Strings on a student violin

April 13, 2009 at 04:36 AM ·

Cheap steel strings like Red Label can be problematic because their pitch changes when the strings are stopped by the finger. They are made to be durable and long-lasting, but are seriously wanting in terms of tone quality and pitch stability.

If you want something that's still durable but has better sound, I'd highly recommend a set of D'Addario Helicore, a multi-strand steel string that costs around $28 for a set. There is also Pirastro Tonica, a pretty good synthetic core around $26 a set, and another offering from that company, Violino, for $28 a set.

April 13, 2009 at 02:43 PM ·

Hi Norma,

In looking up the Becker 1000 model on the internet I noticed that many online retailers choose to outfit the violin with D'Addario stings - one has the option to "upgrade" to Dominants. 

I actually have several different brands on my instrument because I like the E string from one company, but the G string from another, so don't be afraid to mix and match to achieve the sound you want! 

April 13, 2009 at 02:46 PM ·

Has anyone tried Pirastro's, Piranito strings?

April 13, 2009 at 03:23 PM ·

Gene,

     Thanks for your input - I think the Pirastro violino may give me the sound that I'm looking for.  Where on earth did you see them for $28??  I've been looking and haven't found nearly that good of a price :o)

               thanks

                     Norma

April 14, 2009 at 09:03 AM ·

I would first suggest, if there is a good local music store in your area, see if they carry any of the above-mentioned string brands/types. If you have a relationship with them and can come to rely on them for advice, repairs, and so on it makes sense to cultivate that, despite the few extra dollars. I make the effort for a few shops local to me because they really do go the distance in assisting me and my students, doing quick and important repairs for practically free, and helping out my broke college players. :)

Concord Music (www.concordmusic.com) does not have the easiest web site to navigate, but their prices are exceptional, and they carry practically everything in their inventory. IUStrings (www.iustrings.com) carries just the really popular stuff but is super competitive price-wise. Up a bit more is Southwest Strings (www.swstrings.com) and Shar Music (www.sharmusic.com), and then various small dealers all over the globe.

Happy hunting!

April 14, 2009 at 09:25 AM ·

I would definitely say find the strings you want then check the various web sites just listed. I did and found Shar to be $10.00-$12.00  LESS than the others per set, at least for the strings  I customarily use. A penny saved a penny earned ya know...

April 14, 2009 at 12:17 PM ·

I am a parent to 2 young boys learning the violin. Yes, better strings does make a difference, and I won't save on that. I started out with my boys on cheap china steel strings. We had to bear with bad sound on lower strings, and E that breaks frequently (what a bad shock to the child), especially when they bow bold strokes.

I use synthetics on their violins. I buy strings online - because the price is really much lower than at the stores. My staple used to be Dominants, Visions, and now Tonica. I even tried Vioino, Obligato, and Pirazzi (yes, in fractionals!) and others when they are on specials. One note for parents (this is from the other thread about changing strings) is to learn how to change strings as early on as possible, Then you could save money and do a lot more yourself.

As suggested above, shar and swstrings offer similar prices, and free shipping of strings abv $40. Prodigy strings is good when you buy less as it is free domestic shipping.

April 15, 2009 at 01:18 PM ·

I am surprised at your teacher's comment. I would not put Red Label on anything except a violin that was going to hand on the wall for decoration. D'Addario Prelude costs less than same at Shar and sounds like a real string. Their Pro Arte is better & still low-cost, etc., etc.. Up to a point, "Nothing is good enough for a beginner." Sue

April 15, 2009 at 01:27 PM ·

Thanks to everyone for your input :o)  I went ahead and ordered a set of  D'addario Helicore -  we'll see how they work out...