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@IntelJohnny said
Agreed 100%. My violin came with Evah Pirazzi Gold and that's what I've been using, but holy smokes - they are getting expensive up here in Canada.
My 'problem' is that I'd like to try a less expensive brand and I don't mean using DAddario Prelude (which are excellent for what they are for), but if for some reason they aren't what you like/need (and I know that's vague) you're out that money.
Anyone have any tips, how to proceed, thoughts? Or should Michael put together a video on the topic. I know I'd be watching...
If you are talking Michael from Fiddlershop, there are pretty much videos with almost all the string sets. The problem is, you are hearing through a device, different instrument, and even the same model instrument will sound differently. On top of that, the quality of the violinist makes a huge difference, too, so you cannot go video.
Even descriptions of how they sound, feel, or play is relative to that person giving the description.
It is pretty much, yo try, you like or not. Reviews are somewhat helpful, but in the end, you may not agree once you buy them.
I agree with the Evahs, but I used Greens. I used them on a cello I used to own. I am very particular about the D and A strings on the cello. Different cello, now, I use a different brand. Same cellist (me), same pieces played, but a different cello, and now use different strings.
I have a Fiddlerman violin, another brand, and one my grandfather made. Different strings on each.
I am not accomplished at any of the instruments, but I have fun. Even at this level, that string makes a huge difference.
So, I think, you might try asking if there is a string that compares with the Evah Gold, but at a lower cost. Maybe, contacting Fiddlershop and go about it that way? That is no guarantee. They may be comparable on some instruments, but not all, but it might help narrow down your search and have more success?
I hope this helps you think it all theough and come up with a substitute.
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I have heard Jagar Evoke are similar to Eva greens but much more affordable.
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I thinkmthe Evh Greens sound much different frim the Evah Gold that @IntelJohnny is asking about. At least the cello strings have a noticebke difference. Just wanted to make sure the correct Evahs are being answered about, Evah Gold.
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@Mouse I couldn't agree more! The customer service at Fiddlershop is above and beyond! Their prices are excellent as well. I know of another violin shop that offers free shipping on all orders, but their prices are MUCH higher (which is why they can offer free shipping on everything). Fiddlershop is my one stop shop!
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@IntelJohnny -
You can save money if you only try different versions of ONE string.
We had a thread quite a while back - talking about how the 'A' string can be troublesome for at least a few of us. Try a few - if you find one that you really like, keep an eye out for a sale on a set of those strings. I wouldn't judge a set by the 'E' string, though - it's just a whole other animal.
If you check the string charts (Fiddlershop String Chart) you can see strings with similar properties to what you are currently using. ...maybe try something a little different. 
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It's been a while since I've visited, but thanks to all for their input. Lots of things to think about.
When I watch a video of an orchestra or a soloist, I'm always trying to see the 'tails' of the strings to see if I can figure out what the brand is. If Mr Perlman is using one of these, one of those and two of the other, and it works for him... might it work for me (and yes I know that our violins are a little different).
Too bad my teacher is 450 km away, I'd ask her to accompany me to a local luthier. She should be able to translate my mummbling into something the people at the shop can understand.
As for the sizing chart, my violin is a 4/4, so that part is easy!
It's a long weekend here in Toronto Ontario. If you have a long weekend, have a safe one!!
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As I've mentioned in other threads, I often try to see what viola strings are being used around me in my orchestra, and sometimes if I'm not sure I just go ahead and ask. In recent years, I usually know every string set in my orchestra's viola section at any given time.
We had 13 different violists appear in the section last season (7-10 in any given concert). As of last season, the following viola string sets were in the orchestra:
- 3 Evah Pirazzi (green) based sets: 2 full sets, 1 with Larsen A
- 2 Evah Pirazzi Gold based sets: 1 full set, 1 with Larsen A
- 2 Obligato based sets: 1 full set, 1 with Spirocore C + Larsen A
- 2 Vision Solo based sets: 1 with Larsen A, 1 with Spirocore C + Larsen A
- 1 Rondo full set
- 1 Kaplan Amo full set
- 1 Dominant + Jargar A
- 1 Helicore full set
This probably isn't very different from the mix of strings in a professional orchestra's viola section.
Of course viola is not quite the same as violin, but it's also not all that different in terms of what string brands are available and how the strings sound. And of course everyone's viola is different, so the strings range all the way from the very bright (Evah Pirazzi green) to the very dark (Obligato).
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If you could see what each and every player was using you would see that they all use different strings and combinations. There is not one set of strings that suit all professional players. The strings do affect the sound but perhaps not as much as you think. I was a full time concertmaster and principle in Sweden for 20 years. I played and even led professionally in some fantastic orchestras as a sub as well, and my strings of choice changed many times.
For a great majority of years my favorite strings were Dominant. I also used Obligato for the longest time. In the beginning of my career I was using gut strings. Eudoxa, and Oliv at different times. Most of the time, I didn't use the same A and E string as the rest of the set.
I think one of the biggest mistakes we make is getting stuck on expecting the strings to solve all our tonal issues.
Other things that affect the sound are: The instrument (can go on and on about that), Soundpost position, tailpiece, bridge, and technique. With technique you need to experiment with bow speed, contact location, downwards pressure and combinations of all of those.
Students have complained about their tone with me and asked me to play their instrument at which they reply that it doesn't sound that way under their ears.
It's great to examine your equipment, technique and sound. However, it's even more important to listen to yourself with creative intent and make music, however basic that music is.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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I'm not sure what to add. If the thread is about the $$$ ranges, then I'm not convinced they are essential:- I suspect that I like Visions more than I like the more expensive Vision Solos, which I'm using at the moment. In fact I have stocked up on Prim A strings and (cheap) Optima Goldbrokat E strings, so even the Visions, should I settle on them, will be G and D only (I had Visions once before, but didn't like the A string, so I'm inspired by David Oistrakh to try Prims, lol).
Lyndon on VCom swears by Tonicas. He may have a point. I feel that I don't have the time to try Tonicas. I began on Dominants and grew to hate them, but upgraded rather than switch to Tonicas, which maybe I should have done.
If your violin is warm, choose brightish strings (you can go too bright - I found that out to my cost and disgust); if your violin is bright, choose warm strings (e.g. Zyex), but you don't need to assume more money means better sound.
I have no idea what I might have said on earlier pages, lol! And I'm not sure what I'm saying here, either.
But my violin is conspicuously warm, so your mileage may vary.
Andrew
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Fiddlerman said
If you could see what each and every player was using you would see that they all use different strings and combinations. There is not one set of strings that suit all professional players. The strings do affect the sound but perhaps not as much as you think. I was a full time concertmaster and principle in Sweden for 20 years. I played and even led professionally in some fantastic orchestras as a sub as well, and my strings of choice changed many times.For a great majority of years my favorite strings were Dominant. I also used Obligato for the longest time. In the beginning of my career I was using gut strings. Eudoxa, and Oliv at different times. Most of the time, I didn't use the same A and E string as the rest of the set.
I'd say my orchestra's viola section is a case in point, even if not professional: 13 people using 12 different string combinations as of the end of last season. (All are highly experienced players, several are full-time music teachers.)
Gordon Shumway said
I'm not sure what to add. If the thread is about the $$$ ranges, then I'm not convinced they are essential:- I suspect that I like Visions more than I like the more expensive Vision Solos, which I'm using at the moment. In fact I have stocked up on Prim A strings and (cheap) Optima Goldbrokat E strings, so even the Visions, should I settle on them, will be G and D only (I had Visions once before, but didn't like the A string, so I'm inspired by David Oistrakh to try Prims, lol).
On my viola, I've used both Vision and Vision Solo in the past, and I think I also prefer Vision. That said, my current preference, Kaplan Amo, costs less than either.
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Strabo
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color, but some are really hard on my eyes. Surprised I like the Brown/cream, too!
Jols
