Opera Violin Strings Reviewed
Opera Violin Strings Official Review April 2009, by Tommy
During my junior year in college, I took up the quest to find the best-sounding-lowest-priced-violin-strings. I tried many: Visions, Obligatos, Zyex, etc. And I found one: Opera Violin strings. I will attempt to describe and critique these strings in relation to the most popular strings on the market and in terms of richness (overtones), power (projection), durability (stability of pitch as well as length of usable playing time.), and cost.
My first impressions: The Opera Strings have the red and black threading of Pirazzis. The G string is silver wound and the D and A are aluminum wound. The strings look well made. They have a synthetic core similar to most violin strings.
Sound: *For an aesthetic aural calibration for readers, the worst strings that I have tried are Huayin and Red label strings (1/10) and the best are Pirazzis (10/10)
1. Richness: Opera Strings have a similar rich sound as Dominants. The G and D strings are very difficult to distinguish in appearance and sound from Dominants. The A strings is brighter sounding than Dominants. Overall richness: 8/10
2. Power: The sound projection is also similar to Dominants. They are not as powerful as Pirazzis. Unlike Red labels or Zyex strings, Opera strings will respond to different pressure and bow articulations. Overal power: 8/10
3. Durability: The first set that I tried lasted for a month. Unlike Pirazzis, these strings will not die after a two weeks. Overall durability: 8/10
4. Cost: At $16 for a set, they are the lowest priced, decent strings that I have found anywhere. Overall cost: 10/10
Overall:
I would have trouble trying to tell the difference between Opera Strings and Dominants in a sound test. Because these strings are so affordable, I give these strings an 8/10.
Where to buy:
2. At my site: operastrings.webs.com
Replies (31)
His relationship is HE SELLS THEM
You will note from the website: the address and location of the manufacturing plant is absent; and the tie to Germany is absent. German engineering by whom? Where is the proof and track record?
If this is what I think it is, this is the oldest game played: re-branding and re-packaging. New brand, yes. New strings, no.
I have tried every synthetic string manufactured in China, and know where all the plants are located. None come close to Dominants, and none have German investment or technical transference.
caveat emptor.
Well, I have tried Opera perlon strings.
I have no relationship with Opera Strings but the fact that a Hellier copy I purchased (awesome violin for the price!) had Opera strings fitted.
As an average amateur I am no expert in srtings nor in violins, but I can tell you my experience with this set of strings. Comparing to Dominants, they don't have that metallic sound at first and the sound is overall, softer and a little less volume. E string is better than Dominant, but that is no a surprise.
But I think the strings are good enough for the price and are suitable for most student violins. Honestly They are worth giving a try.
Regards
I don't find Dominants metalic... and we all know that professionals will change the Dominants Es for another brand such as Larsen or Jargar.
In general if you try to discover where a given product was made and find it difficult it's because it was made in China. There may be something quite difficult in making good strings because there are no reasonable made in China strings till now.
@ Ron, why the hostility? Every violinist can benefit from not having to pay $35 for a set of good strings. If you will send me your address, I'll send you a free set.
These are good strings. If you aren't interested that's fine, and if you don't like my review, that's also fine. But don't slander something if you haven't even tried them.
Here is the new link for the Ebay sale:
P.S. Since I want other violinists to try these strings, the first 5 people to PM me get a free set. Enjoy!
"The Opera Strings have the red and black threading of Pirazzis"
I thought Pirazzis have the green and black threading at the tail piece end? Sounds like a nice string but won't be trying anytime soon because I have 3 more sets of gut waiting. Is tension same of dominants???
In the first case, Evahs are green/black wound last I knew.
Secondly Thomas, if you're going to post a review-be open about your connection to this business. I still don't know how deep you connection is with Opera strings after doing some looking-all I know is that your v.com homepage is Opera strings which raises alarms and your posts in this thread refer to it as "my site", and that your face/name is posted there.
If you are in fact working with these people, this thread is free advertising for their business-and verging on forum spam to the rest of us.
This is starting to get good!!!!! }:^D
NOTE: Thanks to the five people who sent me PMs. Enjoy the strings.
To the above naysayers and detractors and whatnots:
I am simply spreading the word of good strings at a low price which I know is a service to many violinists, especially college students, who don't want to spend $35 on a set of strings. Call my review of the strings that I sell, whatever you want; Until you have tried them, frankly, you are not in a tenable position to have posted in this thread. Furthermore, I am providing a service to the community here on violinist.com, and you specifically, Marc, are providing nothing.
I won't dignify you remarks regarding my frequenting this forum with a reply. You're not worth my time.
If you're going to post a review of a product that you sell, fess up. Moreover-you should be sending a check to Laurie to keep this board running, as you are not paying for your advertisement.
Misleading consumers with non-genuine reviews from the seller is a sure fire way of losing business. You're certainly not getting any of mine.
I will still send you a free set, Marc, if you'd like.
Did anyone see the post from "Opera Strings" in the thread reviewing Warchal strings? The same e-bay link that Thomas Ludwig posted in this thread, is posted by "Opera Strings" in the other thread. Same person, different v-com identities?
That was me. Laurie deleted that account.
Hostility ? no. Facts? yes, please.
A review given by a seller is marketing, only. New means a new R&D: not repackaging.
Please disclose the company name, address and contact details for your plant in China. I will make contact, maybe take a tour, definitely try your strings if they are new R&D, and let the V-com members know the results.
You, too, could sell Opera strings, but you'd better get in quick; they're about to take over the world
Yes, you can buy them directly too. :)
@ Ron: The guy's name is JP. He is from Singapore. I don't know the factory name. You can contact him at hello@old-violin-house.com.
I think it's a good thing that we have more choices in violin strings, not just Pirastro and Thomastic.
The string makers don't manufacture the core materials and the metal foils. You can buy these materials and winding machines.
Much like violin makers buy their wood and tools.
Well, as readers can see for themselves, Mr Ludwig admits he does not where the factory is. So where is this so called German know how, and by whom? Also, we have now some new guy in Singapore. Fact: no strings are made in SG.
Folks, I can tell you without a doubt these strings are regular Chinese cheapos, repackaged under false advertising. I know the factory is one of two. I know these strings, and know they are no where near the claims made. Nobody in China uses Chinese made synthetic strings, so this should tell you something.
I don't mind if others pay a cheapo price for cheapo Chinese strings. But DO NOT try to convince me they are made with German tech and knowledge.
Show me the proof German tech has been used, and I will retract my comments and apologise. But as you do not even know where the factory lies, I know what answer I may expect.
Laurie, others were barred from v-com for less.
caveat emptor.
No matter how good these strings are, they still can't beat my Unistring. The vendor I used to get them from is no longer in business, but I have found them in elsewhere.
The string is not labelled G,D,A, and E as most strings are; instead they come bulk, measured in a unit called 'test'. I generally use the 5# test for E, 12# for A, 24# for D, and the braided 30# for G.
The lead ball ends are easily attached with the supplied pair of pliers. They come on a spool, and you cut to length as desired. Therefore, the same string can work for all sizes of violin, as well as viola, cello, or bass.
I find them frequently labelled 'Berkley Monofillament' or 'Stren', but there is minimal difference between the two. The price is awesome; too low to mention here!
Try them, and you will be amazed!
Greetings,
>The vendor I used to get them from is no longer in business,
Roland. I am familiar with this brand and I know the vendor- it was John McEnroe after he retired.
Cheers,
Buri
Roland, would you recommend your strings for my antique Grouper Violin and are they good for "scales"?
Luis Manfio said:
"I don't find Dominants metalic... and we all know that professionals will change the Dominants Es for another brand such as Larsen or Jargar."
By metallic I mean firtsly installed, they lose their metallic sound after a couple of days.
Cheers
The final point should be that, after playing with this strings AT AN AMATEUR AND STUDENT LEVEL, they are better than strings priced the same range. Obviously they prpbably don't fit pros standards, but as I said before, are worth giving a try.
And I have no bussiness with Opera, I had them on a violin I Purchased.
Hi Roland:
What you describe seems to be fishing line. Can you refer a vendor or website?
:-)
thomas, as far as you know, have these strings been selling well?
Not that many sold from me. The above link posted from Whitehead is the owner and maker of these strings. I do not know how many he sells. I bet that after all this discussion here he's seen an increase in business.
Ron,
Fishing line? Maybe that explains why the 'Rosin' I buy is in clumps and has worms!
Tom sent me a set of "Opera Violin Strings". My fair and impartial appraisal follows:
“OPERA” VIOLIN STRINGS - a review and appraisal
Tom sent me a set of "Opera Violin Strings". My fair and impartial appraisal follows: COST$15.00 set of strings post paid...Bulk supply (not an issue), well packaged though…labor intensive to wrap and pack...presentation is very nice...well wrapped strings and bubble mailer. At first glance strings look fine... New & fresh...No kinks...Well presented Installation: No problems Tone and overall playability: Initially tight sounding...strings stretched less than expected... Opened up somewhat after two daysAppraisal: For the money, it is an adequate purchase and certainly a viable option for the “budget conscious” beginning and intermediate students and their parents who may be paying the bills. I personally use Pirastro Eudoxa strings on a daily basis and prior to a “significant” performance will use Pirastro Oliv strings. There is no comparison between those Pirastro strings and Opera strings. Nor should there be. They are from opposite ends of the spectrum. Again, for $15.00 Opera strings would be a suggestion for beginning and intermediate students. For the advancing student, I would suggest the strings listed below This discussion has been archived and is no longer accepting responses.
Corelli Crystal = $22.00 superior packaging, but close
Pirastro Tonica = $36.00 ...yes, you are paying for name recognition; twice the price, but a superior product
Dominant = $43.00 =yes, you are paying for name recognition; three times the price, but a superior product
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April 6, 2009 at 03:58 AM ·
And, your relationship to Opera Strings is....???
Anyone else have opinions on these?