Stupid Question re: Dominants

July 28, 2011 at 02:38 PM ·

135B has a chrome steel ball end E, and 135  has a steel core, aluminum wound ball end E, according to this:

www.thomastik-infeld.com/upload/TI_violin%20folder%2005_07print.pdf

However,  most people don't like Dominant E's.  It would be better if you can find a seller that offers Dominant lower 3 with your choice of E. Off the top of my head, StringMall, GoStrings, IUStrings, QuinnViolins, and SWStrings offer it, but I am not familiar with online retailers in the UK.

July 28, 2011 at 04:58 PM ·

Aw, thank you so much :) I'm going to try the Pirastro Gold Label E string - currently using a set of Dominants all across, and yes, the E sounds horrible. The combination of an average violin and old strings (plus my bow snapped last night!) means I should hear some improvement in my overall tone when I change strings and get my new bow :)

August 1, 2011 at 01:33 AM ·

 Indeed most people do go with alternatives to the Dominant E string. (i find the Dom E is much to thin sounding, wire like)

Popular alternatives are Gold Label, Jargar Forte, and Goldbrokat. And we do carry all of those choices at IUStrings :) Shipping is only $4 to UK so you'll probably still save money over UK prices.

Sorry about your bow. I have nightmares about breaking my Ouchard all the time.

August 1, 2011 at 04:16 PM ·

IUStrings has some of the best (if not the very best) prices I've seen! I just wish they had a bit more variety in their viola strings.. i.e. Obligatos.

August 2, 2011 at 02:13 AM ·

I've used the Pirastro Gold Label E in the past but I preferred the Thick Gauge it had a fuller, rounder sound and projected well. On my current fiddle I prefer the Goldbrokat Thick Gauge E and they're pretty inexpensive. The Hill E is nice too if it works on your violin.Yeah, I broke too many of those darned Dominant E strings when I was learning the Lalo Symphonie Espagnole waaaay back when, never liked them. Of course it was the string and not me!  ;c)