bit. I like darker tones, which my violin does produce, but I don’t know if the current fog that I hear in my violin is the string quality or the string brand that is the issue. I am going to shop for some different brands. This video was helpful.
I have been playing instruments for almost 8 years and have NEVER changed strings so I think it’s about time 😂 I’ve gone thro multiple instruments and the violin I have now I’ve had just over a year and the A string keeps squeaking so I figured time to get some new strings but I’m so lost there’s so many types so I’m gonna watch a ton of videos and hopefully figure it out! I just started watching this vid but I can tell it’s gonna be very helpful edit: I have a question how much is a beginner violin in your opinion? Mine is around $2k I think so maybe that’s intermediate? I just want to get the right strings but this is confusing for my small brain 😂 oh and also this all goes for viola and cello to right? Edit #2 after 2 hours of research and asking my teachers I think I will start with obligato on all strings and go from there lol
I really like the Pirastro Gold E, however, having sweaty hands, I've found that it tends to rust in about 2-3 months.
yerawizardnick I agree! I use dominant on G, d and a with pirastro gold on e
I recently put a G helicore string on. It made my violin sound like a cheap fisher price toy. I had Dominant strings but was using a Pirastro Evah Pirazzi for the E. Generally I feel my violin sounds fuzzy in the lower registers but I am also a little unhappy with my bow. So I am having a combination issue with needing a bow that is better and strings that sound a little nicer. I guess I will try some Pirastro Tonica next. Thanks for the video looking for to part 2!
I don't know if it's just my violin or what, but I use the Alphayue G and it sounds marvelous on my instrument. It made my lower notes warmer and I personally like it more than the sound of a Dominant or a Pirastro Tonica.
Sounds like you need to buy a better instrument or have the one you use set up properly. That can make a huge difference. I use helicores and they sound wonderful, rich and responsive.
My Peccard came with ALPHAYUE AL100 Synthetic core. The e string is so damn high pitched.
12:37kida of like a house you have to have a good foundation because you can put up the house lol
btw Alison, your make up compliments your beautiful eyes! luv!
I bought a violin a couple of months ago from a family friend because there daughter use to play....but I have no clue where to start.nothing was in order on the violin.i love the violin and really want to play.im 16 so buying everything is kinda hard as it all adds up do u have any recommendations for a "cheap" string brand and tuner :). Watching your videos make me feel less worried about learning by myself so thankyou.😄
What strings would you recommend for a stentor 2. Right now I've got daddario prelude strings. I am a beginner, but I need a recommendation for at least an intermediate to expert. To me the G and D sound a little harsh and the E is really bright. If it isn't too much trouble, would you be willing to recommend a couple strings for me?
hello Alisson, great work you're doing thanks a lot, I just wanted to ask since I am a newbie how do you know what kind of violin someone has, as you mention many times, if its warm or bright for solo or orchestra I haven't noticed violin on stores to exhibit such a trait or characteristic? Thanks a lot continue the Good work.
Its all perception and what you do and dont like. It doesnt matter whether you think a violin sounds warm and someone else doesnt.
Can you explain more on the terms used to describe the tone? Eg. Dark, bright, warm, brilliant, complex, focus etc?
Ashton Chan look at her new video lol it will most likely help
Dark- thick, powerful, "upset", gritty sound
Bright- Clean, clear, dainty "happy" sound
Warm- sweet, rich sound
Brilliant- clear, direct, almost edgy sound
Complex- big, rich, full sound with a lot of projection
Focused- Direct, clear sound
Thanks Liam
Hi Alison! I know nothing about violin sounds (warm, bright, dark, etc.) which you talk about. All I want to know is which is which. Have you done a video about it? I dont have a violin but planning to have one in the future. Thank you!
I havnt as they dont come out on camera so it would be pointless and not that helpful unfortunately.
How can I tell what my violins "sound" is? I'm completely new to music, and the violin. My violin is a Yamaha.
Hi Alison, I just have broken my D string on my violin which is an Stentor 2. Could you recommend the string brand what you think is best for my violin? and if you have a video link about how to change a string would be super helpful to me at this point hahahah. Thank you very much for your channel and for all the work you made, I think it is great and I enjoy a lot practicing with my violin and your lessons! ;-)
These videos might help:
- ruclips.net/video/ljq3p09OUkM/видео.html
- ruclips.net/video/MsGiGuTum-w/видео.html
- ruclips.net/video/_W3foRCRLCo/видео.html
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thanks again Alison and sorry about to ask you for a specific brand, I have fully watched the videos today and I think you are right that decision is very personal, you explained very well. I have ordered the Pirastro Tonica, I going to give it a try. Thank you very much for your help, much appreciated! :-)
♥ Very informative. Like you said, it's personal preference. ^_^
Can you do a video on double stops. Chords etc. plz, I have orchestra music that has that...
Yes. It will be out at the end of the month in my Learn To Play The Violin Book 3.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thank you so much!
I hope somone reply this.. I have a 3/4 sized vioin because I am still a teen so should I get myself in this or it just doesn't matter for 3/4 sized violin like the violin itself won't make a good sound or it really matters? And do you advise me to change strings knowing that I am not a performer? (I'm also talking about the point that I'm still a teenager)
Recommendations for a 1914 Heberlein?
Alison, have you considered trying pirastro obligato strings in a full set? I have them in a full set and I love them a lot!
Yep. Done that. I just prefer an extra high tension Passione for the G as it gives a much richer tone than the Obs.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Did you have the gold or steel E String? I'm using the gold and it's just lovely!
I just bought a second hand violin can't get any sound out of it.There is no bridge is this the reason
Hi!! I had a question about the bridge. I can’t remember what video it was where you said you had a custom made bridge or the violin guy modified one you had that wasn’t working for you(?) my question is I have a classical violin and an electric one too. The bridge on the electric one doesn’t seem to be as slanted let’s say as the classical violin. Is it true that no two bridges are exactly alike? I’m having a bit of a challenge staying on the proper strings on my electric. Because the bridge on my classical violin is beveled a little bit more it just makes it that tiny bit easier. I’m wondering if I should just try to stick with the electric violin the way it is and build separate muscle memory on that one? Or do you think it’s a waste of time and I should take it to my violin guy and see if he could adjust the bridge or maybe make me a custom made one ? also after you mess with the bridges... does it alter the violin at all in a bad way down the road? Thank you for any help in this matter.happy playing!!!😃❤️
Each violin and each bridge is different to the next an tailored to the individual instrument. So if i gave you my bridge for example, it would likely be too low for you and incorrectly angled.
Sounds like you just need to get the elec violin bridge tweaked, bt since you are saying this, I would wager its just a cheaper student one and might be counter productive to spend the money on getting a bridge fitted possibly.
The Online Piano & Violin Tutor the electric violin is a 400 dollar violin. 😃❤️the other one I’m not sure as it was found in my daughters closet.
hi! I have a question! I recently bought a cheap violin, a primavera 200, costing £170. I’ve only recently started playing, and am practicing every day (with the help of your videos!) and I know this is something I won’t give up on. I’ve always loved the sound of a violin and can’t wait to be at a level where it sounds decent !
Do you think buying a more expensive violin at an earlier stage will help with keeping at it or is a cheaper violin better to use while I’m still getting the hang of playing ? Can a cheap violin still sound good? I’m starting to think my squeaks and trouble tuning may be inevitable with this violin!
The trouble with cheap violins is that they are poorly set up. They simply produce a sound, but not well. They dont actually allow the player to progresses properly as they hinder the learner by not being set up.
They are heavy, the bridge is not angled well and they dont generally stay in tune.
Having and spending more money on a properly set up violin will help you learn faster - this is a given, but it depends if your budget allows.
Since you say you want to do this, then I would definitely upgrade asap.
I do recommend Fiddlerman violins and they will ship to the UK (bit.ly/2TCgWk1) but if not, then you could try Stentor violins in a pinch.
Stentor violins are ok, but Im not convinced they are worth the price - the expensive ones at like £4/500 at least.
The Online Piano & Violin Tutor thank you so much for the info, I’ll look into these violins for after the lockdown ! 🥰
😍😍😍
Do you have any opinion about the D'addario zyex strings? Are they darker?
String brands are coming out in part 2 next week.
My broke self watching this knowing I bought a $164 dollar violin 😂😂😂 i will just keep watching 🥺👉🏻👈🏻
How do I know when my current strings are past their best and need replacing?
I have a video address exactly this on my channel already.
I have an OB1 by Fiddlerman and am thinking of changing the strings to a Pirastro brand. Yet, I have no idea whether it sounds bright vs. dark as you are talking about. The violin is about a $350 US violin. The strings it came with however (especially the G string) has that "hiss" I hear people talk about when I play the G string. Despite what bow (up or down) that I start the G string on (especially when I play the note A or C on the G string). Can you suggest a brand in the Pirastro line that might improve the overall sound of the violin especially the G string?
Honestly, you would be better to ask the FM as I have not played one for about 3 years, so I really couldn't say.
Call them and mention you have seen one of my videos and they will look after you :)
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thanks, I bought a set of their medium strings and a set of Pirastro Tonica. Glad I did, too. I put the Tonicas on and the E (Gold) string broke as I was tuning it. Don't know what happened, but since I had the FM E string in the new set, I put it on. I won't know how the Gold E string sounds from the Tonica until I get a new one to go with the set but I'm happy with GDA and E from FM.
really helpful clear information thank you..
but you seem to have left a call on hold as well..
there was a horrendously annoying midid loop throughout..
I dont hear anything like that - just light music in the background.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor sorry.. it’s just a real pet hate and a bit of a more general mission.. i’m guessing most of your audience are musicians.. so we all have many many ways to listen to music and probably are quite fussy there.. so when i want information i want to be able to concentrate on it.. if i also wanted to listen to music ‘at the same time’ i have many ways of doing that and controlling the choice of music and the volume.. as does everybody else..
If you are going to take the choice away then how about some lovely soft violin playing..? or at least something that does not loop incessantly.. it was like being on hold on a call and i could hear nothing else in the end.. or another nicer way to say it is please have confidence in your content.. it’s really top notch.. hearing your informed research AND being able to read it at the same time was really really helpful.. you don’t need to fill in any gaps.. they are thinking and digesting spaces.. not for muzak carpeting.. IMHO.. thank you.. forgive the rant paul (a hyper sound sensitive musician.. there are many of us.. ;9) )
Thanks for excellent educational videos BUT could you just cut to the chase and tell us what strings you use and what you would recommend to intermediate player such as me.
Thank you for your feedback, but I cannot simply 'tell' anyone what strings to use as its more complicated than that... i talk about this in this video as its all about different types of strings, what they are, how they sound etc etc and once you know and understand about them, you can choose your strings based on your violin - that was the exact intention of this video.
If you watch this video, you will become very educated on all strings and be better informed to make your decision on what strings to buy.
The only way I can 'tell' you outright what strings to buy, would be if you shipped your violin to me personally and I played it - and even then, i would make my choice based on MY tastes and specifics for your violin.
This is why the info in this video is so important for every play to know.
Hope that helps :)
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Hi Alison. Thank you for your detailed reply. I understand what you are saying but that really doesn't help with deciding on what strings to use. I notice you made a firm recommendation on rosin ie SARTORY. I wonder if you could just say what strings YOU USE which would be helpful - otherwise it's a minefield of decision! Thanks again
@@johnaustin1825 Hi, Im a little confused as to why this is not helpful information as the PDF clearly takes your through every single aspect of strings and I even give you specific brands and types for each type of violin you may have - so really, you are better informed than me as I have no idea what your violin is like. The strings I use are very unique to my violin only as mine does not sound like most other violins. I have specific gauges and tensions too that are not recommended for student players, so again what I use i would not recommend for most violins.
All the information you need to make a very well formed adn quick and easy decision is in the PDF sheet.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor OK Point taken. Thanks again
You defined tension and gauge but you also mentioned 'response' which I also saw in retail sales descriptions. To what does that refer?
Response is literally that - how quick they respond to the bow when playing. Hard to describe and articulate into words
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor I get that. thanks. I truly appreciate your disseminating all this helpful knowledge. It's great to have a pro on our side. Have you seen Twoset Violin on youtube? It's humorous and musically entertaining especially for an accomplished player like you.
p.s. - was about to buy a set of Dominants, but luckily came across your string videos and will give Pirastro Tonicas a try. thanks again.
Any suggestion for Fiddlerman Entertainer strings??
Pirastro Tonicas are nice and bright and wont break the bank to much. Other than that, experiment with what the strings say they are/do and what sound you might want from your violin.
Bright, loud (metal strings), or more soft and warm (gut strings) for example.
Hi
How do you identify you violin tone? What strings will you be using?
You listen to your violin and see whether it’s bright, shrill, dark etc
As in what type of string I will be using initially to ‘define’ my violin character without the influence of strings. Like if I’m using a very bright string I might have misconceptions that my violin is initially bright etc.
Good question Ashton. Alison, if you are presented a violin with unknown strings, how do you distinguish the characteristics of the instrument from the characteristics of the strings?
How high can the E string tune past E without breaking? Can I reach G safely?
Probably depends on the string and it is possible, but I wouldn't want to try it on a good string.
You can try on a really cheap one, but because its cheap, I reckon will snap not much past E... but why would you want to do this?
ruclips.net/video/IDHln1MNM6g/видео.html found this video
Managed to reach G. Broke second time around. To see how high it can go.
That Passioni G string is $50 !
Is it typical to "mix" strings? (As in, not use one set for all of them)
Yes. No problem doing that - in fact, you'll get a better and more focussed sound if you do. Just choose wisely.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Ok, thank you!
jargar E d addario A tonica D G
Hi Alison, really love, and appreciate your videos. However the background repetative music for me made it really hard to listen to you speaking. Kate from NZ
Thanks for the feedback. I haven't put background music on my videos for about 3-4 years now. This video was made almost 4 years ago now and i cannot change it now unfortunately :(
"you're not gonna notice a difference on a cheap violin."
Im sorry you feel that way, but you will not. I dont see the point in paying over $100 for these types of strings and putting them on cheap violins. Its a waste of money and strings and you just wont get the most out of them. You are better off with a decent set of strings, not strings like Obligatos, Evah Pirazzi, Gold Labels etc etc as you just wont hear or get what you want from them and will then be even more disappointed you have thrown money away.
These types of high end strings only perform well on violins that are of higher quality. Im not talking into the thousands, but at least $500 upwards.
Brooooo Why didn't my teachers teach me this?
You know, that pirastro, dominant, and other this type of expensive string should not be used if the person is beginner. This expensive strings should only used in antique and expensive violin and only be used by professional.
And also during tuning violin if by mistake we broke pirastro or dominant we will not get the fund return so I will recommend to use cheap strings for beginners.
Great info. But I wish we could just listen to you talking without the cheesy background music.
Oh man “e string isn’t too expensive… about $6” haha guitar strings are $6 for a whole set. About $1 each and they’re 2x the material. Violin string market is such a scam