“Which violin strings should I choose?” is something that you’re most likely thinking. I'm going to explain my experience and my best recommended violin strings! I will explain the recommended violin strings based on my experience!
■ What are the different types of violin strings to begin with?
There are three main types of violin strings
- (1) Steel strings
- Steel strings are characterized by a clear and distinct tone and are highly durable. As the name suggests, steel is used for the core wire.
- (2) Gut strings
- Gut strings are characterized by a rich, warm tone that is typical of violins. However, they are susceptible to temperature and humidity and lack stability. Gut strings were used for all violins in the past. The core wire is made of sheep's intestines.
- (3) Nylon strings
- If in doubt, choose nylon strings! These strings are overwhelmingly popular and widely used by beginners and experienced players alike. The tone is characterized by the warm tone of gut strings and the durability is as good as steel strings because it combines the advantages of both steel and gut strings!
The core wire is made of synthetic fiber.
Based on the above, here are the recommended violin strings!
1. Thomastik-Inferd / Dominant Nylon Strings
Nylon is the standard in violin strings! If you are not sure about changing strings, just try these! I have been using Dominant strings for 8 years from the time I started playing violin until I graduated to full-size violin in the 6th grade. I myself used these strings all the time for recitals, concerts, and other opportunities to play in public! I can recommend these strings to everyone from beginners to experienced players as they produce good volume!
2. PIRASTRO / Cromcor (PIRASTRO Chrome Core) Steel Strings
If you want to make your tone clear and bright, these are the strings for you! PIRASTRO proudly offers steel strings! I used these strings when I played a tragic piece called Zigeunerweisen. I especially recommend the E-string, which gives the violin a crystal-clear tone. These strings are a perfect match for a tragic and melancholy piece!
3. PIRASTRO / Evah Pirazzi Nylon Strings
If you want to make your sound more powerful, these are the strings for you! If so, this is the Evah Pirazzi strings by PIRASTRO! This is the only choice for intense music such as Taro Hakase's Jounetsu Tairiku and Etupirka! When I was a student, I had a chance to play Jounetsu Tairiku at a school festival. The venue was a gymnasium and I wanted to make the sound louder and thicker!
4. Optima / Goldbrokat E-string steel string
This is your standard E-string! Introducing Optima's Goldbrokat! It is a perfect match with other strings, regardless of the type of strings. I actually tried the combination with the above mentioned Dominant and Chrome Core strings, and I could play them without any discomfort!
5. PLAYTECH / PVS300 (PLAYTECH PVS300 Sound House) Nylon Strings
If you are looking for nylon strings but are concerned about the cost of a set of four strings, this is the set for you! For example, a set of four Dominant nylon strings costs around 5,800 yen, but PLAYTECH nylon strings are priced at 1,480 yen for a set of four! The price of PLAYTECH nylon strings is 1,480 yen for a set of four!
I have a video of me actually playing this product, so you can easily imagine what it sounds like if you watch it here. If you are looking for the best cosmetic strings, I recommend PLAYTECH nylon strings!
How was everyone's experience with my personal string recommendations? Many of you may have been using the same violin strings for a long time, but please take this opportunity to try different strings and find your favorite strings!