Warchal Brilliant Strings

November 29, 2022, 4:59 PM · I'm a big fan of the Warchal Brilliant strings - I used them on my smaller viola for years (using Rondo on my large viola now) but I still use the "Vintage" version of these strings (slightly lower tension) on my violin. Value for the cost is unbeatable, but I found them to be the best sounding strings overall on my fiddle. I do use a Westminster E, though.

November 29, 2022, 10:55 PM · I've used Brilliant Vintage. Really nice strings, great value for the money. Closest sound is Evah Pirazzi Gold.

November 30, 2022, 4:18 AM · They sound great on my gilga I viola which tends to be dark (the luthier's choice. I tried a couple of others and went back to them). They hold tune well and and seem to be very long lasting.

November 30, 2022, 6:45 AM · I have used Warchal Brilliants for years. Before the Brilliants, I used Evahs. On my main instrument (an 1882 Markneukirchen), they sound very much like Evahs, but are softer under the fingers. I sometimes use a Goldbrokat E with the Brilliants, which works well.

For me, Brilliants are very pitch-stable.

It's worth mentioning that different instruments respond differently to various kinds of strings. In other words, your mileage WILL vary.

November 30, 2022, 12:57 PM · I'm a huge fan of Warchal's strings.

Be sure to try the Timbre set, available through shops or a reduced-price demo set from their website. Compares favorably to Thomastik Rondo and Pirastro Perpetual.

Karneol is my go to for viola.

November 30, 2022, 7:29 PM · I've wanted to try the Timbre strings for a while, but I'm afraid if I like the demo set from Warchal I won't be able to get them anywhere around where I live.

The Brilliant strings are really good for the money from when I last tried them a few years ago. I use rondo right now, but maybe I'll try them again soon.

December 1, 2022, 8:01 AM · I am a long time Warchal fan and have tried all of their strings except for Timbre because I cannot easily purchase them.

December 1, 2022, 8:16 AM · Funnily enough, I had been planning to try WBs after my Visions gave up, but I suddenly plumped for Evah Pirazzis instead.
(My Breton sounds like a viola, so I'm trying out bright strings)

December 2, 2022, 12:10 PM · Was an EPG devotee, but recently found a Warchal Amber E, and it really improved not only the E, but the A. Had an itch to try Warchal Brilliant Vintage, and I'm still waiting to receive those from Slovakia, but in the meantime I got an Avantguard A, and it along with the Amber E is superb. The A and E now transition seamlessly, and the response and core clarity really is an embarrassment to the D and G, which are still EPGs until the BVs arrive. Can't wait to see how that changes the relationships.... it's early days, but I am kinda happily astounded at the moment.

December 6, 2022, 9:07 AM · Warchal Brilliant Vintage strings arrived and after 2 days, think they just didn't work out. Basically, I am just using the G and D string from the set, and although the response is nice, both exhibit a muddiness that is hard (at least for me) to work around. My French violin is quite old so I thought perhaps lower tension might be the ticket. I absolutely am happy and amazed with the recent addition of Amber E, and Avantguard A (although comparatively not as low tension according to tension chart). I definitely want to keep playing those two strings, but am looking for a good string for the G and D that will give some nice focus and clarity, yet not be lacking a core richness and sound anemic. I have some PIs, EVPs, and Il Cannones in my "nope" drawer I might pull out to take for a spin. Had EPGs on before, which is not giving what I desire.

Any other suggestions for G and D would be most appreciated.

December 6, 2022, 1:15 PM · I'm guessing that you might need a bit more tension and that even the 'regular' Brilliant G and D might be an improvement over the 'Vintage' G and D.

Edited: December 6, 2022, 1:22 PM · Janet,I know you said lower tension, but you do see Rondos on a lot of older violins at shops. They are the best we've found for my daughters first decade of the 20th Century French Violin. So not as old as yours likely...

December 6, 2022, 3:19 PM · @Andrew, @Matthew, yes, I believe you are right that more tension is needed, rather than going the other way as I had originally thought. The Avantguard A (a keeper) isn't especially low tension, and has a wow factor that surprised me, and the Amber E as well. Today I tried PIs and Evahs (D&G) and of the two I liked the later, but wouldn't say I've landed on a good combo as yet. I have thought of trying a regular Brilliant D/G. Will read up on the Rondos. Appreciate both suggestions. 3rd position and above on the D is still wanting with the PIs and Evahs, but at least the muddiness in general subsided. Thanks again for your reply.

December 7, 2022, 11:39 AM · I don't buy any old brilliant strings - I only buy ones that are higher tension than Dominants.

Edited: December 7, 2022, 8:50 PM · With respects to all of the Warchal fans.
I have tried 3 types of the sets and sadly have been unimpressed, disappointed, and replaced them all after a short time. Such is life.

December 7, 2022, 11:18 PM · I tried Amber and thought Tonica sounded better at half the price

Edited: December 8, 2022, 8:26 AM · Although I haven't purchased Tonica strings in several years think that they sound just as good as the more expensive competitor choices available.

December 8, 2022, 8:42 AM · I expect most strings are good enough, but do they complement your violin's timbre?

December 11, 2022, 10:38 PM · I switched from G/D/A Dominants + Pirastro Gold E (the typical "vanilla" setup) a few years ago to the Warchal Russian Style A combination set (G and D strings are Brilliants, slightly thinner-than-normal A string, and the fancy coiled Amber E). I've loved them, even though they're a little more expensive. (The weakening of the Euro was pretty sweet for me though!)