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So I am frustrated with the sound of my violin. It had Fiddlerman strings when I purchased it, so I upgraded to Warchal Ametyst, and decided I didn't like them, I then switched back to Fiddlerman. I love my G and D strings, but I'm not sure what it is about the A string that bothers me so much. The G and D are a lovely deep dark sound, but the A just stands out, and I really can't describe why. It not "tinny" but maybe "harsh" in comparison? I really don't want to just purchase string sets but I'm not sure where to even go next. I like a warm, richer sound, so I'm not wanting Jagar Evoke or anything too bright. My violin was a clearance instrument, it was a model from one of their suppliers that they didn't use. Unlabeled. Gorgeous flame though.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
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My online shop sells strings individually, so, assuming Fiddlershop does, stick with the Fiddlerman G and D and just experiment with different A strings.
Here's Fiddlerman's chart https://fiddlershop.com/pages/.....comparison
The SW quadrant tends to be gut strings, so stay west for the warm nylon.
Zyex is nice and warm, but is that the one that is no longer on there? Or Tonica might be a good bet. You can filter A strings on the Fiddlerman website: - Fiddlershop violin A strings Yes, Pierre still has Zyex.
Andrew
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Gordon Shumway is right. Fiddlershop does sell strings individually. It is a matter of testing. What works for one, won't for so someone else. Instruments are different, even the same brand and model, bows and bow hair, rosin, bowing technique, sound post placement, etc. Also, what one person considers warm, anther might still consider bright.
Experiment. Maybe, keep notes about each string for future reference. Advice and thoughts from others is a good source and Fiddlerman's chart is really helpful. It has been pretty much on target when I have searched for strings, again, my experience.
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Mouse said
What works for one, won't for so someone else. Instruments are different🐭
Yes, the pairing is simply about the right string for your instrument.
I wouldn't worry so much about the bow and rosin. Unless you use far too much rosin. I just spent 3 weeks without rosining my bow.
Andrew
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Good to know, Gordon.
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@Kennon I hope this helps.
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@Kennon -
You are not alone in your frustration - many folks have had problems with 'A' strings (myself included). This is why I always test potential new strings by buying/trying only the A string, first.
Watch for string sales to try new 'A' strings!
You may find something helpful in these related threads:
Experimenting for a stronger A string Thread (includes links to a few more related threads)
Strings... $$$... OUCH! Thread
Another option - is take your fiddle to a luthier & ask if they can make adjustments to your bridge & soundpost for a better sound.
A small adjustment CAN make a difference on how individual strings sound - wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen the video's in this thread:
Giving Strings a Fair Chance With Instrument Adjustments Thread
...liked Zyex, but found they don't last long.
I use a combination of brands on my fiddles - G, D & A are Rondos, but you may not like the cost.
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Thanks everyone, I have often bought individual E strings but never the A for some reason. In my school days, I had Tonicas, but never considered trying them again as an older adult. I currently use a Holstein Pernambuco bow, but have the Fiddlerman Hybrid and Carbon Fibre as well (as well as a Sandalwood). I didn't realize how much I hated the A string until I upgraded to the Pernambuco bow.
I'll play around with A's and see what I can come up with. Unfortunately no Luthier's anywhere remotely close (the closest is 2 hours away).
Regulars
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I've experimented a little bit with A strings.
My French violin is very dark and warm and it came supplied, in theory, with Dominants, but in fact the A string was a Dominant Light. I don't know if that was because my luthier was short-sighted, or if he thought it suited the violin better.
After a few sets of dominants, which I grew to dislike, one set's A string snapped shortly after I put it on, so I decided it was time to look for something better. I eventually* found Visions, but didn't like their A string - it seemed weak, and the Vision Solo A string was recommended. So I then tried a set of Vision Solos, but felt that I preferred Vision G and D.
So I switched to Vision G and D with a Prim A (because Oistrakh used a Prim A with Dominants). My current feeling is I'm no longer so sure I prefer Vision G and D to Vision Solos, and I have a spare set of Vision Solos, including the A, which I will consequently be retrying in 6 months' time. I feel that this year I will reach the end of my quest**.
I expect to end up with either Vision G and D and Prim A or Vision Solos throughout or Vision Solo G and D and Prim A.
*I have also tried brighter strings and hated them. So don't go overboard with the string chart - keep it subtle! My teacher has a nice Italian violin on loan, and she uses Vision Solos with a cheap E.
The problem with experimenting with gear is, our bowing technique and tone-production are developing for the first 5 or 6 years of playing, so there are too many variables for any changes to be scientific. Quickly find a basic instrument-string match (bright violin+warm strings/warm violin+ bright strings), then stick with it and practise and don't change equipment again until your playing is fully developed, otherwise you will always be unhappy.
I'm not sure what it is about the A string that bothers me so much
We can't really help you - it may be bowing technique. If it's any consolation, I can get a pretty harsh B out of mine and a C of dubious intonation, unless I'm very careful. They could almost be wolf tones, except that I can eliminate them with care. But that happens to the best - there's a Nicola Benedetti video where she demonstrates her strad's two wolf notes - she just has to compensate when bowing them.
**I hope I reach the end of my quest, as I've bought a viola-shaped-object, and I don't want to go through a double rigmarole with that as well!
Andrew
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Incidentally, Kennon, it occurs to me that G and D strings are usually silver-wound for weight, and A strings are aluminium-wound for lighter weight. In theory there should be no difference in tone quality (although silver flutes sound better than nickel ones, so maybe...), and if you find there is, there's no shame in supposing that's the reason (doesn't matter if it's a good or bad supposition) and objecting to the G and D manufacturer's A string and looking for better.
Andrew
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Gordon Shumway said
I feel that this year I will reach the end of my quest**.I expect to end up with either Vision G and D and Prim A or Vision Solos throughout or Vision Solo G and D and Prim A.
Although of course there are Vision Titanium Orchestras and Vision Titanium Solos to check out too!
"Why do you say Aluminium and not Aluminum?"
"Why don't you say Titanum or Radum or Strontum?"
Andrew
Verified human - the ignominy!
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