The best violin strings in 2021

Strings are consumables that have a decisive influence on the sound of a violin, viola or cello. That's why in this article I wanted to show you the choices made by professionals when it comes to equipping their instrument. So, in the interests of classification, I've compiled a list of the best violin strings in 2021. This way, you'll be able to keep abreast of this year's trends and perhaps be inspired by them.

New strings for 2021

New strings regularly come onto the market. Some of these are just marketing ploys by the big manufacturers, while others are real revolutions. Most, however, are a mixture of both.

This year, two references are the talk of the town:

• The new version of Dominant, with a sound completely reworked for modern needs.
• Larsen Aurora will undoubtedly establish itself as the new study string with a very attractive price/performance ratio.

 

The best violin strings in 2021

Thomastik Dominant for violin (more)

These strings have enjoyed incredible popularity for over 50 years. They are the best-selling strings in the world, far ahead of all other strings. In fact, habits die hard, and even the highly innovative Thomastik can't replace these strings, which are beginning to look dated. But they're still so popular that we can't help but wonder about the value of investing so much in the research and development of other products! In the end, we'll have to wait and see what happens with the Dominant Pro, just released at the beginning of this year.

Today, they are a solid reference in terms of neutrality of sound. That's why many professional violins are equipped with them, justifying their use as revealing an instrument's natural capabilities.

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi for violin (more info)

From the moment they were introduced, these strings quickly soared to the top of the rankings and never left. Their powerful, rich sound and stability have won over many violinists in search of presence. Today, this green color adorns the tailpieces of many top-of-the-range instruments and has become a strong selling point for professionals.

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold for violin (more info)

There's not much more to say about these strings other than that they've followed the success of the green Evah Pirazzi with a more golden alternative. In fact, it's one of the only string sets to offer a gold-clad string, which leaves no one indifferent.

Pirastro Obligato for violin (more info)

These strings offer an excellent alternative to gut strings, at least according to the professionals. Many instruments are equipped with these strings, whose names are easily remembered. There's also a gold string in this set, and I wonder if this isn't also one of the reasons for its success.

Pirastro Tonica for violin (more info)

These strings are of excellent workmanship and remain very affordable, especially after the veritable dumping that took place at certain online sales giants. This practice has really helped to establish habits among violinists, who are now very attached to these strings.

The best viola strings in 2021

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi for viola (more)

Like their violin counterparts, Evah Pirazzi instruments are perfectly suited to the viola. They offer an excellent compromise between sound quality and the prestigious image developed by the manufacturer.

Corelli New Crystal for viola (more info)

These French strings have several advantages that make them so popular. First of all, they are very affordable despite their high-end components(silver plating) and offer a very mellow sound that is perfect for study and home playing. Professionals choose them because they're easy to find, affordable and come in a wide range of sizes and tensions.

D'addario Helicore for viola

The American manufacturer's strings have proved very popular with violists, thanks to their suppleness which still offers a clean response.

Pirastro Passione for viola (more info)

The only gut strings in this ranking are found on the viola. They are of excellent quality and offer a very rich and powerful sound, but without aggressiveness. That's why they deserve their place in this ranking.

Pirastro Tonica for viola (more info)

If these strings find their way into the ranking, it's surely for the same reasons as their violin counterparts. They are affordable and of excellent quality, even if slightly lacking in power.

The best cello strings in 2021

Thomastik Spirocore Tungsten & Larsen Solo for cello

It's the fashion of the last few years, a pairing found on the majority of cellos. Today, there are a number of alternatives that are becoming increasingly popular with cellists:

• Thomastik Versum Solo for cello
• Thomastik Rondo for cello
• Pirastro Perpetual for cello

It's possible that this reference will lose its place in a few years' time! But we'll see in due course.

Jargar Classic for cello (more info)

These famous blue strings are the value-for-money benchmark for cello strings. They are used on an impressive number of student instruments, and the low strings work quite well. They are also available in all sizes, making them the perfect choice for rental fleets and schools.

Thomastik Dominant for cello

Once again, the Dominants make it into the picture. However, it's rather special this time, as synthetic cello strings are generally shunned by cellists. Perhaps the success of the name, as well as the availability in many sizes, makes this string set popular. However, I've never used it on an instrument.

D'Addario Helicore for cello

These strings are of excellent quality and offer very similar technology to other popular cello strings. They're also quite affordable, which is why they fit effortlessly into this ranking.

Thomastik Alphayue for cello (more)

Alphayue is a fairly recent addition to the Thomastik catalog. What's also very strange is that they have a synthetic soul. Yet their rather affordable price seems to have won over many professionals.

What do you think are the best violin strings in 2021?

Are the best violin strings in 2021 what you thought? What are you using right now, and do you plan to explore new sonic horizons this year?