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Discussion Forum - Instruments - Thread
jakieboyy
Jake Watson

String duration

March 18, 2026, 5:29 AM · Hi all,
I got a set of Pirastro Tonica viola strings for my birthday in Sep last year, and I put them on at the mid-end of Nov.
As I went to practise last night, the string at the scroll end has begun to fray/unravel. I was wondering what the general length of time they last for is?
I don't think I have had this problem with Tonica's before.

Thanks in advance.

Replies (6)

Madrid
Richard Pairaudeau
March 18, 2026, 7:49 AM · Surely there's something abrasive at the scroll end, Jake.
SDGagliano
Stephen Symchych
March 18, 2026, 8:22 AM · Have a luthier look into the pegbox. But some brands have reputations for chafing on a stiff breeze and unwinding prematurely.
VCalegon
Andrew Fryer
Edited: March 18, 2026, 8:39 AM · Mar 2 was the last posting to the Tonica-unravelling thread.
jakieboyy
Jake Watson
March 18, 2026, 10:23 AM · I didn't even see that one. I'll take a look at some of the responses.
brian777999
Brian Kelly
March 18, 2026, 10:40 AM · Usually, I have found Tonicas to be very long lasting even in my tropical weather which can be hard on strings. Take a photo and send an email to Pirastro in Germany. I have found them to be very helpful.
TerenceOblong
James Atherton
Edited: March 18, 2026, 3:07 PM · Brian Kelly is spot on.
I had problems with a two-month old Violino A string becoming unwound about an inch from the bridge. Contacted them with a photo, and they sent me a replacement string.
Amazing customer service.