I tried two weeks ago to order the Amber set but was told they've temporarily suspended distribution of the Amber E to the U.S. and Austria because of a patent dispute with one of their competitors. So I ordered the Warchal Karneol set instead (from FM, of course). I had been using the steel core strings that came on the violin when I purchased it. I wanted to change to synthetic so I went with the Karneols. I'm so glad I did. They are much more mellow and so easy to play. They do take a little time to settle in, but that was expected. Overall, I really like them a lot. The tension on these is a lot lighter than the old ones and suddenly I can play the fourth finger with ease. And double stops seem so much easier too. And for a brief moment today, I was actually starting to get a little vibrato. I haven't been able to do that yet. Been trying like crazy, but just not getting there. So I'm going to blame it all on those crappy steel core strings. Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Me? Getting better? Bwahahahaha! The thought never crossed my mind. Seriously, though, vibrato is something I struggle with.  After watching tons of videos and trying each one's technique, I was about to give up trying. Then when I put new strings on, I was doing a bunch of different exercises and things just to get a feel for the strings and to see how different everything felt and sounded. And without even thinking about it, I was getting vibrato. But then I lost it. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the strings other than I was excited to have them! Or maybe they're my new good luck charm. LOL.