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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

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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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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