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I considered discussing this earlier in the Glasser Composite thread, but started noticing other people's comments about their "A".
Now I'm on a quest to try a different "C" string (other than the original Helicore) so I wanted to address the "A" 1st.
Upon the arrival of my new Glasser AEX (5-string ordered thru Fiddler Shop) I noticed my "A" sounded dead compared to the other strings (came outfitted with Larsens).
I didn't think too much of it at that time because I was a beginner & had read how violinists, in search of the best sound from their instrument, might include different strings, bow, etc...
Testing began 6 mos later... G,D & E were easy - Virtuoso G & D and Pirastro Gold Label E were all fabulous & I wasn't playing enough on the "C" to worry about that, yet.
EVERY "A" I tried sounded dead compared to the other strings until - 🤩 - Obligato Chrome "A". Probably should mention I have a preconceived dislike of Aluminum & I haven't found any aluminum or aluminum alloy to change my mind.
Next time to change strings, no problem, right? WRONG! New Obligato Chrome "A" sounded dead! Back to square 1! More I tried either didn't resonate like the rest of violin or didn't sound like it "belonged in the family".
Clare, at Fiddler Shop sent me a replacement Obligato Chrome "A" - it didn't resonate as well as the good one I had taken off, but still MUCH better than any other I'd tried (even dbl ck'd against the good string again).
Conclusion: Don't think there was a problem with my Glasser AEX (a great "A" had existed), but since my great "A" might have been a fluke my question is "anyone else finding inconsistencies within a brand/type string?".
Or, just freaky properties of the "A" string, period?
- Emily
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Yup, so I've heard from several fiddle buddies, A strings, in general, can be a pain.
This is what Bohdan Warchal has to say about it (and has done about it):
https://www.warchal.com/techni.....lin_a.html
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bocaholly said
Yup, so I've heard from several fiddle buddies, A strings, in general, can be a pain.This is what Bohdan Warchal has to say about it (and has done about it):
https://www.warchal.com/techni.....lin_a.html
Well, Emily talks of her C string, so I guess she's talking about the viola (rather than the cello). But perhaps a viola A string is almost identical to a violin A string. Ah, 5-string fiddle, now I get it!
I post somewhere else that each string has a different feel, and the A string was the last one I learnt to play well (by slowing my bow down and using more attack), and it's an ongoing process. The order in which my strings "came in" was EGDA.
Andrew
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bocaholly - Thank you!
I did read about Warchal's Russian A - didn't try one, yet. If I keep having consistency problems w/new Obligato Chomes, it may be next on my list.
I couldn't find info on the actual metal the Russian A's made of... but I haven't been happy with other metal core A's - too much like an E string. Ashamed to say I even forked out the $ for a Pirastro Perpetual Steel/Chrome A - just didn't sound like it belonged.
Gordon Shumway - Thanks!
I think I read your other post.
I thought maybe I was just in the habit of trying to coax the best out of my A because of learning on the string that came with my violin - which sounded very dead to me.
Sorry, should've mentioned my AEX is Glasser's least expensive Carbon Composite 5-string Violin. It IS heavy, but I'm in 💖 with it & the idea I can take it out anywhere (when I'm more ambulatory)! Violin body with a wider fingerboard, I think - definite challenge to coax good sound/response from the C string.
Was thinking of trying a Zyex "short scale" Viola C.
I understand my violin is supposed to sound much better when plugged in, but I haven't tried this, yet - because I was afraid I'd get spoiled & not work on good basic technique.
I don't understand if I'm asking too much to have each of my "open" strings resonate approx the same length of time. I certainly don't want "ring", "ring", "ring", "thud", then "ring"!
A "good" Obligato Chrome A sounds perfect on my violin - midway between my Virtuoso D (silver wound) and my Pirastro E (gold label) - not really leaning toward one or the other.
It just never occurred to me to have to watch for such inconsistencies... but then again, they are hand made - aren't they?
I'm trying not to go crazy here - don't want to buy/try so many strings I feel I could have spent my $ better elsewhere (like a better violin).
Appreciate all comments!
- Emily
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Very interesting Emily.
Back in the day, with my Jan Larsson violin when I played professionally, I used a steel A string to facilitate the transition from the steel E and the synthetic core D. I realize that there is still a transition from the A to the D but funny enough, it wasn't as noticeable and since A strings seem to be that much duller, I guess because of their pitch with reference to the core, they might need that extra solid core.
I don't even know if we have them in stock (funny enough) but I used a Gold label E, Piranito A, and synthetic core D and G (the brand differed from year to year). I have more knowledge about strings today and might have chosen a Westminster E, or Goldbrokat, and probably PI100 D and G.
As for your C string, your guess is as good as mine but the zyex idea sounds great. If C is the weakest string, perhaps helicore.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Since Fiddlerman's post, I've found others that prefer a steel A string.
Got to thinking about everything I've learned since this thread started FIVE YEARS AGO (time flies)!
I still find the A string to be my most troublesome string & still don't like that my fingers can turn black from Aluminum (hate the smell, too). If I wear a white practice glove, it will show the black marks... but I have no clue if some of that isn't from the other strings that aren't Aluminum wound. Not everyone has a reaction to it, though - but I also don't think that metal's qualities help the sound I'm looking for in an A string.
I'm just going to dump some food for thought here.
I think many fiddlers have issues with their A string not sounding/responding as well as the other strings, but I found sometimes a bridge or soundpost adjustment can help.
I dislike aluminum, but I don't usually care for a steel core. Btw, I've read that steel-core strings are typically higher in tension than synthetic-core strings.
Viola 'Short Scale' A strings ARE a good option to try on Violin.
From what I've researched 'synthetic-core' string length IS important for 'bowed' instruments - 'steel-core', possibly not so much. I've read if you decrease string vibrating length, you must decrease the tension for the correct pitch.
Before looking at Viola strings...
Thomastik Precision Violin A - chrome wound on a steel core.
Thomastik Dominant Pro Violin A - option of chrome wound on a steel core.
Thomastik Rondo Violin A - option of chrome wound on a steel core.
Are ALL these Thomastik chrome/steel A's the same? (Probably)
Pirastro Perpetual Violin A - option of chrome wound on a steel core.
Pirastro Obligato Violin A - offers chrome wound, but over a synthetic core. When I found a good one, it was fabulous, but many times they weren't (for me).
Thomastik Vision Violin A - option of chrome wound, but over a synthetic core.
Keep in mind fiddles usually have a back length of 14" (35.6cm) when looking at Viola strings for Violin...
Larsen 'Aurora' VIOLA A - fractional lengths available, stainless steel wound on a carbon steel core.
Thomastik 'Alphayue' VIOLA A - fractional lengths available, chrome wound on a carbon steel core.
If aluminum is the only issue...
D'Addario Zyex VIOLA A - short scale available, chrome wound, but over a synthetic core. These worked good, just didn't last as long as I'd like.
D'Addario Ascenté VIOLA A - short scale available, used to have an option of chrome wound (note sure of that core).
I've read that 'soloist' strings (strings made for soloists) are made slightly lighter in tension, because it's expected for soloists to tune up higher.
Also read about Violists extending the nut length with a 'T' Nut, which I believe has to do with the shape of the peg box - but I imagine some fiddlers with larger hands would benefit from a longer nut, too. I also believe by doing that, it shortens the vibrating string length - effects tension. The increased tension might feel great, or not noticeable (idk), but 'soloist' strings might help.
...I've been 'okay' with Rondos, but was surprised to read their 'med tension' is still higher than most (I haven't confirmed it). I still wouldn't mind experimenting with some of the A strings I mentioned, but haven't tried.
String Tension Guide (ViolinStringReview)
Experimenting for a stronger A string Thread (includes links to a few more related threads)
Strings... $$$... OUCH! Thread
String tension?? Why would I prefer light or medium or heavy? Thread
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Well, this is ancient history. On my French violin most E strings are sweet, so transition isn't necessary. I went from a Vision A, which wasn't powerful enough to a Prim A, which I lost control of in loud passages (plus in the region of my B there might be a wolf note), to a Vision Solo A, which I'm using now. And I have tried Warchals, which were horribly harsh. The trouble is we are all changing strings before our technique has fully developed. It's like science with more than one changing variable.
Andrew
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@ELCBK I've not had this experience with A strings. I do notice that when my strings are getting too old, I notice it on the A string first--starts to sound dull.
Jargar Superior has a chromesteel wound A. I used to use the regular Jargar E paired with Obligatos on my other violin – had tried the superior Jargar E, but liked the reg Jargar E better. I liked the superior set ok; just found other ones that I liked better.
You have Perpetuals on your list – I really like the Perpetual Cadenzas, including the A, but you’ve indicated you don’t like Aluminum.
Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
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@SharonC -
Thanks!
I forgot to mention I had tried the Perpetual 'A' a few years back on Mortimer, probably before I even got my viola, but found it TOO strong... geez, feel like Goldilocks trying to pick one!
Btw, one reason I haven't pursued more non-aluminum winding with steel core 'A' strings - is because type of winding & core has a direct correlation with the string diameter... With more than 4 fiddle strings and the shape of my bridges, the 'A' string diameter can make a huge difference (for me), whether or not I can play it cleanly - without touching the neighboring strings. I find the strings with aluminum winding over a synthetic core to be a wider diameter - so, to my playing advantage, but I still want more ringing from a string.
I have seriously thought about having another bridge made... maybe if I can get back to moving around better I can experiment.
...seen & read enough to wonder if some different shaping in other areas of my bridge might solve my non-ringing dilemma, but been trying to avoid the temptation of this rabbit hole.
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ELCBK said
@SharonC -
Thanks!
I forgot to mention I had tried the Perpetual 'A' a few years back on Mortimer, probably before I even got my viola, but found it TOO strong... geez, feel like Goldilocks trying to pick one!
Perpetual & Perpetual Cadenza are two different ones (it's confusing, because the packaging is almost the same). Cadenzas are a little warmer, a little less strong - supposedly--I've not tried regular Perpetuals.
ELCBK said
Btw, one reason I haven't pursued more non-aluminum winding with steel core 'A' strings - is because type of winding & core has a direct correlation with the string diameter... With more than 4 fiddle strings and the shape of my bridges, the 'A' string diameter can make a huge difference (for me), whether or not I can play it cleanly - without touching the neighboring strings. I find the strings with aluminum winding over a synthetic core to be a wider diameter - so, to my playing advantage, but I still want more ringing from a string.
If only someone would make customized strings! Made to order!
Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
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