CHOOSING STRINGS
The correct choice of string is probably the most important, and difficult,
decision any instrumentalist has to make.
If there were one string that was generally considered to be better than the
rest, or if it were simply a matter of economics then the choice would be relatively
simple. But life is rarely like that and whilst, as in most things, you get what
you pay for, this does not mean that the dearest strings are best for you or
your instrument.
The tonal quality of your instrument, style of playing, and even type of music
played will all have an influence on your final choice.
Fiddlers, for example will usually plump for a bright string with good projection
that ‘rings’ well, but might well look for something softer and warmer
if accompanying song. Similarly whilst most classical musicians might well opt
for a string that is warm and full of overtones, the choice of a soloist might
well differ from that of a string quartet player whose need to blend with the
rest of the ensemble is greater.
This gives a few pointers, but, again the best choice will depend on the individual
instrument. A gut string which sounds warm and full bodied on one fiddle can
sound quite dull on another. Likewise a bright metal string may sound thin and ‘tinny’ on
another.
Confused?
Even the finest professionals don’t have all the answers, so you
are not alone, but the following may help:
- First, if you are novice, in receipt of your first factory made violin
from the far east, then you should replace the supplied strings at
the earliest opportunity. You may find a use for them in the garden,
for that is all they are worth, and ANY string on these pages will
immediately make your playing sound 4-5 times better. It is well worth
taking your instrument to a professional luthier and getting the bridge
set up at the same time, as this will also make a considerable difference.
- If you are a student then your tutor should be able to guide you
on choice, but bear in mind that his or her choice of string for their
instrument may not be best for yours.
So, just where do you go from here?
There are basically three types of string to consider, based on their
core: Gut, synthetic and metal.
Most of these cores are then wound with another material (often aluminium)
which depending on their construction and will produce slightly differing
qualities.
Gut Core Strings.
Until the end of the 19th Century all strings were produced this way.
Gut strings tend to be rich, warm and full bodied with complex overtones, and
for this reason they are still the preferred choice of many classical musicians.
Windings are various, but unwound strings are still available and are favoured
by baroque musicians seeking an authentic sound.
They are, however, particularly sensitive to temperature and humidity, and the
player must be prepared to tune frequently. They are also less responsive to
the bow and can produce a slight ‘catch’, and are best played with
a softer, more ‘sticky rosin.
In experienced hands the sound produced can be rich and rewarding, but are best
avoided by the student.
Metal Core Strings
When first introduced metal core strings must have been a sensation.
Loud, bright, very responsive and easy to play, they are also very stable and
will stay in tune for long periods. They also tend to be relatively inexpensive,
and this, coupled with the qualities mentioned above makes them an obvious
choice for students.
They lack the more complex tonal qualities of gut strings, but should not be
dismissed out of hand because of this, and many players, particularly fiddlers,
prefer the harder edged note they produce. They have the ability to make a ‘dull’ instrument
sound bright, but perhaps their least satisfying quality is the thin ‘tinny’
sound often produced by upper strings.
Synthetic Core Strings
When Dr. Thomastik developed the first synthetic strings in the mid 60’s,
(Dominant), he promised a string which was stable, bright and responsive with
all the tonal qualities of gut. Well, he didn't quite make it on the latter
count, but he did produce a very remarkable string which, perhaps more than
any other, performs well on most instruments and with most styles. Today, almost
40 years on ‘Dominant’ is still the most popular brand on the market
and has spawned a whole generation of synthetic strings all of which share
similar qualities and have their devotees.
Of the more recent additions to this market, Larsen strings appear to be gaining
a popularity, particularly with cellists.
Pirastro’s ‘Evah Pirazzi’ has also received fulsome praise
from those who have tried it.
A Note on Gauges and Special Strings
Many players seem quite unaware that many of the most popular strings are available
in different gauges. Presumably this is because their local supplier does not
offer the choice.
Most will, in any case, be quite happy with a medium gauge, but rather than
change brand to another string to correct a particular over or under performance
on a set of strings with which you are otherwise happy, it may well be worth
looking at a softer or harder gauge.
Similarly many ranges offer alternative windings (often tungsten or silver)
on lower strings, most of which have enhanced tonal qualities.
As well as stocking most of these variants, Stringmail also maintains a healthy
selection of smaller sizes in many ranges. These are specially sized and gauged
to produce the best results from these instruments, and fitting full size strings
will not give you the same results and we therefore do not recommend doing
so.
Conclusion
All of the strings offered by Stringmail are top class branded products by
world renowned manufacturers. They all have a place in the market and each
has its devotees.
It would therefore be invidious and perhaps foolhardy for us to try and guess
what is right for each and every player and instrument.
If you are new to string playing we can at least offer some suggestions to
get you started; and are happy to recommend Thomastik Precision as a suprisingly
good value choice. There are cheaper strings on the market, but we prefer not
to stock these.
If your budget can afford a little more then we suggest you try Dominant and
give yourself the added confidence that your choice is shared by many of the
top professionals. You may then further refine your choice as you see fit.
Both these strings are available in smaller sizes.
To all players we say: Listen to your instrument. Is it producing the sound
you wish? Are there any weak areas that might be improved?
Most players settle on their chosen string after a relatively short trial period
of a very limited number of strings, thus perhaps not realising the full potential
of their instrument.
Don’t be afraid to experiment!
We at Stringmail welcome your specific string inquiries. We do not guarantee
to have all the answers but will do our best give you the best advice available
as speedily as possible. |
