Buy Violin Strings

Uh oh. Your violin string just broke and you need to get another one as soon as possible so you can practice! What do you do? Read on, of course!

Steps

1. Identify the strings for violins, violas, and cellos by the silk windings at the peg and tailpiece ends. Most strings, other than the E-string on a violin, are produced with a “ball-end” at the tailpiece end. This ball-end slips down through the appropriate hole in the tailpiece so that when the body of the string is slid up into the slot, the ball prevents the end of the string from coming through.
2. String fractional size instruments with strings specifically designed for that instrument. Using strings designed for other size instruments will not produce a desirable result.
3. Remember that on a violin, the E-string is usually offered with either the ball-end or a simple wire loop-end at the tailpiece end. Nearly all E-strings are steel and react with large changes in pitch to very little change in string tension. For this reason, most instruments have a mechanical fine tuner mechanism attached to the tailpiece to accomplish the small changes in tension needed.
4. Remember that on a viola, the A-string is occasionally offered with either the ball end or a simple wire loop end at the tailpiece end. Some viola A-strings are steel, and react with large changes in pitch to very little change in string tension. For this reason, some instruments have a mechanical fine tuner mechanism attached to the tailpiece to accomplish the small changes in tension needed.

Tips

• Thomastik-Infeld, a company based in Austria, is one the most well-recognized string brand names (producing the staple Dominant, as well as other specific brands that vary depending on the sound desired). It's well worth checking out their selection - especially since they provide charts that categorize strings according to the sound they produce, from "warm" to "bright" to "precise".
• However, if you are in the intermediate or very good level, do not buy strings as a package. Buy them individually so you can get a feel of different string tone.
• The string attaches to the fine tuner is by one of two designs:
  • A simple round shaft or hook over which the simple loop would be placed,
    
    or...
    
  • Two vertical prongs between which the string winding is placed with the ball preventing the string from coming through.
• The following categories are a general guide to initial string selection. The player is encouraged to experiment with different strings to find the one that is best for them.
  • Gut core string – Made of thin strands from sheep or lamb intestines, they typically have a richer, warmer sound than other strings. They also respond slower and take longer to stretch and stabilize when replaced. Gut core strings are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes and require special care and attention. Most modern gut core strings are wrapped in a thin metallic winding to improve playability and increase their life expectancy. Because of the amount of stretch needed to change the intonation of the string, fine tuners at the tailpiece are not used. Most of the time, gut core strings are used by professionals looking for a very specific sound. They are usually three times the cost of synthetic core strings and commonly have about 1/3 the lifespan.
  • Synthetic core string - made of a strand or strands of synthetic materials that are engineered to have the flexibility of natural gut without the sensitivity to temperature and humidity. These strings are used by 99% of the more experienced players. The most common core material used is Perlon. Most modern synthetic core strings are wrapped in a thin metallic winding to improve playability and increase their life expectancy. Because of the material properties of synthetic core strings, sound quality can vary widely. Tuning wise, they tend to stabilize rather quickly and become reliable in a matter of days instead of weeks (Like gut core).
  • Steel core string – Made from a strand or strands of various alloys of steel wire, these strings are generally wrapped in a thin metallic winding on the lower strings on a violin. They are favored by “fiddle players” as the tone tends to be simple and bright, and response is nearly immediate. Steel strings tend to be long lasting and are relatively unaffected by changes in temperature or humidity. Most violin E-strings are steel with various coatings or metallic wrappings occasionally used to tone down the inherent tendency to hiss as well as produce a defined tone. Steel strings tend to be lower priced due to the materials and manufacturing methods used and are recommended for beginners due to their price and stability. Fine tuners at the tailpiece are a necessity because of the lack of stretch in steel strings.
• For advanced players try "Dominant Strings." You will not believe the difference in sound quality - Dominants produce a very balanced sound that combines most of the different string characteristics. Also, order the strings from the Internet whenever possible. Many Music stores overcharge. A set of good strings will cost approximately 25 dollars on the internet but up to 55 dollars at the local music store. For beginners, try using the low budget strings. Your teacher will let you know when it is time to upgrade.

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