The ViolinStringReview.com site does not make it easy to search for less projection, so I'm wondering if anyone here might have some suggestions.
Looking for warmer, and less projection. Thanks.
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I will soon try the Larsen Tzigane strings, which are said to be warm sounding, but since they're also said to be projecting, I'm not sure they're what you're searching for.
Also FYI Shar has a good string chart for comparison of projection and warmth
But I'm not even the worst!
Some people playing with equal tension sets go up to 6.5 kg on each string, plain gut...
If you wish to find some other recommendations, go to the sharmusic.com website. They have a graph showing the relative warmth and brightness of the various strings they sell (https://www.sharmusic.com/Pages/How-To/Strings/Strings-Chart/Violin-String-Chart/). Obviously, it is limited to the strings they sell, but they sell a fairly large selection. I use Obligatos, a string emphasizing warmth, on my violin and viola, which work well, but those might not be what you would need.
Whichever strings you use, I hope you're using some kind of ear protection. When I was playing on wound-gut strings, I didn't feel the need of this; but as soon as I switched to composite-core A-D-G + steel E some years ago, I did feel the need. I've used foam earplugs, L/R, dB factor -33, ever since -- even when playing on gut.
"To each his own." But I won't practice or play without earplugs -- especially with an instrument that can pump out 105 dB -- 3" from the ear.
I found quickly while working for a luthier many years ago that while moving the post further aft of the bridge lessened projection and softened/ warmed the tone a bit, it didn't take but a few thousandths of excess aft movement to really diminish tonal quality as well. I was surprised at how much just an incremental movement improved or worsened tone or quality. I would be very careful in large sound post adjustments.
Keep in mind that a soundpost is also sized for a particular position. If moved very far from it's original position it could be too tall or short for the new placement, and too tall can cause excess pressure and cause gouging or cracks. A properly fitted soundpost also has the ends contoured for it's position and gross adjustments will likely reduce soundpost contact with the top and back, which also effects projection and tonal quality.
All that being said, if a violin truly requires that extreme of a position from the bridge for the desired sound, so be it. That's what matters in the end.
That luthier did mention getting a new bridge that wasn't hard and brittle.
I have Eudoxa D-G on one of my instruments and have played on full sets before. The wound E, although not dull, is a brilliance-reducer. I don't know -- this feature might help you. I'd need to try out your fiddle myself to get a better idea of what's going on; but for now, you might want to have a luthier install a set of these strings on your instrument -- for a trial run. The tuning isn't hard, but I got used to tuning with just pegs for A-D-G in my early teens, when I moved up to my first 4/4-size instrument.
Another word about Eudoxa: Pirastro recommends the stiff versions of D-G for modern players. My one experience with regular D-G, almost 13 years ago, was a letdown. The tone would break or crush too easily for my type of playing -- they didn't stand up as well to intense bow pressure. The stiffs are better for this. They also have a bigger, more robust tone -- and they have better pitch stability than the regular versions.
While your results may be otherwise David, I don't recommend the Passione strings for less projection.
What is the consensus on possibly a bridge material softer than maple or a different tailpiece, given comments and reviews I've read of some tailpiece materials reducing projection?
I think it's a mistake to attack this problem with strings. As you've already seen, setup matters a lot, and it sounds like that's where this project ran off the rails. Strings are mostly good for fine-tuning a situation, not changing it, IF everything else is optimized.
Not all shops are equal. You might ask around in your neighborhood to find someone who's got a good reputation for troubleshooting.
I also second Obligatos for a harsh instrument.
For warmth and less projecting, Pirastro Violino is the best choice.
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