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How Long Do New Strings Take To Break In?

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FortyNothing

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February 19, 2019 - 6:06 am

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Hi folks,

I just took 3 of the fine tuners off my violin and replaced my steel D'Addario Helicore strings with a set of Fiddlerman Synthetic stings. So far they sound pretty good, but I'm wondering how long a new set of strings takes to break in and hold a somewhat steady tune. Of course I still tune every day before I play, but I'd like to play for at least an hour or two before I have to retune.

This is my first re-string, and I'm new to the world of violins, so I thought I would ask here what is a typical break in period for new strings. I know on guitars it can take a few days of playing and stretching before the strings are stable, but wasn't sure about violins.

Thanks!

AndrewH

Sacramento, California

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February 19, 2019 - 6:29 am

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My experience with all the synthetic brands I've tried has been similar: typically it takes 2-3 hours of playing for the tuning to become stable, but typically there's a metallic edge to the sound that takes longer (anywhere from 5 to 10 hours) to fully disappear. Usually the sound is acceptable for a rehearsal by the time the tuning is stable, but I wouldn't want to perform on it for a few more days.

Steel strings tend to break in faster than synthetics. My violin E and viola A strings (both typically steel even in synthetic sets) tend to be completely stable in both tuning and tone quality by the second day. I have no experience with gut strings.

Jim Dunleavy

United Kingdom

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February 19, 2019 - 8:51 am

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I would have said a few days. Once they stop stretching out of tune all the time, then another day or two to settle into their final sound.

GregW

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February 19, 2019 - 10:20 am

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Jim Dunleavy said
I would have said a few days. Once they stop stretching out of tune all the time, then another day or two to settle into their final sound.

This has been my experience with daddario zyex brand as well.