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Howdy
I am going to be getting new strings soon and would like some ideas of what brands/type to go after.
I want my strings to have a bright, striking sound if it's possible. I don't like the sound of the softer, darker tones, especially on the G. I find the lower the notes played on those strings the more wispy the sound becomes, and I would prefer the sound remain just as powerful from C8 to G3 :P.
Thank you for any advice!
I can't read music, but I understand it perfectly.
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the metal core strings tend to sound that way... the synthetic core strings like Zyex are the softer but more tonal strings.
The Preludes on my other violin are just as you describe... bright and striking, but I feel they tend to sound more "cheap" but a bluegaass fiddle has that sound and I love it. I guess it all depends on the type of music you intend to play.
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
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Pirastro Evah Pirazzis are bright, although a bit on the expensive side. They react well to forceful playing.
Pirastro Obligatos are loud and bright too, and a little bit cheaper. They too, are able to be bashed.
Of course it depends on your fiddle, but all I can say is that I've used both brands before, and I'd recommend them. 
Jim
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Worldfiddler: What strings are you using in the songs The Tornado and Jimmy and the Swordfish. I really like the sounds of those.
I can't read music, but I understand it perfectly.
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There you go, best way to pick strings hehe! 
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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NoirVelours said
There you go, best way to pick strings hehe!
Oh, if only it were that simple
I am amazed at how old people of my age are.....
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Dahrem, I'm using Pirastro Obligatos on The Tornado and Sammy the Swordfish.
Jim
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Worldfiddler said
Dahrem, I'm using Pirastro Obligatos on The Tornado and Sammy the Swordfish.Jim
Gyah! Those cost more than my violin outfit
Is there something similar to that tonal quality in the $50 range.
I can't read music, but I understand it perfectly.
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This is what you will often find in old violin cases when it's steel: Black Diamond
http://www.blackdiamondstrings.....iolin.html
A cheaper (in price) alternative is Prim who seem to be like a lot for folk music or Super Sensitive:red label.
That's what I readings and research came up with but I did not experienced them myself.
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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I've used Evah Pirazzis and Obligatos extensively and can assure you that the Zyex are at least as powerful and bright as the those strings. All three sets that we are discussing here are synthetic core strings and I agree with Jim about both Evah and Obligato being great strings though you need to understand that strings are a small part of how your violin sounds. The bigger part is the violin, construction, wood density, thickness, sound-post, bridge and varnish...... Adjustment...... Many factors. Don't expect great strings to all of a sudden make your violin sound like someone else's that you like the sound of.
That being said, sounds to me like you need steel core to suit your desires and there are probably no better strings than the Helicore, which have a steel stranded core.
If you have cheap strings on your violin now you will notice a huge difference when you change to any of the above strings.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Have read many on-line reviews but wonder about your assessment of Obligato vs. Zyex ? How's the low end ? Tone.
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Zyex are warmer and have a richer sound but he is looking for that good old timer fiddling sound.
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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Oliver said
Have read many on-line reviews but wonder about your assessment of Obligato vs. Zyex ? How's the low end ? Tone.
Fantastic. Much better than Obligato and Evah on my fiddle.
NoirVelours said
Zyex are warmer and have a richer sound but he is looking for that good old timer fiddling sound.
I realize that and this is why I recommend the Helicore which are the best steel core strings that I know of.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
RE: Helicores
There may be a "sleeper" out there. Black Diamond 7207. I put these on after Helicores and I was very impressed but no one seems to know them. Great sound but not a classical string. Hard to tell the difference.
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I know of Black Diamond but for me no comparison to Helicore. Remember though that different violins need different strings.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Just found this.
Hahaha. I think I will go with the Zyex. That's actually a great sound, and they are clearly quite versatile.
I can't read music, but I understand it perfectly.
After one exceeds the 10,000 hour bench mark, everything sounds good !
(However, I did just place an order with FM for Zyex.
Now I'll have the strings but a similar violin will have to wait)
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I just replaced my daughter's beginner steel strings with a zyex set. Of course we were moving from steel core to synthetic, so I was expecting a noticeable difference. But the sound on her little student instrument is so much warmer, and there is better projection. We're both really pleased with them.
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This forum use Zyex! 
Though I'm not sure I'm happy with how the E sounds.
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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