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String Question
Ball or loop question
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November 1, 2013 - 12:44 am

I went back to the violin shop where I had my fiddle fixed and got a spare set of the same strings they put on (Dominant), but I've been shopping Fiddlershop for other strings to have a few sets and E's as spares. Here's the question? Some of the strings have an option for ball or loop and others do not, some say ball or loop? How can I tell what I'm getting? I have ball strings on all four with fine tuners on all strings as well. Which is more common? Can you switch back and forth or is it a function of how the string attaches to the tail piece / fine tuner? 

I have on my wish list the following:

D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set Medium Tension

Pro-Arte String Set

Dominant set that says with E Ball

And how do you know what tension you need or want? Is it personal preference or does it have something to do with the violin itself. 

Thanks for the help

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Guests
November 1, 2013 - 1:20 am

From what I've seen, and those with more experience may correct me, it really only applies to the E string.  All the others should be "ball" end strings.  The important difference is how the string attaches to your tailpiece.  If you have a tailpiece with "built in" tuners, then you NEED ball end (as far as I know).  If you have the external, removable type tuners, then "loop" end strings are ok. 

I can tell you that the Preludes and the Pro-Artes are "ball" end strings.  I've used them both. 

The other thing you have to look at is what kind of "core" the strings have.  Your Dominants have a synthetic core, as to the Pro-Artes.  The Preludes are a steel-core string.  The steel-cores tend to have a slightly more "metallic" sound to them (my opinion).  The most important thing about strings though, is how they sound on YOUR instrument, and whether or not YOU like the sound.  Every instrument is different, everyone's tastes are different. 

I believe you will see primarily steel core on "beginner" instruments (because the strings tend to be cheaper), and probably on some bluegrass fiddles.  Again, it's all about user preference.  Watch @Fiddlerman's video on steel vs. synthetic.  It's informative and helpful! I did a video as well, but the sound is not really good enough to hear the difference I don't think. 

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
November 1, 2013 - 10:32 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16537

Correct. :-)
Depends entirely on your tailpiece and setup.
If you are not sure, always get a ball end. Now a days most ball end E strings (including Dominant) are made so that the ball can be fairly easily removed. Usually if you can't get it off with your fingers a tweezers will make it super easy.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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HDuaneaz
Chandler, Arizona

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November 1, 2013 - 1:15 pm
Member Since: February 27, 2013
Forum Posts: 239
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I like the Zyex strings that I just bought. I am going to order a d-string because my d sounds dead between the g and a Zyex strings.

Duane

 

"Violin is one of the joys of my life."

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johnnyblaze
Rhode Island

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November 1, 2013 - 6:05 pm
Member Since: September 13, 2013
Forum Posts: 65
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I used to have cheap strings but i tried a few and i have had Dominant ever since..

 

I should try a different kind this thread reminds me..Thanks

 

Blaze

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November 1, 2013 - 9:48 pm

Thanks for the help. What about the tension ratings - medium, heavy etc?

 

As for steel core versus synthetic core on my wish list, I was looking to experiment a little to see what I like. I just didn't want to get the wrong end type and frustrate myself. I'm still figuring this stuff out and my only friend that plays cello now lives in Buenos Aires so everyone here is my go to source for questions. 

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
November 2, 2013 - 2:14 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16537

Medium is best on 99% of all violins.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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November 2, 2013 - 3:25 pm

Fiddlerman said
Medium is best on 99% of all violins.

Thanks. Now I have the info I need to place another order.

BTW - LOVIN' the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Bow I got. Big improvement over the cheapie student one...violin_girl

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johnnyblaze
Rhode Island

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November 2, 2013 - 6:24 pm
Member Since: September 13, 2013
Forum Posts: 65
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Yes medium tension is what i always get..

 

I also have a Carbon Fiber bow that seemed to help me play much better..

I got before i discovered Fiddlerman..

 

But now i will be all my items at the Fiddlerman shop..

 

Blaze

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
November 4, 2013 - 10:14 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16537
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Thanks guys. :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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