Violins and other instruments - http://www.theglassviolin.com

Editor's picks

• 

  D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set 4/4

  Musical Instruments (D'Addario)
  

  Rating (10 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  To Each Instrument Its Own...

  I bought a set of these strings for my student violin of which I continue to play with into college and after in a community orchestra. My student instrument tends to prefer the inexpensive strings and sounds better with them, hence my title to each instrument its own. But I find this set to be warm and beautiful like a gut set even though the strings are steel. On my more expensive instrument I prefer the Pirastro brand like Pirastro Gold and I feel as though the Prelude's compare. The Piastro Gold is sharper and deeper/darker with some brightness to it. The Preludes have the same warmth, but is more sweeter sounding than the Golds. Furthermore, it takes little time for it to acclimate than the Gold and is far cheaper. It may sound a little more muted than the Gold, but I'm happy with the projection of the Prelude if I can get a smooth, sweet, sound like I do. It doesn't sound broken or harsh, the Preludes are smooth like buttah and they last a long time (not as long as... 5/5 Danielle (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set 4/4 (Electronics) I bought a set of these strings for my student violin of which I continue to play with into college and after in a community orchestra. My student instrument tends to prefer the inexpensive strings and sounds better with them, hence my title to each instrument its own. But I find this set to be warm and beautiful like a gut set even though the strings are steel. On my more expensive instrument I prefer the Pirastro brand like Pirastro Gold and I feel as though the Prelude's compare. The Piastro Gold is sharper and deeper/darker with some brightness to it. The Preludes have the same warmth, but is more sweeter sounding than the Golds. Furthermore, it takes little time for it to acclimate than the Gold and is far cheaper. It may sound a little more muted than the Gold, but I'm happy with the projection of the Prelude if I can get a smooth, sweet, sound like I do. It doesn't sound broken or harsh, the Preludes are smooth like buttah and they last a long time (not as long as... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 4, 2011

  ---

  Beginner's Best Friend

  I recently started learning to play an electric violin and had to replace one of my strings. I had no idea what I was doing, but these strings were affordable and highly rated. So, I gave them a go. I'm glad I did! These strings will be your best friend if you are a novice player who has fumbled tuning the strings a time or two. The inside of the envelope reveals a color code for each string (G,D,A,E), and I had no trouble at all replacing my broken string with one of these for the very first time. The replacement blends in with the other steel strings that my violin came with. If you don't want your practice to be held up with a broken string, I highly recommend buying two or three of these packs for backup! 5/5 Stag of Amber (TX, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set 4/4 (Electronics) I recently started learning to play an electric violin and had to replace one of my strings. I had no idea what I was doing, but these strings were affordable and highly rated. So, I gave them a go. I'm glad I did! These strings will be your best friend if you are a novice player who has fumbled tuning the strings a time or two. The inside of the envelope reveals a color code for each string (G,D,A,E), and I had no trouble at all replacing my broken string with one of these for the very first time. The replacement blends in with the other steel strings that my violin came with. If you don't want your practice to be held up with a broken string, I highly recommend buying two or three of these packs for backup! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 11, 2011

  ---

  fiddle strings

  the strings are the same quality they have always been... excelent. the price and service was just fine. I wondered why Amazon had two sets of identical strings shipped seperately. seems like a waste of my money. 5/5 Allen - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set 4/4 (Electronics) the strings are the same quality they have always been... excelent. the price and service was just fine. I wondered why Amazon had two sets of identical strings shipped seperately. seems like a waste of my money. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 9, 2011

  ---

  List Price: $32.00
  Price: $12.99
  You Save: $19.01 (59%)

---

• 

  JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set: Gold Label Ball-End E & Dominant A, D, and G Strings - Medium Gauge

  Musical Instruments (JSI)
  

  Rating (14 reviews):

  (4.6/5)

  

  Great strings

  I have been playing for quite a while now, and am proud to say that these are the select strings to use. Be for I used to buy this pack of strings, for 80+ dollars, and now only forty two! I would highly recommend buying these strings. They add such a beautiful tone to any violin 5/5 Benzodite "Fanatic Musician" (USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set: Gold Label Ball-End E & Dominant A, D, and G Strings - Medium Gauge I have been playing for quite a while now, and am proud to say that these are the select strings to use. Be for I used to buy this pack of strings, for 80+ dollars, and now only forty two! I would highly recommend buying these strings. They add such a beautiful tone to any violin Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 18, 2010

  ---

  Buy Now! Best Deal for the Money

  This is the best set of string for the money. Dominants with a different E are the standard to which others are compared. If you are a student, look no further and buy these. Many of the greatest violinists ever use these strings. For the money they cannot be beat. You may find other, more expensive strings to be better for your specific violin once you are advanced and experiment, but the Dominants with a different E are the benchmark for the money. 5/5 T. Carlsen - See all my reviews, September 4, 2010

  ---

  Nice Sound

  For my instrument, I'm actually in love with the Pirastro E string but the Dominants G, D, and A don't really project enough. They sound very nice, but I'd prefer a more deep sort of sound. Next time I'll likely go with the Pirastros all the way; very full and clear. 4/5 Kate - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set: Gold Label Ball-End E & Dominant A, D, and G Strings - Medium Gauge For my instrument, I'm actually in love with the Pirastro E string but the Dominants G, D, and A don't really project enough. They sound very nice, but I'd prefer a more deep sort of sound. Next time I'll likely go with the Pirastros all the way; very full and clear. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 19, 2011

  ---

  List Price: $94.30
  Price: $49.25
  You Save: $45.05 (48%)

  Full Set includes All Ball-End Pirastro Gold Label Plain Steel E, Thomastik Dominant Aluminum Wound Perlon Core A,

  Medium Gauge

  Thomastik Dominant Aluminum Wound Perlon Core D, Thomastik Dominant Silver Wound Perlon Core G. 4/4 Violin

---

• 

  Pirastro Gold Label 4/4 Violin E String - Medium - Steel - Ball End

  Musical Instruments (Pirastro)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Great sound for the price

  I purchased this after fiddling with my old violin strings (no pun intended) and not being able to get true key with it. After putting on this string I was instantly able to tune the E string and it sounded beautiful. I will be replacing all the strings on my violin with this brand. Very impressed. 5/5 Tammy S. Lyons - See all my reviews, July 28, 2011

  ---

  Pirastro Gold Label 4/4 Violin E String - Medium - Steel - Ball End

  Pleased with product. Came in envelope o.O Kind of expensive,but well made product. Can buy a cheaper off brand, but remember you get what you pay for, buying cheap is not always the best if you want quality. 5/5 Tee  (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Pirastro Gold Label 4/4 Violin E String - Medium - Steel - Ball End Pleased with product. Came in envelope o.O Kind of expensive,but well made product. Can buy a cheaper off brand, but remember you get what you pay for, buying cheap is not always the best if you want quality. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 13, 2011

  ---

  List Price: $9.30
  Price: $4.37
  You Save: $4.93 (53%)

  Plain Steel, Ball End, Medium gauge

  E string, 4/4 violin

---

• 

  Super Sensitive Super Sensitive Steelcore 4/4 Violin Strings: Set

  Musical Instruments (U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies Inc.)
  

  Rating (10 reviews):

  (3.1/5)

  

  Tone Vs. Playability and Price...

  Unless the strings are for a very young player and ease of playing is an issue, I would not recommend them. Red Labels are not capable of producing the tone or timbre that is typically associated with the violin, instead it produces a relatively bright sound reminiscent of acoustic flat top guitar. Though the brightness diminishes with time, a string with broader tonal qualities would be more fun: If you can afford it, try one tier up from these strings, something that's truly "flat-wound". Keep in mind that Red Label strings might actually be quite appropriate for very young players who would benefit from a string that facilitates easy and consistent production of sound from the instrument; violin is a difficult instrument for adults, much more so for kids! I would add that the price is relatively low and therefore appropriate for early ages, where commitment has not yet been established or where budget is a factor. Have fun! 3/5 Schuyler M. Hupp - See all my reviews, March 12, 2006

  ---

  Good for beginners

  These strings are ok for beginners to use. They are cheap and durable, but that is about the only thing they have going for them. Students beyond the first or second year should look for better brands, like Dominant or Helicore. If you are serious enough to be buying strings here, you should talk to your teacher about a better brand. 4/5 LuvsViola (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews This review is from: Super Sensitive Super Sensitive Steelcore 4/4 Violin Strings: Set (Electronics) These strings are ok for beginners to use. They are cheap and durable, but that is about the only thing they have going for them. Students beyond the first or second year should look for better brands, like Dominant or Helicore. If you are serious enough to be buying strings here, you should talk to your teacher about a better brand. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 23, 2004

  ---

  Good strings for the beginning student

  I really like these strings because they seem to be fairly well made and they're cheap. The original E string I got with my violin broke pretty quickly after I got it, but this new one has lasted through much more abuse and shows no sign of breaking anytime soon. I think the sound produced is better as well, though I have no clue how it stacks up to more expensive strings. I don't really have anything bad to say about these strings, but I gave them four stars simply because I have an electric violin and can't speak to their tone in an acoustic. 4/5 Daniel Arflack - See all my reviews, November 3, 2007

  ---

  List Price: $31.13
  Price: $7.59
  You Save: $23.54 (76%)

  One the most popular student strings throughout the Unitted States

  Ideal for school and rental instruments

  Solid steel core with nickel winding provide quick and bright response

---

• 

  Set of 4/4 Violin Bowstring Strings (G-D-A-E)

  Musical Instruments (uxcell)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (1.0/5)

  

  If there was a no star rating, they would get it

  I am a college student, and that obviously means I am short on cash. A string broke on my violin, and it had been a while since I had replaced any of my strings, so I was going to do it all in one shot with little to no money. . . epic fail on my part there.When I recieved the strings they didn't looks special but they didn't appear to be useless either. Oh how wrong I was! I strung my violin, and before I could even tighten them; the E string snapped. Tried to tune it; the G string snapped. Went to test it; the D string snapped. SERIOUSLY! I may not be the most skilled violinist but I can string and tune one (evidenced by the dominant and pistrato gold E string I just bought that sound beautiful and haven't given me on hint of trouble).In short, these strings will give you exactly what you paid for. . .not much. Breaks easy, sounds horrible and doesn't tune well. Just don't do it, please. Save for a month, and buy a good set of strings. Your violin... 1/5 N. L. Brainard "book worm woman" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews, December 18, 2011

  ---

  Beginners tend to clip strings when tuning violins, So taking a Replacement Strings Bowstring as repare is requirement

  Set of 4 Violin Strings Bowstring G-D-A-E

  100% new A set of 4/4 size Violin Strings

---

• 

  Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Aluminum/Steel Ball-End E

  Musical Instruments (Thomastik)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (3.5/5)

  

  Good for students, but not much else.

  The Dominant strings have been something of a standard for violins for a long time. They were the strings that came with my first few violins, they were the strings that were recommended to me for a very long time, and they are the ones that you will see in most music stores. But for about the same price there are many better alternatives. The problem with these strings? Their tone isn't really all that great. They have a miserably long break-in time. They aren't that durable (I've had some break within a week of installing them on my violin). And they aren't really that cheap either. If you are at all particular about what kind of string that you use, I would recommend any of the sets that Pirastro offers. The Wondertones are just about equal in price, but are a much finer example. For around $20 or so more you could buy the Evah Pirazzis (very strong, bright tone with great projection) or the Obligatos (very rich, dark tone). In short, use the Dominant... 2/5 Wolfgang Jaeger (Pleasant Grove, UT USA) - See all my reviews, February 5, 2009

  ---

  Predictable All Around String

  The Dominant strings sets the standard for synthetic violin strings, and is pretty predictable. They are fairly priced, so most instruments are strung with Dominants. When it is new, there is a slight metallic feel, but that goes away after it is stretched out. They last about 2-3 months, fairly bright, but with good overtones, and then gradually get duller. The E string is just ordinary, and many people substitute a different E string (such as Pirastro Gold). I like to substitute the Kaplan Solo E string or the Jargar Forte e. 4/5 Rachelle Ayala (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Aluminum/Steel Ball-End E The Dominant strings sets the standard for synthetic violin strings, and is pretty predictable. They are fairly priced, so most instruments are strung with Dominants. When it is new, there is a slight metallic feel, but that goes away after it is stretched out. They last about 2-3 months, fairly bright, but with good overtones, and then gradually get duller. The E string is just ordinary, and many people substitute a different E string (such as Pirastro Gold). I like to substitute the Kaplan Solo E string or the Jargar Forte e. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 30, 2007

  ---

  simply wonderful

  Professional strings at a student price. no matter how expensive your violin is, this creates such a beutiful rich sound! Definately awsome. Great response, tone, set-in time, and durability. **Update** 7/3/08 They last forever, unlike some more expesive strings, though I do reccomend changing them at least annualy. I no longer use these strings, because they producesed a rather flat sound on my violin. If you love the sound of your instrument now, use these. They play beautifully and will not change the tone of your (hopefully) beautiful violin. If you want a more rich sound; obligatos. Brilliant sound; Eva Pirazzis. Obligatos I find work best on my instrument ( I own a 2007 Ramanian instrument valued at about $2,000 ). So, go for these three: Dominants, Eva Pirazzis, or Obligatos. Good Luck!! 5/5 M. Dixon - See all my reviews, June 19, 2007

  ---

  List Price: $99.99
  Price: $45.95
  You Save: $54.04 (54%)

  Medium guage

  4/4 violin

  Full Set includes All Ball-End Aluminum/Perlon A, Aluminum/Perlon D, Silver/Perlon G, and Ball-End Aluminum/Steel E

---

• 

  D'Addario Pro Arte 4/4 Violin String Set Medium Gauge

  Musical Instruments (D'Addario)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (4.8/5)

  

  Great strings.

  I discovered these strings by accident a couple of years ago when I broke a violin string and had no spares. A local music store had Pro Arte medium tension strings in stock and they were inexpensive, so I figured that I would buy a set as a stopgap until I could get a set of my preferred strings online.I noticed right away that the strings come packaged in sealed pouches, which is a nice touch, and that the ends of the strings are nicely finished. The sound is very sweet. A darker sound than many classical players prefer. I read another review that said that the reviewer hated the Pro Arte strings because they were dull. The reviewer was going back to Dominant strings. I find Dominant stings very loud, for sure, but it is a bright, glaring sound that I find that I am always trying to sweeten. I find Evah Pirazzi strings even louder and more glaring.If you, like me, find some of these more popular strings to be loud but overly glaring, you should try a set of... 5/5 Mark H. Barsamian "markbarsamian" (Athens, Ohio) - See all my reviews, April 14, 2010

  ---

  Pleasing sound on low-budget violin

  I have an low-budget student violin, and started out using Red Label strings because they are inexpensive and indestructible. Red Label strings sound OK, but on my fiddle the D and G strings sounded harsh. After reading some reviews that said the D'Addario Pro Arte strings improve a harsh-sounding instrument I ordered a set of mediums, and I am very pleased. They sound markedly better than the Red label. The E is strong and clear without being shrieky, A is rich and solid, D sounds smooth and nice, and even the G string is much improved. G is still a tad harsh, but I think getting any more improvement means getting a better violin, and this is plenty fine for now. The Pro Arte strings are also more responsive than the Red Label, it's like I gained some dexterity. For $25 they are a bargain. 5/5 Carla J. Schroder - See all my reviews, April 27, 2010

  ---

  Nice sound, long-lasting, inexpensive.

  When I got my used violin, the luthier who set it up said it had D'addario Pro Arte strings on it. I had no idea how long the strings had been on there for the previous owner. I had no experience with other strings, and since he seemed to think they were a good choice, I intended to buy the same ones when my violin needed new strings. Seven months later, the strings did not show signs of wear even though I practiced at least an hour a day, at least five days per week (sometimes up to 3 hours per day). I had my first recital in December, and being nervous, I wanted to do everything I could to get the best sound possible. I ordered Pro Arte strings (from Shar, an excellent company, btw), and after watching tutorials and reading about how to change strings, I changed them myself one night. There was immediate difference in sound. Vast improvement. It was beautiful, and I realized that even if the strings still look fine, I want to change them at least... 5/5 Beautiful Dreamer (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: D'Addario Pro Arte 4/4 Violin String Set Medium Gauge When I got my used violin, the luthier who set it up said it had D'addario Pro Arte strings on it. I had no idea how long the strings had been on there for the previous owner. I had no experience with other strings, and since he seemed to think they were a good choice, I intended to buy the same ones when my violin needed new strings. Seven months later, the strings did not show signs of wear even though I practiced at least an hour a day, at least five days per week (sometimes up to 3 hours per day). I had my first recital in December, and being nervous, I wanted to do everything I could to get the best sound possible. I ordered Pro Arte strings (from Shar, an excellent company, btw), and after watching tutorials and reading about how to change strings, I changed them myself one night. There was immediate difference in sound. Vast improvement. It was beautiful, and I realized that even if the strings still look fine, I want to change them at least... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 8, 2011

  ---

  List Price: $56.00
  Price: $24.08
  You Save: $31.92 (57%)

  Set Includes All Ball End Aluminum/Perlon A, Aluminum/Perlon D and Silver/Perlon G

  4/4 Violin, Medium Gauge

---

• 

  D'Addario Helicore 4/4 Size Violin Strings 4/4 Size Set with Steel E String

  Musical Instruments (D'Addario)
  

  Rating (17 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Excellent Strings

  Recently I have replaced my 4/4 violin strings with these news ones. They produce an excellent quality of sound with minimum bow moment. I am happy that I got these strings after a prolonged research to get good strings. I highly recommend these strings to medium to professional violonists.Another good aspect of these strings is that you don't need any setting time. Hope this helps to aspirants. Haricharan M. 5/5 Haricharan Maramraj (Santa Clara, CA, USA) - See all my reviews, October 1, 2007

  ---

  Good strings for folk music

  I mainly play folk music and fiddle tunes, and I prefer the mellow sound of these strings for folk songs and folk fiddle styles of New England, Canada, and the British Isles. To my ear, Cajun music also sounds fine on them. They hold their tune well and I find them responsive and easy to play on. Sound is a matter of personal taste, of course, and if you are looking for a brighter string for blue grass or southern styles, try steel. 5/5 Lynn D. Hebert (Wallingford, VT USA) - See all my reviews, January 25, 2007

  ---

  good stand by's

  I am a freelance classical violinist and these are the strings I always go back to. It depends on the instrument-- but I find these much warmer and fuller than Dominants. And it is not that much fun to start monkeying around with the gut core because they are so expensive. 5/5 A. taylor (boston, ma) - See all my reviews, February 14, 2008

  ---

  List Price: $60.00
  Price: $27.99
  You Save: $0.10 (%)

  For Classical, Modern, Jazz, Country Music Styles

  For Full Size Violins

  Designed for Professionals and advanced students

  Excellent for electric instruments using Piezo TM pickups.

---

• 

  Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Steel Ball-End E

  Musical Instruments (Pirastro)
  

  Rating (14 reviews):

  (4.6/5)

  

  These strings hold up to constant professional use

  In contrast to the previous review that stated that these strings deteriorate rapidly, I have found that this is not the case. I use them on both a fine violin and viola for constant professional use and have not exerienced any early deterioration. They certainly don't last as long as Dominant strings, but provide significantly more complex and beautiful overall sound. I also have found that they last much longer than Obligato strings before going false. The breakin period is short and the previous reviewer may have confused a loss of brilliance early on for the sound of the strings settling in and balancing out. I do find that the Gold E is far better than the standard one that is added to sets. Also, consider different gauges. 5/5 Merbert "Merbert Music" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Steel Ball-End E In contrast to the previous review that stated that these strings deteriorate rapidly, I have found that this is not the case. I use them on both a fine violin and viola for constant professional use and have not exerienced any early deterioration. They certainly don't last as long as Dominant strings, but provide significantly more complex and beautiful overall sound. I also have found that they last much longer than Obligato strings before going false. The breakin period is short and the previous reviewer may have confused a loss of brilliance early on for the sound of the strings settling in and balancing out. I do find that the Gold E is far better than the standard one that is added to sets. Also, consider different gauges. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 9, 2007

  ---

  Worth every penney!

  I've used the Evah Pirazzis off and on for about six years, and have been nothing but thoroughly delighted with them. They have a very strong projection. Their break-in time is exceptionally short. I have found that they last longer than any other string that I have ever used (Dominant included). Their tone is definitely on the bright side, which is my one reservation about them. If you are looking for warmth of tone, something almost dark, I would recommend the Pirastro Obligato. They don't have quite the durability as the Pirazzis, but their tone is much more to my liking. But all in all you can't go too wrong with these wonderful strings. 5/5 Wolfgang Jaeger (Pleasant Grove, UT USA) - See all my reviews, February 5, 2009

  ---

  Gold Standard

  The Evah Pirazzi strings are the gold standard for professional violinists. The are high tension and produce pure sound. They are also very responsive. They allow you to produce your own personal tones. This is why professionals like Joshua Bell use them for his Strad. The Amazon price is also terrific! 5/5 Jamie Potlock "informed reader" (Houston, Tx) - See all my reviews, November 17, 2007

  ---

  List Price: $154.20
  Price: $71.75
  You Save: $82.45 (53%)

  4/4 Violin

  Medium Gauge

  Full Set includes All Ball-End Steel E, Aluminum/Synthetic A, Silver/Synthetic D, Silver/Synthetic G

---

• 

  Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin A String Medium Aluminum-Perlon

  Musical Instruments (Thomastik)
  List Price: $21.65
  Price: $9.80
  You Save: $11.85 (55%)

  A string, 4/4 violin

  Aluminum Winding - Perlon Core, Ball end

  Medium guage

---