The best violin strings

Une question qui me revient régulièrement est : « quelles sont les meilleures cordes de violon ? ». Loin de ne pas savoir quoi répondre, j’essaie pourtant déjà de me renseigner sur les attentes réelles du musicien et de l’usage qu’il ou elle en aura. Cela me permettra de lui donner une réponse adaptée. En effet, même s »il n’y a pas de réponse universelle, j’espère pouvoir vous offrir celle qui vous conviendra le mieux à travers cet article.

 

The best violin strings in my opinion

In fact, defining which are the best violin strings is a rather arduous task. To put it simply, there really isn't a choice that will offer an absolute answer. That's why there are so many references on the market. However, there are some string models, or string manufacturers, that excel in very specific criteria, which I'll try to develop here. That way, you'll be more likely to find the best violin strings for your own use!

 

The best-sounding strings

Why not begin this article with the strings that seem to offer the greatest promise of sound? After all, violinists(and all other musicians) are primarily concerned with getting the best possible sound from their instrument.

Firstly, and this is an established fact, the strings whose sound is most prized are those made of gut. They offer a rich timbre, very rich indeed, as well as a complexity that really allows the sound to be sculpted through good instrumental technique. The wide frequency spectrum they cover also makes for very good sound projection, meaning that even when sounding too loud to the ear, they can be heard from far away. And of course I'm talking about strings for modern violins, not baroque instruments.

That's why they are the sonic reference model for the creation of synthetic or metal strings. Their manufacturers are desperate to recapture that inimitable tonal flavor, but with more reliable materials.

 

The hose defect

Indeed, the big drawback is that they are rather difficult to manage on a daily basis. Highly sensitive to changes in humidity, they are also not very stable in tuning. So you'll need to be patient if you want to play perfectly in tune, knowing that your own perspiration will gradually loosen the strings.

What's more, they're quite expensive to manufacture and therefore to buy. What's more, their sometimes uncertain lifespan will make them even more expensive, as you'll sometimes have to buy a few in advance.

That's why, if you can overlook these few shortcomings, you'll be able to admire all the depth and response of your instrument thanks to these strings. If you're interested in these strings, Pirastro offers several popular ranges: Passione, Eudoxa and the famous Oliv.

 

Some examples of gut strings

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I hope I've made it clear by now that the world of rope will only be a vast compromise.

The most durable ropes

There are many criteria that influence the durability of strings, but let's consider here how the string will retain its sound over time. Firstly, metal-core strings will always be the most durable. They are the most resistant to deformation and loss of tone over hours of playing. What's more, they are often more affordable than other types of string.

But to tell the truth, the fact that they always sound the same is more of a curse than a blessing. Because they have a huge flaw: a metallic sound... In fact, that's the worst way to describe the sound of a string: cold, dry, lifeless... Some more advanced metal string models, such as Helicore or Spirocore, offer technologies that compensate for this metallic timbre... But to be honest, it's still not a perfect success.

However, it's true thatthey'll be perfectly adequate if you're playing in the worst conditions imaginable. They're perfectly stable, and even if their sound isn't the most enviable, they'll be unbeatable when it comes to longevity. If you can get your ears to accept them, they'll last you for years.

Suffice to say, it's absolutely unbeatable value for money...

 

Some examples of metal strings

 

The best violin strings for beginners

If you're a beginner and have just bought your first violin, it may be fitted with strings that do nothing to enhance it. This is often the case with the most affordable instruments(say, between 80 and 250 euros), as violin makers generally prefer to install strings that are little more than wire, for profit reasons.

Indeed, good quality strings are made in Europe from top-quality materials and are the result of very special know-how and advanced technology. That's why they can be quite expensive. However, without going for the most expensive models, there are some very good, affordable strings that will bring your instrument back to life.

In any case, even if you have an inexpensive violin, investing in a proper set of strings could be a very good way of increasing the value of your violin. In fact, it's probably the best way to improve the sound of your violin immediately, without having to replace or modify the instrument, which would inevitably be much more expensive.

 

My recommendations

That's why I recommend two sets of strings:

• Corelli New Crystal
• Warchal Karneol

First of all, I chose these two references because they work particularly well on student violins. First and foremost, their deep, mellow character gives a more balanced voice to even the loudest instruments, which is often the case with the most affordable or loosely assembled violins. In addition to their character, their lower tension will significantly improve listening and playing comfort.

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My favorite strings

As you can see from my blog, I'm particularly fond of Warchal strings. In fact, I use these strings on my violins not only because I find their sound very good and their quality/price ratio excellent. It's also, and above all, because of the values they convey.

In fact, I'm a passionate person who needs to share a certain authenticity, a soul that goes far beyond the commercial aspect. First of all, I like to know that this small family business, created by a true enthusiast, for enthusiasts. As such, I find that they do their utmost to innovate, provide new solutions, and pay attention to detail.

Details

And it's these details above all that are most impressive: I love, for example, the exceptional quality of the silk workmanship on the strings(a quality you absolutely can't find with other famous manufacturers) and their unique color code that simplifies the work of musicians and luthiers.

They are also behind many innovations and decisions to combat waste:

• Firstly, they are the only ones to recycle their rope materials for re-use.
• Each string is also stored in a sealed package. This prevents them from being damaged in storage, unlike many strings I've bought, even rather expensive ones, and found to be oxidized when I unpacked them.

In other words, I prefer to use and promote products that are like me and in which I recognize myself. These are the people I like to talk to, learn from and give my opinion to. It's incredible how much I've learned about strings from them, and I can try to pass on this knowledge to the musicians and enthusiasts who read my blog.

Some examples of Warchal strings

What's more, if you're looking for solo strings of extreme sound quality... I have access to an exclusive model that is truly excellent, and with which I equip my best violins: The Warchal Timbre. I can truly say that, along with the Amber, these are my favorite strings.

 

What are your favorite strings?

Firstly, have you ever wondered why you use your current strings? In fact, you may not even have made the choice. Maybe you picked up the first set available, or followed the recommendations of your teacher, or even the person from whom you bought your instrument.

It's not necessarily a bad choice, but what worked for them may not be the solution that works for you. After all, it's a very personal and subjective thing.

In any case, no matter where you are in your search for strings. I invite you to share your impressions in comments so that we can all learn more about the subject!