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Discussion Forum - Instruments - Thread
brian777999
Brian Kelly

Problem with Tonica A strings unravelling at the nut

February 24, 2026, 3:38 AM · The last few batches of Tonica violin strings I have purchased all seem to have the same problem on both of my violins. The A string is unravelling at the nut. I have smoothed the nut with a nut file and lubricated the groove with a graphite pencil but it keeps happening.

Tonicas used to last me a very long time (18 months) but they are only lasting about three months lately.

Is there a known issue ? Have they changed their manufacturing procedure ? I notice that they changed the packaging about the same time that this problem arose.

NOTE : these are genuine Tonicas, not fakes from ebay !

Replies (5)

mbrancalion
Marco Brancalion
February 24, 2026, 7:49 AM · It happened to me many many times when I used Tonica strings, years ago. I don't believe it's a new fact.
Several times they also came damaged near the nut (around the B note in 1st position) when just pulled out from the package, new.

There are other brands, eh ... :)

jakieboyy
Jake Watson
February 24, 2026, 10:58 AM · I'm surprised to see this. I changed the strings on my viola to Tonica not that long ago, and there is no issue as far as I can tell. I was planning to change my violin ones to these as well, but may have to look for an alternative now.
andy989
Andrew Holland
February 24, 2026, 12:18 PM · I wonder if there's too much friction in the nut. I've used these strings and had no issue. You should probably write Pirastro directly - I'm sure they will respond.
SDGagliano
Stephen Symchych
February 24, 2026, 1:22 PM · Are these unraveling above, below, or on the nut? There might be an adjustment issue worth a look.
adrianheath
Adrian Heath
February 24, 2026, 1:53 PM · Are the "NewTonica"s windings more fragile than the older ones?