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Violin Strings

The violin has four strings A, E, D, and G. The sound of the violin is greatly affected by sting quality. Why? There are lots and lots of string manufacturers and they all use different string making techniques. Some strings sound darker, some lighter, and others are warm and full. Some strings are strongly preferred, in general, to other strings.

When you purchase a violin, you will probably not know what kinds of strings are there. You can't see the brand name and the feel of the string is the main clue. Nowadays, most strings are made of synthetic materials because it is more profitable in manufacturing and keeps the cost down to consumers. There are three kinds of strings, Gut, Synthetic, and Steel.

Violin Gut Strings

Gut strings are made from animal guts (mostly sheep). The intestines are dried, strung, and cut into shape. These were the first strings used. The sound is very full and complex with lots of overtones. The disadvantage is that the strings need constant tuning because they are more sensitive to temperature and humidity. Gut strings are also slower in response to the fingers and bow.

In today's world, most people don't use gut strings. If they do, the strings are covered in aluminum or silver.

Violin Steel Strings

Like a steel guitar compared to a classical guitar there is a crisper, sharper, brighter tone with steel strings. Most violin players want a smooth sound and don't go for steel, but there are some that do. Steel string players often like to play country fiddle songs or jazz songs.

Violin Synthetic Strings

In the 1970s, Thomastik changed violin strings by introducing synthetic perlon core strings. These strings have several advantages. They are quick in response and are not as sensitive to humidity and temperature. That means the strings stay in tune better. However, it is important to keep in mind that the various string manufacturers sound very differently. The reason is that the manufacturing process among synthetic manufacturers varies. The idea is that each synthetic sting is nylon (or Perlon) and wrapped in silver or aluminum. Some synthetic manufacturers have been using various different composites for the inside and outside of the strings making each sound differently.

The sacrifice of synthetic strings is that overtones are lost and the complexity or richness of sound is ultimately diminished. The results do not seem to matter all that much because synthetic has won the market for violin strings.

Recommendation

The Peter Paul Prier school of violin making recommends brand name Dominant strings for an overall good sound.