Interesting review with the audio image, thanks for doing that. Hope the setup mic distance equipment etc was the same. Thanks for doing that! Had the dominant pro and after few months I went back to the old trusted regular dominant. And I used all the pirazzi green and yellow and PI but on my violin I always seem to go back to the original dominant.
Thanks! I try to make it as scientific as I can, but there's always a little human error. Yeah, I don't hate on the OG Dominants, there's a reason they're still one of the most popular sets in the world.
The PIs definitely are the best of these three hear, at least on this violin. I should give them a try on my instrument. Thanks for the great video!! I would love more string comparison videos!
The Dominant Pros sound warmer and more direct. Definitely a nice improvement. The PIs are still the better sound in my opinion. But some people don’t like the higher tension. I’m currently playing on Obligatos. Nice feel, wonderful character and color. I’m still exploring strings. Next up Evah Pirazzi Greens. Thanks guys. I love your channel!
so would you say this would complement a dark instrument and brighten up the sound or help a bright instrument to tone down the brilliance a bit and gives it warmth?
If say these Dominant Pro strings (like the regular Dominants) are great middle-of-the-road strings. Not super bright and not super dark. They are a good starting point for a high quality set and affordable prices.
What about string diameter/thickness? I don't use PIs because they're too thin, especially the G, I'm using EP Gold now. Are the Pros thin like PIs or thicker like Dominants?
Yes, after this video I switched them over to the Artist Violin that I use for "Michael Explains it All" where I'm working on comparing all the strings!
Yes, that string is very high on my list of strings to review. I'm embarrassed I haven't reviewed them yet! But very excited about these new strings, so I jumped the queue for them.
Tose strings sound too warm., which is the type of sound that I love for any Classical Stringed Instrument. Please, make a comparison of Dominant Pro vs. my (still) favourites? Peter Infeld. Both PI Gold and Platinum.
Hey there! Thanks for this. I’ve always used the classics, now I’m wondering how to know if my instrument can handle the PI? I hate to spend the money only to not like them. 🤣 Any suggestions on things to be aware of? I have an Italian made instrument that’s middle of the road….($10k value). Not sure if that matters. LOL. Just not sure what I’m looking for I guess. 😂
Ok.. I have a rather inexpensive violin. It has a satin finish. After watching/listening to a number of string reviews.. I'm lost.. I want to move up and improve my sound.. so which strings should I get? Price is not a issue. thanks..
@@Fiddlershop I'm presently using the AlphaYue strings. I prefer a more balanced sound.. with clarity.. I would like a bit more bass and I also like 'singing' highs.. but Not over-emphasized. My D string seems a bit subdued with the AlphaYue's.. I prefer a sound I can more easily emote through..
@@suhndogI'd advise Vision G and D with Infeld Blue A and E. Or Dominant A with Infeld Blue E, for me Dominant A has a little more resonance but due to my hand sweat it lasts less than Infeld Blue.
@@Fiddlershop They're working on versions for extended range bowed instruments (such as my 5 String Cello) as well as versions for every member of the String family (including the new violin family) cause they're cool. The Black Diamond Silver plated Wound Fiddle Strings seem great for Soloing.
Other reviews have the same opinion,that the IP are far to the the Dominants pro..They have rather dark and mellow sound the Domiant pro,so I think I will like!
String comparison of scales or scale segments in first position does not reveal any real differences. Have you thought about doing these videos playing 5th position and up on the G and D and then some spiccato, martele, staccato. That would be a more useful comparison imho.
Thanks for the suggestions, It's a subtle difference in any case. I don't find myself playing in 5th+ position on the G string that often in real life, so I'm not sure demonstrating up there would be so practical. But I'm always trying to find ways to improve these comparison videos.
@@Fiddlershop Beethoven sonata 10 adaio, Weniawski Faust, Carmen, lalo symphony 3d mvt...you get the picture... If you are looking to differentiate the strong from the weak strings that is where it will happen
@@Fiddlershop Also you have the microphone too close to the violin...the sound under the ear is not equivalent to what the listener hears even at short range
I just got these, hope they sound great. Telling the quality over a TH-cam video is difficult. But as hefietz said and perlman shows its more about the player. Hefietz could make anything sound amazing, wasnt the violin or strings. Just his fingers. And perlman used dominants most of his life and his sound is always magical. So its mostly about taste and personal preference for strings.
@@Fiddlershop You guys are awesome. As a company you really care about music and people. These reviews are some of the best, and Michael is always too funny! Thanks for all the work you guys do.
@Giuseppe Petrella Buzo PADI If you feel an urge to comment, why wouldn`t take a second to search (if ever in doubt) and get her name`s spelling right?
I am not convinced by this new set-all depends on the instrument.For brighter violin they might work deautiful.Still prefer the Dominants or the Titanium Orchestra .
Me too. I prefer regular dominant and vision solo over these. The sound profile is good, but the surface noise really bugs me. It probably projects better in a larger venue, in a smaller space I find it a bit of a struggle with articulation and clarity.
Please could you add Pirastro Violino strings to you 'to do' list? Apparently warm, mellow AND reasonably priced. No decent reviews online (...and obviously yours are the only reviews worth watching). Thank you!
The truth is, absolutely most of our impressions of the strings are completely imaginary… We decide what we think “we like” by what we hear near our ear (or a microphone, as in this demonstration). All these strings sound very, very close and I am sure would be indistinguishable in the hall at any real distance… There is certainly no big difference between the lauded PIs and the others. I remember also preferring PIs for a while when they first came out - before conducting a test in the hall, at a distance , where there was absolutely no unanimous preference to them in any regard! Eventually, every player settles into something that suits them, and that’s it…
It's true that these three do sound pretty similar, but if all strings sounded the same, there wouldn't be 500 options to choose from (oh wait, I forgot about tensions...make that 1500🤣). But we agree that at the premium level, there's not a "magical" set of strings out there that is going to be dramatically different....it's all pretty subtle
We feel for you Annette. Fractional as well as viola, cello, bass, and other tensions will probably come some day as well (assuming they're a success for Thomastik). They are also coming out with three new E strings in July. So we're watching with anticipation to see when they have these options.
I love the PI's and agree that the Pros are coming close (but not close enough for me). Wonderful demonstration. Thanks so much.
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching, Frederick!
I like the Dominant Classics the most. Warmer and less gritty, less shrill
Thanks for your input, Notya!
I...MUST...HAVE THESE! They sound amazing! I need something to wake up my old violin, it's just so sleepy and I've been playing it 6 hours a day
Glad you like them! It could definitely be worth a try, Vanessa. Thanks for watching!!
Interesting review with the audio image, thanks for doing that. Hope the setup mic distance equipment etc was the same. Thanks for doing that!
Had the dominant pro and after few months I went back to the old trusted regular dominant. And I used all the pirazzi green and yellow and PI but on my violin I always seem to go back to the original dominant.
Thanks! I try to make it as scientific as I can, but there's always a little human error. Yeah, I don't hate on the OG Dominants, there's a reason they're still one of the most popular sets in the world.
Your violin doesn't like tension.
The PIs definitely are the best of these three hear, at least on this violin. I should give them a try on my instrument. Thanks for the great video!! I would love more string comparison videos!
The Dominant Pros sound warmer and more direct. Definitely a nice improvement. The PIs are still the better sound in my opinion. But some people don’t like the higher tension. I’m currently playing on Obligatos. Nice feel, wonderful character and color. I’m still exploring strings. Next up Evah Pirazzi Greens. Thanks guys. I love your channel!
Thanks for your kind words, John! Really appreciate it. Nice to hear 🤩
so would you say this would complement a dark instrument and brighten up the sound or help a bright instrument to tone down the brilliance a bit and gives it warmth?
If say these Dominant Pro strings (like the regular Dominants) are great middle-of-the-road strings. Not super bright and not super dark. They are a good starting point for a high quality set and affordable prices.
Dominant 4:25
Pro 4:43
PI 5:01
Thank you!
the Dominant Pros sounded warmer on the lower registers to me. The PIs have a competitor.
Thanks for a great demo! They sound like a good step up from Dominants!
My pleasure! I think they are totally worth it.
It sounds so focus and much different that the original Dominant. May I ask your opinion about this string compare to Evah Pirazzi?
I hear more resonance with the broken in Dominant Pro set.
Thanks for the feedback :)
i think these would compete with their vision solo line, same tension and also very easy to play.
True story! I was really on the fence about adding Vision Solo to the comparison as well, but I decided to keep it simple for now.
I usually play vision solo. Recently tried dominant pro, I find vision solo has more clarity and less surface noise than these.
Please review violino strings and what are the warmest violin strings you have?
Violino strings vs this
Warmest are probably Obbligato strings.
Sounds great! Hope it'll be available for viola too. ☺️
I hope so too!
@@Fiddlershop They should make them for the rest of the string section because the Dominant Pros are a good update.
What about string diameter/thickness? I don't use PIs because they're too thin, especially the G, I'm using EP Gold now. Are the Pros thin like PIs or thicker like Dominants?
They're in between the Pi & Doinants
It would be awesome if you could do this for the full Vision line including VTS and VTO
Yes, after this video I switched them over to the Artist Violin that I use for "Michael Explains it All" where I'm working on comparing all the strings!
Can you please do this for the new Pirastro Perpetual violin strings too? Thanks.
Yes, that string is very high on my list of strings to review. I'm embarrassed I haven't reviewed them yet! But very excited about these new strings, so I jumped the queue for them.
Tose strings sound too warm., which is the type of sound that I love for any Classical Stringed Instrument.
Please, make a comparison of Dominant Pro vs. my (still) favourites? Peter Infeld. Both PI Gold and Platinum.
Ordered a set. Probably more from curiosity. Hoping for a great set of strings.
Enjoy! Thanks for shopping with us, Jimmy!
Hey there! Thanks for this. I’ve always used the classics, now I’m wondering how to know if my instrument can handle the PI? I hate to spend the money only to not like them. 🤣 Any suggestions on things to be aware of? I have an Italian made instrument that’s middle of the road….($10k value). Not sure if that matters. LOL. Just not sure what I’m looking for I guess. 😂
Thanks for watching!
Any comment on the Thomastik Dominant PRO --- E String?
I think the Pro E string was pretty nice. It had a good bit of warmth, and didn't whistle on the instrument I had it on.
Ok.. I have a rather inexpensive violin. It has a satin finish. After watching/listening to a number of string reviews.. I'm lost.. I want to move up and improve my sound.. so which strings should I get? Price is not a issue. thanks..
Which strings are you using today? Would you like a darker, warmer sound?
@@Fiddlershop I'm presently using the AlphaYue strings. I prefer a more balanced sound.. with clarity.. I would like a bit more bass and I also like 'singing' highs.. but Not over-emphasized. My D string seems a bit subdued with the AlphaYue's.. I prefer a sound I can more easily emote through..
@@suhndogI'd advise Vision G and D with Infeld Blue A and E. Or Dominant A with Infeld Blue E, for me Dominant A has a little more resonance but due to my hand sweat it lasts less than Infeld Blue.
How long do these strings last compared to the regular dominants?
What about Black Diamond Fiddle Strings?
Well, those are pretty bright and steel core. Dominant Pro is going to give you a much warmer sound and more color options.
@@Fiddlershop They're working on versions for extended range bowed instruments (such as my 5 String Cello) as well as versions for every member of the String family (including the new violin family) cause they're cool. The Black Diamond Silver plated Wound Fiddle Strings seem great for Soloing.
One very important point: You need a good violin to emphasize the essence of better strings
Other reviews have the same opinion,that the IP are far to the the Dominants pro..They have rather dark and mellow sound the Domiant pro,so I think I will like!
Do they have a five string available for the five sting glasser violin? 🎻 They sound beautiful. Thank you for posting. 🙏 🎶 🙏
Not yet, I'm sure someday they will also make them for viola (and 5 strings by extension) but it's just violin and medium tension for now.
@@Fiddlershop Thank you so much. 🙏😊
Took me half the video to figure out that was a music theory joke at the beginning and not another kind of joke... I'll show myself out!
🤣🤣 Gibbles is too funny sometimes! Thanks for watching 😍
Will there be a Cello variant?
How do they compare to Infield Reds? I really prefer the reds to the "sub dominants" because they are much warmer.
IT'S HAPPENING! Yes, the Reds are probably still going to be warmer, but I think the Dominant Pros will give you more clarity.
Prima wie imer😍
Thanks for watching, Majid!
bellisimo sonido........... great string
Many thanks, Giuseppe!
String comparison of scales or scale segments in first position does not reveal any real differences. Have you thought about doing these videos playing 5th position and up on the G and D and then some spiccato, martele, staccato. That would be a more useful comparison imho.
Thanks for the suggestions, It's a subtle difference in any case. I don't find myself playing in 5th+ position on the G string that often in real life, so I'm not sure demonstrating up there would be so practical. But I'm always trying to find ways to improve these comparison videos.
@@Fiddlershop Beethoven sonata 10 adaio, Weniawski Faust, Carmen, lalo symphony 3d mvt...you get the picture...
If you are looking to differentiate the strong from the weak strings that is where it will happen
@@Fiddlershop Also you have the microphone too close to the violin...the sound under the ear is not equivalent to what the listener hears even at short range
@@Fiddlershop Not trying to be critical just make your videos more powerful
Is that a Maggini violin?
Thanks for watching! Yes, a workshop Maggini
@Fiddlershop I love my used Maggini I recently purchased from Fiddlershop.
@@Fiddlershop I recently purchased a used Maggini from Fiddlershop. I absolutely love it. It has great volume and resonance.
I just got these, hope they sound great. Telling the quality over a TH-cam video is difficult. But as hefietz said and perlman shows its more about the player. Hefietz could make anything sound amazing, wasnt the violin or strings. Just his fingers. And perlman used dominants most of his life and his sound is always magical. So its mostly about taste and personal preference for strings.
So do we! Please let us know what you think. Yes, hearing the difference in sound on TH-cam can be very hard sometimes.
@@Fiddlershop You guys are awesome. As a company you really care about music and people. These reviews are some of the best, and Michael is always too funny! Thanks for all the work you guys do.
About time Dominant Amateur got upgraded 🤣
Yes, sir!!
I'm assuming these are Hilary approved? Lol
Initially they sound much cleaner than the regular dominants.
Ha-ha! String players are so conservative! My mom still plays on Spirocore or Superflexible!
Hilary Clinton ???
@Giuseppe Petrella Buzo PADI
If you feel an urge to comment, why wouldn`t take a second to search (if ever in doubt) and get her name`s spelling right?
@@volodymyrduda659 jajajajajjajajajajajajan thankz iuo
Lolololol. Thanks for watching!
PI strings are the winner! Dominant Pro is a strong second and Dominant Classic so bad does not place!...Thank you for the video!
Thanks for watching!
@@Fiddlershop my pleasure; you give the best critiques!
I am not convinced by this new set-all depends on the instrument.For brighter violin they might work deautiful.Still prefer the Dominants or the Titanium Orchestra .
We hear you! It's always trial and error when it comes to strings. It definitely depends on your instrument. Thanks for sharing :)
Me too. I prefer regular dominant and vision solo over these. The sound profile is good, but the surface noise really bugs me. It probably projects better in a larger venue, in a smaller space I find it a bit of a struggle with articulation and clarity.
Please could you add Pirastro Violino strings to you 'to do' list? Apparently warm, mellow AND reasonably priced. No decent reviews online (...and obviously yours are the only reviews worth watching). Thank you!
Great Line ...”the Sub-Dominants..” 👍
Thanks and thanks for watching!! ⛵️
amateur dominants?
@@melvinfb6249 no, it’s a term from functional harmony
The truth is, absolutely most of our impressions of the strings are completely imaginary… We decide what we think “we like” by what we hear near our ear (or a microphone, as in this demonstration). All these strings sound very, very close and I am sure would be indistinguishable in the hall at any real distance… There is certainly no big difference between the lauded PIs and the others. I remember also preferring PIs for a while when they first came out - before conducting a test in the hall, at a distance , where there was absolutely no unanimous preference to them in any regard! Eventually, every player settles into something that suits them, and that’s it…
It's true that these three do sound pretty similar, but if all strings sounded the same, there wouldn't be 500 options to choose from (oh wait, I forgot about tensions...make that 1500🤣). But we agree that at the premium level, there's not a "magical" set of strings out there that is going to be dramatically different....it's all pretty subtle
It is disappointing that they are not offering the new Dominant strings for 1/2 size violins and I am forced to use the "sub " strings!
We feel for you Annette. Fractional as well as viola, cello, bass, and other tensions will probably come some day as well (assuming they're a success for Thomastik). They are also coming out with three new E strings in July. So we're watching with anticipation to see when they have these options.
I did not like this string because the G is very thick and the D is thinner than A .
I will stick to Peter Infeld which I am using for several years
I would buy them in a heart beat if they would sound that good on my fiddle with me playing. 😏
That would be a great invention, we'll start working on it :-) But be well and practice well.
I just use the Tonicas...good ratio of quality of the dollar.
Tonicas sound worse and their durability is terrible.
The very bad think of dominant from thomastik strings is about very very bad durability.
Well, that can be debated as durability depends on how often you play and where. :) Thanks for watching!