Olaf talks about the different types of strings
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2024
- Master Violin Maker Olaf Grawert talks about the different types of strings and how to work out what string is best for your violin.
Be fully informed when you buy your next instrument. Get Olaf's free 7 essentials when buying an instrument report here: olafgrawertviolinstudio.com/7...
00:00 Intro
01:00 Overview of the different types of strings
03:48 Gut Strings
04:24 Steel Strings
05:05 Nylon and synthetic strings
06:39 Composite strings
06:45 Trying different strings
08:18 Cello strings
08:55 String Gauges
09:55 String recommendations
11:17 Summing up
12.34 Paganini story
13:36 Conclusion
#myviolinmaker, #olafgrawertviolin
Website:
www.olafgrawertviolinstudio.com
Social:
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Olaf Grawert also features in some @TwoSetViolin videos - เพลง
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That intro is actually a very cool concept
the cameraman was probably that strange man with a wig. :)
@@grandmestredespoulpes2435 *wheeze*
@@grandmestredespoulpes2435 It was my son... so it was a camera boy :D
Love it!!!
I’ve never even picked up a violin but these videos are fascinating.
:D Same! I will buy my first violin probably next week and will take lessons soon after and I already watched so many videos of Olaf and TwoSet that I feel quite ready for the challenge!^^
Never too late to learn!
Oh, you should try to learn! Buy a quality used violin rather than a cheap intro violin. The sound will be better. Get a good bow as well. Go slowly and enjoy the learning experience. Watch instruction videos, as well. Violin Lab is a good channel to learn lots of technique and theory.
Random fact: Ricci was the first violinist I ever saw in concert, in 1972. I got his autograph.
Finally all strings are broken.
Paganini: plays with the bow and the violin with no string left.
Even the violin is broken.
Paganini: plays with the bow and the air.
Eventually the bow is broken.
Paganini: plays with ladies.
Ling ling doesn’t need a violin to play.
Hits reset switch.
Lol!
And now, even PAganini is broken
Paganini: plays with minds
I really liked seeing the Violin your making, even if only briefly. Perhaps you'd consider working on a Violin creation video? =) (long term project I'm sure)
Love the intro! It’s like we’re walking into your shop :) *pats head to see if I’m wearing a Hubert wig*
For once I’m actually early for a video
Me 2 but way too early 😂
I purchased tonica based on this video and so far I’m liking how they sound. It is my first strong change so I’m still seeing how things change as they settle in.
I love Pirastro! I use the Evah Pirazzis on my 1920 German Violin and they sound wonderful
they sound very good on my 2001 german violin too
I use strings way above my level, Pirastro Oliv, but I am addicted to the big warm sound they produce. And my odd viola of unknown origin is allergic to high tension, it starts screaming. Curious though how the tension on Evah Pirazzi compares to natural gut.
@@altoclef6688 It could be possible the viola could use another setup like adjusted or replaced sound post & replacement bridge. If the bridge feet are too high it may need one cut lower with more mass lower down & then the lower frequencies can respond warmly & not harshly (something I experienced with one viola decades ago).
@@rossthefiddler5890 Thanks for input! The sound post was adjusted long time ago and the sound hasn't changed since. Before that adjustment the sound wasn't very nice at all. But I haven't tried another bridge, good tip! The placement of the bridge is delicate but the varnish is worn so it is easy to see where it should go. A fifth of a millimetre off and the sound is not there anymore.
But as it is an odd and probably old instrument it has its quirks..
@@altoclef6688 What are "strings well beyond your level"? If they make you love practicing the violin, they are completely suitable IMHO!
What we have in the US, we have low tension, medium tension, and high tension.
Low Tension = Soft
Medium Tension = Medium
High Tension = Hard
THANK YOU FOR THIS OLAF!
I really needed this
It's hard to believe such a tiny little hollow box can project such a commanding voice into such large venues. Seems impossible. Borderline magic.
Thanks so much! Very helpful! I appreciate that you mentioned all the brands too. Going to shop for strings!
Thank you!! This is very timely. I was just researching what cello strings I should get next! Thanks for including cellos in video.
Excellent video and very informative as always, Master Olaf! I had lots of questions about strings and you helped answer a great many of them and help me get a better understanding of the sound/material relationship. Bravo!
Olaf, you are rapidly becoming my favorite YT channel!
Thanks, Olaf. I am playing now on my first Dominant strings. I'm a beginner and I'm playing a new to me instrument so I really can't tell you much about strings, but so far I like these Dominants.
Fascinating. I miss Black Label strings. I forget who made them. Wonderful dark, mellow tones. Even made me sound decent.
I find this fascinating. I'm an electric guitarist and just love these videos. I feel for you guys-everything is so expensive. Most of the recommended strings cost more than $50! Some over $100. How do you guys afford that? Good bows are hundreds of dollars. The violins are thousands....do you guys even eat? If I had to pay that kind of money for my instrument....well, I'd probably be a synth player....
I didn't realise that strings had to be changed quite often, depending on how much you play, and I'll get away with once a year but the pros like Hilary Hahn and Ray Chen, you're looking at every 2 weeks! Yeah, it's not cheap and I've got lessons to pay for as well but I am saving, so I can eventually replace my rented violin...
My bow was 1500… in the 90s.
So awesome giving the time stamps for reference. #cellostrings
So excited
Double bass players when Olaf talks about cellos, violas and violins👁👄👁
bass guitar players : interesting
This Video was very helpful for me.
I've been trying to find good strings that fit to me and my violin, but I found it very difficult.
I would be interested in a comparison between the most common stringsbrands and their strings, maybe that would give you a topic to talk about someday.
A comparison between the sound would be very interesting.
Good informative video as always!
@@neonsamurai1348 that helps, thank you 👍
there's a guy that sells violins, his shop is called whitehorse something, don't remember exact name, and in one of his videos on yt he actually shows how different types of popular strings sound on one violin. you do have to take in consideration that what works well for one instrument may not sound as well on another. however his video is probably the best chance to actually compare the impact on sound that different strings have.
Thank you, I am planning to do that... the great thing is that with video you can compare directly
Just happend to want to change my strings!
Olaf, very good stuff in your videos, am learning a lot from them. Keep 'em coming!
Rick S.
Apache Junction, AZ
USA
I value your opinions thank you
I use steel e, raw gut a and d silver wound gut g. Rich sound and loud. The best for me
evah pirazzi for cello are amazing 😻
Evah Pirazzis are my current favorite
On my great-grandfather's german violin, I will only use Pirastro Eudoxa - as an old instrument, it came before A=440 tuning, and past use of other strings has shown some weakness in the ribs each side of the button. Therefore, a string with low tension is all that will reach 440Hz tuning without putting undue stress on the violin. And they help the violin sound BEAUTIFUL (I only wish I still could - arthritis sucks). It is a recommendation I would make for any instrument which was made before tuning was standardised, as many used lower tuning and just can't take the higher tension needed for standard without deteriorating in time.
Hi Olaf! Greetings from Norway! I love your videos! I know you are not so much into mixing different strings on the violin, but I have a set that you might be interested in! Together with my violin maker, we discovered and developed a mixed set that works for violins with a thicker bottom plate. We did even try some viola strings too! The set is like this:
G-string: Thomastik Rondo
D-string: (we have two different options for this) Thomastik Infeld silver or Vision Solo Titanium. I personally use TI right now.
A-string: (two options here too) Pirastro Perpetual or Warchal Avantgarde. I use Pirastro, because I had some trouble with the steel string (it dropped in pitch after you played pizz. That was challenging to hide when i sat in the orchestra.
E-string: This is a special string that only makers can provide, and it’s called "Sonderprogram Gold E strong. It is a beautiful string with a lot of sound and clarity, especially pared with the Pirastro A.
Other than that, I hope you are fine!
Me who already has strings I like and doesn’t plan on changing them any time soon: *watches all 14 minutes at 2:00am in the morning*
Thanks!
Viola - Kaplan Forza (D'Addario). Beautiful.
I was pleasantly surprised with Larsen. Even the E is no problem, and I always have trouble with E whistling or just tooo loooooud and shrill.
I used to play on oiled gut, even as an absolute beginner, ( to make it easier on myself, yeah) because it was the only E I could bear. But they snap all the time. And Larsen E is as nice as gut and even sings better.
But it all depends on the violin. Every violin sounds different and needs a different set of strings.
Good information in this video.
Love the subject! What would be recommended if all I care about is tone (on a violin), not projection? For slow mellow pieces without much spiccato? I really hate it when the tone becomes nasal, so I went for the brighter strings. But maybe that's a misconception? Also, is it easier to play of softer strings (less tension on the LH)? Thanks!!
It’s insane how hard it is to find everything he just said on the internet… just a simple what are the strings made of and how do they generally sound. Thank you!!
For Baroque Instruments Aquila's Red Synthetic Core Strings might work.
warchal makes great strings. have you tried their russian style a? glorious! I use that and their amber set for the rest
I’d love that sultry sound. Can you suggest?
Love your videos! I am a fiddler and use Helicore steel core strings. Since steel strings are usually thinner, higher tension than synthetic or gut, can the string height be lowered to make playing easier and faster.
I understand that lowering the height of the bridge would change the angle of the strings but, doesn't that lower the tension?
Thanks for the video! Do you know if, for these major brands, the viola set is the same as the violin set on the 3 overlapping strings (G, D, A)? We have trouble finding viola string sets for "half size" 13" viola, and I am wondering if I could just get the violin set plus separately get the lowest viola string (C) as an individual string, and maybe or maybe not of the same type - so I can get the brand and style I want.
I personally have 15 or so sets of strings and fellow musicians ask me which are the best ones. It's almost impossible to answer that question because they all have such different (but wonderful) qualities. It's like asking someone what their favourite movie is.... there are so many to choose from! The response to that question usually is followed up with "Comedy? Action? Drama?" ....it's hard to pick just *one* good one.
Same with string sets :)
I actually changed my G, and D strings this week. The G string is almost as thin as the d string and the d is almost is as thin as the a string they were medium strings. I changed them by myself and it took 30 mins.
EYY ITS OLAAAFF
hi, good video 👏
excuse me, have you tried the asiatic strings, "Alice A747"?
do you think that it could be at the level of a tonica?
what do you think of it?
thanks!!
I've heard Paganini sharpened the corner edge of the metal ferule of his bow's frog to be able to cut the strings for dramatic effect!
I found a really nice student string recently perfection by TJ Lamy. Mirecourt, France. They're a synthetic core
to be honest ive been running eva pirazzi gold and so far they have done a good job on the A and E string, the G and D Strings higher positions do not sound as good as obligato tho so im thinking about switching those back to obligato
I swear by Zyex on my 1780s Saxon violin, I do like the silver D, but I'm not sure if its that much better than the aluminium D. Switching to light tension really helped though - I think I get more projection but a warmer sound, and not 'forced'. I might try an alternative one day, but I'll need more coints!
I tried an anti whistle E string... and it was way WORSE!! 🤦🏾♀️Thanks for an informative video.
I know this video was made 3 years ago. I tried Obligato and was rather disappointed with them. Response was slow, mirky on the A-string. Infeld red or Dominants responds quick and I enjoyed those. Vision Titanium solo worked well but lacks that low end punch the Infeld Reds offered. All subjective. Anyone have similar experience
As a long time cellist I've actually not tried that many brands. Mainly because of the cost of a set of cello strings, up to $400 US for a set. That being said I have tried some new cello sets in the last few years. First a set of Larsen Magnacores (Which I loved) and lately a set of Thomastik rondos (Based on a recommendation from a fellow Carl Becker and Son owner). I must say the Rondos are amazing: power, rich warm sound and almost no break in period. So for cellists who want top quality strings the Magnacores and the Rondos are both terrific. The larsens need more break in time. For the first two weeks I though I had made a huge mistake. The Rondos sounded great the be very beginning. I'm super curious about the new Larsen Il Cannone strings but have yet to purchase a set.
Damn 400 just for strings? I think the MOST expensive strings I ever got for my bass( and bass strings tend to be at least double or triple the cost of guitar strings) were like 30 bucks for the Earnie Ball Cobalt. I ended up going back to the regular earnie ball ones that are more 16/17 dollars because i actually liked them better than the cobalt
Maybe since this was made, the strings I’m really liking hadn’t been tested much, being so new. The Pirastro Perpetual are a new favorite of mine. Something makes me wonder if they are a Perlon core, but whatever the case, I really like them over most other established common brands. They achieve a brilliance with less tension than Eva Perazzi brand, and are fairly transparent. Their useable lifespan is more in line with the Tomastik Vision Titanium Solo brand, another really fine string that my del Gesu model violin really excels with.
I was just looking into string tension, Unless you're referring to the Perpetual Cadenzas, the standard Perpetuals are higher tension than Evahs--not lower.
Perpetual Cadenza - 48.1 (LB) - 21.8 (KG)
Evah Pirazzi - 50.9 (LB) - 23.1 (KG)
Perpetual - 51.4 (LB) - 23.3 (KG)
Yes, the Evahs can vary. In my case, breaking in a del Gesu, I was always using the stark set, and that amounts to 53.24 lb string tension, and the last numbers of sets I went through, maybe up to 10 sets, I was using the heavy Westminster E, which would add just a bit more to the figure I listed above. Lots of choices, plus the fiddle that has the perpetuals is set up with a little lower action, which is a big factor.
Mister, id like to add that gut strings, that are good quality, dont go out of tune and arnt as tempermental as people say. I live in Florida and i use Gamut strings Tricolore and I love them, you should give them a try they are priced quite competively
Bear in mind how long the strings are going to stay on the instrument as well. Sometimes you're better off with new alphayues than old dull sounding pirazzis.
And don't obsess too much. Like the cheapest of strings might hold you back. But pirazzis won't make you amazing and preludes won't make you bad.
I found the general sound type I liked and then bought strings depending on my pocket and the availability. Infeld blues if I had the money. Tônicas or even alphayues if I didn't.
I've gigged with all three, and plenty more besides. Spiricores, dominants, Larsen's... Strings make a difference, but other things matter more. Especially technique and practice.
Dominant A & E and D'Adario Prelude G & D
Have been playing violin for 7 months and these strings are my favourite. Every G string I tried sounded wierd and I thought it was because I am a beginner, but a bow upgrade has solved it! ( Codabow diamond NX).
nah A & E eva pirazzi, G & D Obligato
your favorite G is prelude, a steel core???? 😱😱😱😱
I am a beginning player (for the last 4 months now) and had no real idea about strings, other than I wanted my violin to not be too loud (wife saying--"you are playing too loud!). after about 6 weeks of practice I noticed the sound was sort of not as good on the original Zyex mediums, so I ordered Evah Pirazzi gold medium and the sound difference was significant. Now, it is sort of too loud, so the next set I want a more subdued sound. It seems I need to change strings again (did not expect to have to change strings every 6 weeks or so).
Anyway, this video had good value to me so I appreciate the excellent thought that was put into the content.
Thanks!!
The strings from Pirastro with a similar core (at least I think they're similar) start with a softer output & at a more affordable price with Pirastro Violino, then P. Wondertone, Obligato & Eva Pirazzi etc.. Pirastro Tonica & Thomastik Dominant use nylon (perlon) cores & they can stretch more over time & then become dull & less responsive, so they need to be changed more often. For a beginner I would recommend Pirastro Violino for the most expensive string to put on, otherwise the Pirastro Tonica are just fine. Going to Eva Pirazzi etc is when you want to be heard but most family members aren't as appreciative of beginners being 'loud'. ;)
@Erick Rickert: Have you ever tried the mute on your instrument? I used it 'cause for my neighbours (and for my parents). (Sorry for my simple and maybe wrong English)
I'm pretty sure Ray Chen actually uses Peter Infeld (PI) strings only for his G and E strings, with a soft Dominant D string and medium Dominant A string. James Ehnes uses a set of PI strings on his "Marsick" Strad, with a Pirastro Gold E string. I can confirm they are excellent strings! :))
Hey, can you tell us more? How about Mutter's A viola string? How does that work? And why does she prefer it?
Hi! What do you think about Dadario helicore strings for violin?
Aquila now makes Red Synthetic Core Strings that sound like gut Strings.
Thanks for the information. I'm half way through putting on Tomastik Alphayue strings because they sounded ok in other youtube comparison videos. The 2 I've changed so far sound bad compared to the 2 original strings. Is there a way to identify what the originals are?
Hi Olaf! Greetings from California! I am a violinist and for the past few years, I have been using Evah Pirazzi strings with a pirastro gold E. While doing my research, I have found that strings such as the Pirazzis, Thomas Infield, lose the brilliance pretty quickly, and would need to be changed over the course of a few weeks. I am wondering what is your opinion on this? For example, if I am playing on Evah Pirazzis, how often should I change the strings? I haven't noticed too much difference on my violin, and I change my strings roughly once per year, but I was told it is quite a long period for Evah Pirazzi?
Yesterday, i got a new set of Pirazzi Gold and I actually have to say, that they are worth the money. Also had a nice deal with a bow from "Roth & Junius"
Well, I have to say, that my Violin (Stentor Student2) is a cheap 200€-block of wood and more into guitars and other things :D
I never was a fan of factory strings. They were always the first thing i got rid of on my guitars.
I watched some Videos on TH-cam about how to improve the sound of a violin without calling or being a luthier.
I went with the Strings & Bow - Method. Biggest weaknes of my violin is, that it has to much treble in its sound. The Evah Pirazzi Gold kinda got it under controll and make the violin sound more warm and smoother. Even the bow made it better by giving you more room with movements without cutting of the sound at longer downbowing and upbowing.
I have a quick question about getting an instrument serviced: If I send my violin in for a touch-up is it reasonable to ask for little fixes? For example: say the varnish is in worn out in a few spots; would that be a time where I could ask the luthier to, say... re-stick the makers label? I'm just wondering if little things like that are considered a bother, or are no big deal.
Perlman used Dominants... so does Hilary Hahn... I always used Eudoxa / Passione... but now I have been using Larsen Normal for 2 years (since my wife has been using Larsen on the Cello since they were invented) . For violin they are not quite as good / rich as Pirastro for sound... but they are thicker than Passione (in circumference) ... the only thing I don't like about Passione is they are thinner in circumference... but they sound amazing... if they made a thicker Passione I would be using that... I don't like Eva Pirazzi... but the Gold version is the better sounding one... the green ones sound too loud and are too silvery in tone.. not enough warmth... but for Solo work they could stand out well. My E string snapped in a live Concert, in a quartet in the last 2 lines... so I carried on, and the violist and cellist didn't even know it had happened !!
I use Eva Pirazzi Gold
what about silk core silver winded string, they were used as bass strings in guittars.
What is the difference between soft tension and medium tension strings?
Helicore Strings are generally easier to bow cause they're a little bit thinner. This is why you see them on student instruments especially really small Double Basses. Also Helicore Strings have a flexible steel core which lowers the tension a bit.
Which one of it has bright and brilliant sound THOMASTIK HELICORE OR PIRASTRO CHROMCOR.. I know both are steel core
@@hibanasif2955 I think the Helicore strings have that bright brilliant sound because they're rather thin, & they have a stranded steel core.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 so I will try HELICORE string. Because my violin is a bit dark sound.. Thanks for help
I know I’ve asked this before in the comment section.
How much site is involved in the construction of the violin?
Sight as in eye sight or site as in web site?
Eye sight depth perception and a steady hand using cutting and measuring tools along the way.
Eye
You actually made first comment.
Having good eye sight is very important. When I was younger I could see really close up without glasses, but now I use glasses and sometimes glasses with a magnifying glass attachment
have anyone tried wondertone solo strings for violin? I'm curious about them but don't know anyone who used them
Hola maestro, las cuerdas red label las recomienda para un estudiante avanzado?
I bought a pack of strings about 10 years ago but I lost it somewhere in my house, since it hasn't been used, is the condition still good as the new strings
Hey Olaf, do you mean by dull G string is like too dark? Thanks, it'll help me a lot to decide my next set of strings!
Hi Patricia, by dull, I mean not vibrant and clear enough
Gut Strings have been used on Baroque instruments
Hi Olaf. I was wondering if you could suggest some strings for me to try. My violin is rich, dark and has a lot of projection. I would like something that enhances this natural character without adding too much in the way of extra projection. I should also state that it is a modern violin, not antique (I know that can make a world of difference to any recommendations).
Obligato's definitely.
I use dominant C, G, D and Jargar A on my viola. I don’t see why it’s not recommended to mix and match? I know a lot of violinists and violists who mix and match strings (I use a Jargar A because it has a nice, bright and projecting sound which is usually not something you would want on lower strings ((or maybe you do, idk, but I don’t)))
That would be because the Dominant A is nylon core & can understand that choice of mix.
Do you recommend Pirastro Oliv gut strings? I am thinking about getting those because those tend to be one of the most popular gut strings. Are they worth it for their price?
depends on what you want, i used them for a while but i suggest looking at Gamut strings, particularly their line of strings called Tricolre they take a while to settle but are very nice. Ive also heard good things about Eudoxa but Oliv is quite expensive and go dull quickly. The Tricolores can last a long time and are quite powerful
@UCe_HpwyNE6agIkPwoaShNlA
Synthetic Core Cello & Double Bass Strings are becoming really popular because if you have a really old Cello that can't handle the tension of steel strings, Synthetic Core Strings (like Pro Arte) would work.
Olaf, I have a seven string violin and, I can’t find a low F string. I found a string maker that will make a silk wrapped string. What do you think of that? What do you think of bridges with ebony inserts? I don’t see you working with those much. This was a very helpful video.
Go to the electric violin shop. Thomastik finally came up with the 7 string set. Hallelujah!!
I wish he would have explained more...what does composite mean? What are synthetic strings made of? How are the materials arranged and assembled? Was hoping for a more technical explanantion of the difference between string categories.
Composite strings are made from a combination of materials. Synthetic strings are made of plastic, usually nylon or polyester. It would be difficult to go through every line of every brand of string to tell you what each is made of, even if he knew. And companies don't always say, especially with synthetic.
Thank you! My questions:
- Do you hear about packging strings in tubes (f.e. Pirastro Tonica)? What is your opinion about such package, is it our future?:)
- So, D'addario strings. They are well known for their guitar strings. But violinists don't really familiar with them. Personally, what do you think?
I used to religiously only use Eudoxa strings straight & then they started to be packed coiled & I was so suspicious of buying them like that. The concept as I understand it, is that the windings could be compromised if coiled & so the 'purists' would buy them straight (in a tube). If you're using Pirastro Tonica then I don't think it would make any difference once they're on but I'd be interested to see Olaf's response to you though.
Thanks you! I am not a violinist myself, but I work in a music store. And I glad to learn this inside details❤️
I know this comment is old but if its helpful, I use D'addario strings on my violin (I also play guitar so I'm familiar with their guitar strings) I'm a new player to violin, but I've found even on my student violin, they produce a really nice warm and even tone, no issues with projection and they hold their tuning really well even with temp changes and long practice sessions. Ever since I switched to them, a few people I know which play at semi professional level have commented on how warm it sounds after playing on it.
Helpful indeed! I was rooting for them.
Is W.E hill and sons e string good?
What do you recommend for beginners playing "less expensive" instruments? My grandson is playing on an older Franz Hoffmann Maestro 4/4 violin, Romanian made.
Tonica strings are great value and have a nice tone
I bought a violin that I was told was over 150 years old made by someone in New England. The a peg is in pretty far I think I might need to have something done to make it smaller. I believe I need new strings. It has a nice sound,or did what would you suggest for my violin. I am a beginner and want a nice rich sound
The peg is in on the a string
That is really cool, thanks. And I wanna just ask something I have PIRASTRO TONIKA strings (on my violin 🎻) are they good?? 😅🥰😊
Tonica is pretty good actually
I like em. They don't last too long in my experience, but they're nice bright strings. And the price isn't bad either. If you like tônicas you might like infeld blues for a little upgrade. But the price goes up too.
They sound great for the price... excellent value
Pro-tip: If you think Thomastik Dominants are expensive, then get Daddario strings for Mandolin. That's right -- you can put mandolin strings on your violin. Bonus -- when you buy a set of strings for Mandolin, you get two of each string. You'll be spending 1/4 the price of actual violin strings this way. Just make sure you get the ones with ball-end.
For the first time I'm early watching this video
Olaf where do we submit questions for these videos? Do you just pull them off comment sections on your other videos or somewhere else?
exactly... I do my best to respond. It may get harder as I get more subscribers
Hi Olaf, I just have a slight question. When I was younger, I was renting an instrument and my private lesson teacher would beg me to buy a better one. The sound quality wasn't the best and apparently, the bow was warped. To this day I appreciate my teacher for saving my interest in violin, but the violin we bought next wasn't actually that much of an improvement. At first, it sounded amazing and compared to my classmates, my violin was crisp, clear, and free. Later, after around 2 years of playing it, I noticed it sounded almost like a toy. I knew that the change in sound quality was gradual and in fact, I didn't even notice it until I compared it with my new violin, an instrument my private lesson teacher handpicked. I want to know if cheap violins can "mask" their sounds in the beginning because I have a slight feeling my violin might have been made that way. Like what causes the change in sound? I know you made a video on "the man who asked you to play the violin" (which I greatly enjoyed) but my violin just went from sounding amazing to straight-up horrendous. If you read this, I love your vids, please continue them, and thx for trying to help with my curiosity.
I'm not a luthier by any stretch of the imagination, so take this with a grain of salt. I have however, been playing for quite some time, and to be totally honest, it was probably just the years of playing. I have one of my old instruments that I bring out sometimes, and it doesn't sound very good at all. The natural materials wear out, and it's entirely possible your soundpost and/or bridge shifted enough to lower the quality to the level you're talking about.
Maybe I'm way off, but back when I first started playing all the students talked about the violin flu, and how it affects the sound of the instrument after it has recovered: either the instrument gets better and stabilizes or the instrument just becomes barelly playable... Could it be something like this that happened to you? Since we're hear, has anyone ever experienced this or is that just urban legend?
Did you change your strings (at least every year)? Did you check up on your violin (ie. take it to a luthier, eg/ before a performance)? Are there any cracks/open seams? I’m not a luthier but if kept well, violins can last for a long time, but you actually have to have it checked up on.
I think Brett and Eddy mentioned something like this recently. I believe they said something about the top plate being too thin and causing the sound to worsen....
I believe we might also go "tone-deaf" at times. We buy a new violin and it sounds awesome and then we get used to it and suddenly believe it would sound worse, while actually we have gotten used to its sound and the novelty wore out.
@UCe_HpwyNE6agIkPwoaShNlA
Steel Strings will help the instrument hold tune the most cause they're the most stable.
Olaf can I ask a question, last week my E string breaks and after another week my E string break again is this because of my acidic perspiration or because of the quality of the strings or the pressure of my bow?
The problem could also be that the string is kinked at the nut...
Who was filming in the beginning?
What would you recommend for a cheap a## violin?
Dominants or even better Obligato's. Cheap , tinny sounding violins need a lot of "calming down", and as much richness as is humanly possible.
Olaf, thanks for the good intro on the available strings on the market. Could you advise when is the right time to change the cello strings?
Whats the best A string for a middle school student in orchestra?
Pirastro tonica or thomastik dominant (light or medium gauge)
If you have a good balanced violin, a neglected string is the Pirastro Tonica. It's similar to the ever-popular Dominants (perhaps a touch sweeter), but half the price. So you can save some money, or change your strings twice as often. Perhaps because of the price point it's often seen as a student string, but on my fiddle I haven't found anything that works better - even at 3 times the price.
Half the price but worse durability.
@@LordCarmesimXXVII Not for me. I get better tone and better durability. I guess everyone's fiddle is different...
@@tullochgorum6323 Maybe you have a newer instrument. Tonicas are much higher tension than Dominants, they shouldn't even be compared the way they are. And I'm pretty sure they are less resistant to nails and humidity.
@@LordCarmesimXXVII I don't know where you get the impression that the Tonicas are much higher tension. Pirastro don't seem to publish figures, but they are both classed as medium and I can't feel much difference. They were formulated as a direct competitor and are similar in most aspects. I've had a lot of issues with Dominant As and Ds unwinding - never with the Tonicas.
The figures are in their official website, the data doesn't lie. "Medium tension" doesn't say much because it has big range.
Tonicas:
G: 4.9kg
D: 4.5kg
A: 5.5kg
Dominant:
G: 4.4kg
D: 4.1kg
A: 5.5kg
Quite a big difference on the G and D. Tonicas put a lot more strain on the instrument.
cat made was grands favor from italy .
Violists mix strings. Spirocore Tungsten C, Dominant G and D, Larsen A
Why are the strings so expensive?
Even expensive Evah Pirazzi's for violin are dirt cheap, compared to top quality cello strings.