Thanks for the comprehensive review of our strings! If anyone has any questions for us, please don't hesitate to contact us CR-Bowed@daddario.com!

You say sorry for the long video while I'm rewinding and playing back parts because the information is packed in tightly and I don't want to miss anything. Much appreciate the insights you are giving.

I have no idea what tension to buy or whether to get aluminum or steel wound strings. Can you distinguish what each means and which is best for orchestral and solo playing?

Hi, Can you suggest Violin String Brand for Indian Classical Music ?

I LOVE your videos. Thank you. I have learned a lot.

Great video, very informational! How often do you change your strings on your electric violin, and how often on your acoustic violin?

Thank you for another very educational video Alison! I started playing at the beginning of January, and am looking to put better strings on my violin. This video has really helped me figure out what may or may not be good on my beginner violin; As well as your video on pimping a cheap violin to get the best possible sound out of it. Thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to help all of us budding violinists out here. Keep up the great work!!

Hear a lot about Ddarrio glad you answered some questions. Thank you

Thanks for the good review on Helicore! The luthier I work with recommended them to me about 7 years ago. I LOVE the responsiveness of the strings, and they have such a wonderfully resonant sound and last long, and keep their tune well once they adjust. It's great to see them finally getting their due! I use an acoustic violin right now, just a low level student model, but I play in a worship group with electric/acoustic guitars, keyboard, piano, drum kit, hand drums/ethnic drums - and they do well with everything from rock style to gentle acoustic melodies to classical, and they don't give feedback through the microphone, which other ones I tried do. The only other one I find comparable is Kaplan, but I use the non-whistling E string (not a set) to sub in for Helicore sometimes. (Helicore E-strings used to give me more feedback in the mike but they don't now.)

I can't wait to try both new sets of Kaplan,amo-vivo!!About g string tension does not bother me as now I have obligato g on my violin..before I had PI Thomastic..also quite heavy the tension...But is not always the tension isn't it?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

popi toto I think the tension in the G is very important. I always got for high or extra high. I find you dont have to work quite so hard. They do have higher tension strings, but they will be available soon.

@popitoto

9 жыл бұрын

Yes,because the bridge is very low to g string. Thanks for the video

Which violin strings give off a deep sound. I'm looking for a G String that sounds deep. Same for an E string I don't want something too bright or high pitched. A and D that compliment each other. what would you recommend??

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

7 жыл бұрын

Totally depends on your violin, but you could try a Pirastro Passione in high or extra high tension for the G and a gut on the E if you dont want anything bright. Having said that, the Passione sounds rich and deep on my violin, but may sound bright on yours. Its all down to what your violin is like, then once you know that, you can then plan and counter that or work with it, with strings.

@richardivory606

7 жыл бұрын

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Thank you. As far as I can tell it is a bright sounding violin. So something like passione would be good for the G??

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

7 жыл бұрын

Honestly, I have no idea and you wont know until you try. Passiones are deep, but I have absolutely no idea what that will actually be like on your violin. Half of it is a guessing game and trial and error until you get what you like. Sorry I cant give you more than that, but even I dont know what im going to get until I buy them and have a go.

Hello Alison :-) thank you so much for shedding some light concerning the D'Addario strings! I just purchased my first set (Prelude) to keep in case any of the strings that came with my electric Cecilio snapped. But I have a question, I purchased my violin last christmas and never had the strings replaced, but recently I noticed (while cleaning them after each practice) that a couple of them have some kind of abrasion, I mean, small dents along the ''playable'' part of them (if that makes sense) and I wonder if this might be ruining my bow's hair. Should I change the strings immediatly? Sorry for the long text :-)

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

lomoleolomo Only if you see/feel definite cuts and frays and the string unwinding. You may have a faulty string, in which case return it to to the shop maybe?

@lomoleolomo

9 жыл бұрын

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor thanks for the quick answer :) the thing is, it does feel almost like the strings (mostly G) have been corroded. I bought it from Amazon, I could try writing an email to Cecilio explaining the situation, but since it's been almost 7 months, don't know if I'll even get a reply hehe but thank you so much for your help :)

Watching this 6 years later and realising the price of strings has gone up another £20 since then!!!

My violin is loud, but mellow, would the Vivo's be a good fit? Looking to brighten it up and make it a bit more lively.

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

7 жыл бұрын

Possibly, but at the end of day it's trial and error. Vivos will sound different on mine than yours.

you said that zyex has a bright sound while when i went to buy it online it said that it has a rich warm sound and its warmer than any synthetic core string

i just bought a zyex c string for my viola. i have evah pirazzis for my other strings. I kinda thought the c string was a little muddy for the pirazzis. would the zyex go well with the pirazzi?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

Marc Freedman I dont know to be honest - it totally depends on your violin and what tones it does or does not bring out. Its all trial and error. I do not get on well with Evahs, but thats just my violin. They also go false/off quite quickly also - 3 months or so! The Zyex are great strings and were very surprising as I didnt think I was going to like them, but i do. Im not sure however, you would mix them with Evahs as they are both at different ends of the spectrum, but having said all that, it does really depend on your violin, which strings you have them on and what flavours and tones you want to suppress or bring out etc. Try them and let me know..... :)

@marcfreedman1365

9 жыл бұрын

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor The string came, i put it on my viola. I like it, it sounds a little more powerful but a little less smooth compared to my Evahs, and it would choke once i got past 3rd position. I put my Evah C string back on, but maybe next time ill try a set at a lower tension. Im also not very worried about my strings going soon, I only play 5/7 hrs a week. Thanks for the advice though!

Hello! In another video you also recommended Pirastro Tonica strings, which one would you recommend between Tonica or ProArte?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

8 жыл бұрын

+D. Løan Difficuly to answer as i cant compare the two - i made these videos a long long time ago, but I wold say they are comparable. It totally depends on your violin, so what sounds good on mine, wont on yours as each string beings out something different in each violin. They are on a similar level though, so pick one and try them, then buy the other set months later and try those. Thats the only way to really know the answer.....

Thank you for answer, i might try to change only A string less brighter.

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

8 жыл бұрын

Yes - play around with the strings. I mix and match all the time and I NEVER buy and use full sets of one brand/make. At the mo, I have an Passione extra high tension on the G, D & A have silver Obligatos and on the E I have a Gold Label. They are all Pirastro strings, but different 'models' if you will within that brand.

I only had d'addario strings for my guitar and i love them.. expecialy the pro arte one are strings that do not just break, you have to destroy them.. I will definitly try them out on my violin i just came out whit 4 days ago =D thank you for your rewiev.. i really appreciated it

I use Zyex on the Viola, the depth of tone of my Viola keeps the brightness of Zyex under control.

Do the D'Addario Preludes come with a replaceable ball end?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

7 жыл бұрын

As far as I know, no strings come with replaceable ball ends.

Hello and how are yah. I recently purchased a Mendini MV400. It looks good, nice feel, a bit heavier than the violin I was using but I'm very satisfied at the moment. It came with the extra Cecilio strings set and I was wondering if the strings that are on the violin are by Cecilio and if they are, should I keep them there? I want to buy better strings to pimp up my cheap violin and I don't know if I'm better off just leaving the ones that are already there. Thank you for your tremendously helpful videos!

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

***** Some are in the lower end, but most actually have D'Addario Preludes on them, in which case they are fine to stay, or change if you want/have the money.

Which brand of strings or combination of strings would you recommend to suit the tone of the Stentor 2? Should I just purchase a full set of Dominant strings? I bought the Stentor 2 and wolf shoulder rest as recommended and I am really happy with them. I also want to purchase a new bridge, so which one would you recommend? Thanks

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

Row N You dont need a new bridge and I personally wouldnt go down that rabbit hole. You cant just 'buy' a bridge and pop it it, it then has to be sanded to the violin. All bridges are not the same size/height etc etc. That will cost you more than its worth. The S2 bridge is perfectly fine. As for strings, I have a full set of Doms on mine (i have an S2 personally that i use on occasion) and its fine. Anything else more expensive is a waste as the violin wont respond to it. Just get a set of Doms and you are good to go :))

I bought used czech Cremona violin and sound is very bright. I have tried Prelude and Pirastro Tonica (atleast A could be darker) these D'Addario Zyex are advertised for bright sounding violin (i don't want to buy expensive strings), what is your opinion?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

8 жыл бұрын

I have no idea what those strings would sound like on that violin, unless I tried it. There is no way of knowing what strings will sound like on each violin, but, it is possible to sort of 'predict' the outcome. For example if you wanted a darker, richer and warmer sound, go for gut not steel/metal strings which tend to be brighter. If you have a bright loud violin, you might want to mute it down or soften it a little and therefore again, gut might be an option. Which gut strings, would then be up to you to research each brand etc and see what they offer.

Hi Alison, I'm interested in the Kaplan Amo and Vivo; what did you not like about the Vivo vs the Amo?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

Aditya Chander My violin has a very particular sound to it, so whilst they didnt suit me as such i could still see/hear the tone coming through. They just sounded a little 'muted' but i actually swapped them with one of my more advanced students who had them on her violin and they were beautiful! We both tried the vivos anc amos and swapped over as i wanted a true test and to also get an opinion i could trust. Both sounded wonderful on hers but the amos were softer and therefore suited my violin better than the vivos.

@Aditya.Chander

9 жыл бұрын

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Ah ok, thanks for the detailed reply! My violin has, thankfully and annoyingly, responded well to pretty much every string I have tried on it (thankfully for obvious reasons; annoyingly because it means I can't come to a decision about what I want!) I am awaiting trial sets of both from D'Addario. It'll be interesting to see which one gives a brighter sound, as my violin has mellowed out considerably since I bought it last year, and I'm keen to emphasise the brighter side of it rather than making it too mellow.

I just ordered D'darrio ProArte string from a shop, i heard that it is more quieter and that is exactly what i needed for my student quality violin because i tried placing a set of Tonicas strings and it sounded like a screaming dolphin; too loud!! Btw Alison i have a question; so along with the new strings, i also ordered a carbon fiber bow costing me $190 SGD. It is more expensive than my $170 SGD student violin. Do you think it's going to work? I'm a little worried :/

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

FutureXXD It will work, but not being to test it out myself I dont really know. I have no idea what the bow is like or your violin so I couldnt say im afraid. Test it out when you get it and just see if you like it :) sorry i cant help more.

@FutureXXD

9 жыл бұрын

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Ah thanks for the feedback. One more problem; the shop owner called me saying that the ProArte strings are out of stock and that they forgot to update it on their website T__T . My violin is really bright sounding, so i really need advice on a mellower sounding strings so that "it" won't scream at me lol. What brand will suit my situation?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

FutureXXD anything with a gut core will take down brightness but you have to be careful as they can 'mute' the sound somewhat. other than that, its hard for me to suggest as I could recommend over 50 sets for you. All you can do is go by my reviews and choose what you think. If i played your violin I could tell you, but as i cant, it makes it all the more harder to actually suggest without leading up the garden path so to speak.

@FutureXXD

9 жыл бұрын

Ok, thank you :)

Have you tried the tomastik superflexible violin strings ? They are steel strings and I am thinking of switching to synthetic strings which I've heard sound a lot better than steel...i like the brilliance of steel strings and would like to try the zyex...whats your opinion

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

5 жыл бұрын

I have not tried the tomastiks and wouldn't bother personally, as i know they will not suit my antique violin. My violin is sweet sounding and steel strings completely trash the sound. It would depend on your violin, but its still trial and error at the end of the day. I have tried the Zyex and I like them as strings, but again, I wouldnt have them on my violin as it makes it sound 'ugly'. You would simply have to try them to know.

@armandohuizar5440

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the reply

Hi, I just bought a set of Prelude strings and immediately my A string snapped while tuning (carefully), and my E string died as well just after a couple of strums before touching up a tuning. Both done very carefully, and they are no longer working. Is this normal for Prelude, I feel like I somehow got a bum pack. Is it common for new strings to snap so easily, or is this some freak pack. (FYI, I was tuning my violin from amazon with the factory strings with no problems, it wasn't until I was working with the Prelude strings that I had this problem.) Can you help me deduce what is up with this?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

5 жыл бұрын

You would be best to contact D’Addadio to solve this directly as I don’t have anything to do with them I’m afraid.

@faded1113

5 жыл бұрын

How strange. About a year ago, I replaced my A string with a Prelude, and it still hasn't snapped. It was bought from Amazon, and it works well. Someone in my orchestra also took my Prelude E string because he needed an extra string, and I would have heard about it if it snapped. You might have just gotten a dud pack, yeah.

Hi Ms. Sparrow, would you say dominants are better than d'addario prelude? I have a Stentor II. Thank you.

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

7 жыл бұрын

on a SII, I dont think it will make any difference.

@umerraja2655

7 жыл бұрын

That's what I thought. Thanks for the quick response.

i have a bright violin . Do you think which is better for my violin the kaplan amo or zyex strings ?

@yahyaayman6151

8 жыл бұрын

also there is a difference in cost

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

8 жыл бұрын

Difficult to say what the outcme is going to be as i would have no idea myself unless i tried it. All yu can do is work out what sound/tone your violin has, then what you want to bring out or supress, then choose a string accordingly. Steel will be bright, gut will be warm, nylon muted etc.

@joshuamoreno3470

8 жыл бұрын

Go with the Pro Arte PLEASE. Pro Arte just work better on bright violins. Zyex are a bright string. Pro Arte are a Warm string.

Fantastic demonstration!!! Eddie Hodges/ Philadelphia, PA USA

I wonder If those two Kaplan strings you mentioned & liked came from the Kaplan String Works on Long Island. I used to visit my grandfather in Rowayton,CT as a kid & actually watched him at work making violins & chellos. I still remember the catgut factory in the back yard run by his son Otto where the strings were separately made at that time. I myself went the way of the keyboard but my daughter insisted at a young age of playing a string instrument & became quite good on the viola. Check out my latest, Prelude No. 7 & many others.

Prelude are steel. I like steel because they seem less thick under my finger. But not sure if it's the right string if I want to sound classical. Thoughts?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

2 жыл бұрын

You have to try them and see. Absolutely impossible for me to say as I have no idea what your violin is or what it sounds like or what it sounds like when you play it - or what your bow is etc. Too many factors at play. Just try and see.

@DivaDeb1234

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor I do ! But it's hard to know. Sometimes I don't trust my ear because my lack of knowledge stands in the way

@DivaDeb1234

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Since prelude is student grade string I think I will pass on them. I am not good enough to be totally professional but I play solo sometimes so I want to sound as good as possible. Many like the Hill E string. I got it and not crazy about it. Gold in any string I usually like better.

Dear, I searched but youtube has no video which compares nylon/gut strings with steel side by side; as some people have compared on guitar comparing the sound. Plz make 15min vid of doing that coz i never tried nylon strings. Which strings does pro use like Perlman, SaraChang on their strad in the videos or recordings? do they use both in the best violins or only nylon?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

7 жыл бұрын

I tried to do that in the past, but the microphone does not pick up the differences. It is also pointless because what sound you hear from those strings on my violin will totally differ on yours as it depends on each violin. Its why there are no videos of this out there as its pointless. The only way to know is to buy and try them. Sorry, I know thats not what you want to hear, but its just something you have to do. You can compare guitars to violins or guitar strings to violin strings as they are totally different instruments.

@OneStepToday

7 жыл бұрын

ok; anyways if u get a violin with nylon strings plz make a video to show a demo of it; I will see. And do the professionals use only nylon strings for recording?

@OneStepToday

7 жыл бұрын

What does the high or medium tension mean exactly?

@vanezcha

7 жыл бұрын

So far i know, perlman used dominants gda and goldbrokat e.

Thank you so much for making these videos, i don't have a violin but i hoping to win one! Your videos have taught me so much! I made a channel just so i could subscribe! Do you play viola? Just curious. :)

Why are there racquetball strings in the shopping links? :)

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

5 жыл бұрын

I dont know!

I Almost always use Helicores on modern fiddles. Ideal for traditional folk music, very stable indoors or out and keep their tone for ages.

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

5 жыл бұрын

I find Helicores too loud, harsh and brash for violins. Those strings are generally reserved for Electric violins. There are better and more appropriate strings for modern violins; to counter the harshness of the modern tone.

@duncanandrew3307

5 жыл бұрын

Most folk music is not performed in acoustically balanced concert halls. It's horses for courses, I think.

Can you explain what the different tensions mean?

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly that - the tension. Soft tension means for you as the player, you will have to work harder with the fingers and also the bow. I would always go for medium unless you are a pro and want to experiment with different techniques and tones etc.

@qltygrl3187

5 жыл бұрын

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor thank you!!

I bought zyex too

I dont like the preludes on my violin(the stentor II) they sound hollow and metallic

If you didn't know, Lindsey Stirling uses zyex strings!

Love all your videos...thanks a ton.....a small suggestion....please use an external microphone....the inbuilt mic doesnt do a great job. Thanks again

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

5 жыл бұрын

I agree, but this video is over 4 years old now. Im no longer the equipment I used then as it was poor.

@camcordertv

5 жыл бұрын

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thank you...you are the best 🙂

8:40 for zyex

recently i got the Zyex strings for my cecilio and they make my ev cecilio sound awesome, before i had preludes and was used to the metallic sound but always messed with my effects trying to improve it. with Zyex i dont even use effects anymore, and it sounds awesome....also got the Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow which helps with the sound over the cecilio bow....great video! i almost got the helicores, maybe i'll give them a shot

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

Carnell Lindsay you should deffo try the Helicores. I have had them on all my electric violins and they sound awesome! I even just literally bought a Bridge Dragon electric violin and ripped off the Dominants the day I got it and replaced them with a fresh set of Hellicores.

Helicore is quite good for viola

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

WeAreEnglishCubers thanks for informing us. I dont play the viola but i know some folks do so thats helpful to know - thanks :))

@WeAreEnglishCubers

9 жыл бұрын

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor No problem, my desk partner swears by them.

I have Daddarios pro arte i think on a cecilio (tinny thing it is) and really didnt think much of them cept for the price eh they felt like nothing special oh but i tried Obligatos on my 1693 Harrison and im just nevah! Sword in hand nevah! going back. Cept these Evahs are like a little hand on a hip going " big boy try me sometime." And im not even that tall hey but for me Obligatos all the way luv maybe with a pirastro gold e which i already have tried which is nicer than the obligato e. Ok Ive said my piece. Nice vid by the way and you look lovely as usual dear.

Hello Alison, I've been looking over your review videos for the Cecilio/Mendini violins. I am a beginners beginner and on a budget, looking for a decent violin for a decent price. I wanted to ask you if you know whether or not the Cecilio CVN-EAV+SR is actually a Cecilio violin. I've called the company but they have yet to respond. This violin does say by Cecilio so.. I want to believe that it is. Also, as far as I can tell, it doesn't look as though the Cecilio violins come with D'Addario strings anymore, which is a bit of a disappointment. Anyway, your help would be much appreciated. Thank you. Love your videos by the way (: This is the ad on amazon- www.amazon.com/Cecilio-4CVN-EAV-SR-Violin-Varnish-Antique/dp/B00HJGIIO8/ref=sr_1_52?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1411945743&sr=1-52

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

brii lee hmmm, i might stay away. I dont recognise it and as you may know, I have the entire lot (well not as many now as Im giving them away as prizes each month) but i dont recognise this as all the CVNs are lighter. The description is strange and I dont understand what it means and odd they didnt include a number. I dont recognise it if im honest. Whats you absolute maximum budget and I will recommend one for you?

@briilee9097

9 жыл бұрын

How kind of you Alison. One thing I noticed and appreciated about many of your other videos is that you do take the time to give attention to your viewers rather than letting their questions fall on deaf ears. Anyway, sad to say but my maximum budget before shipping and tax would have to be $115-120 since as I've researched and you've said, most of the time you'll have to buy new strings anyway and other such accessories. Plus once you ad shipping and tax in there it can become quite pricey. And, as I said I'm a beginners beginner and just looking for a way to give it a go. Thank you for your time.

@TheOnlineViolinTutor

9 жыл бұрын

brii lee well you have 2 options: 1) buy a really cheap one like the MV300 for $65 ish just to give it a go, or 2) spend a little more, but buy better strings which will take you to the high end of your budget. If you go for option 1, then it will save you money, but it will be poorer quality and possibly a lot more frustrating. Its also not really with spending extra on strings as it wont make much difference, If you go for option 2, you will spend more money, but have a better instrument to try it out on and thus will cause less frustration when learning as it will be less scratchy and more responsive, however, if you give up you will lose more money. Its up to you..... checkout the Cecilio CVN and MV range as there is a violin to suit every budget.

Alison, you're pronouncing "Helicore" wrong.

@lorraineb682

5 жыл бұрын

How? it sounds okay to me. "Hellacore" or "hellycore" is fine. From your comment, I expected her to say "heh LIH cor ee" or something