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What is a colorful sounding string?
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Leaviathan

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August 11, 2019 - 9:31 am
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The Viola can sound a little dark by nature, which I like, but which string can maintain a dark. warm tone but also adds a little color and brilliance? Do strings like that exist? I want to avoid a dull tone with a lack of sustain.

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Mouse
August 11, 2019 - 12:34 pm
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I like the Obligatos on my viola. My viola sounds completely different than what you will be getting, though. It has a more full sound.

The video review of your viola has a nice warm sound. It already has a warm sound with colorful brilliant undertones. I would keep giving whatever comes on it a try. My understanding is that that viola gets shipped with the strings it came with when arriving at Fiddlershop, but I could be wrong, which is probably what was used in the video. I kind of like the dark warm brilliance of them. 

Everyone’s instruments actually sound a bit different. I think when you get your viola, find out what strings it came with. Post a description of the name of the strings, the viola, how they sound on your 16.5” viola. What you like about them, dislike about them, and what you are looking for. Given that info, anyone familiar with the strings you currently have, might have a better reference point as to what you need to achieve the sound you want.

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Leaviathan

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August 11, 2019 - 12:53 pm
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D'Addario Prelude strings come on it, in articles I've read they're good for beginners and designed for beginners, being inexpensive and all. I'll keep them on it for a while and see how the sound changes after they're broken in. I was eyeing the Zyex by D'addario, synthetic core and inexpensive.

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Mouse
August 11, 2019 - 12:59 pm
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I have the Zyex for my violin. I just  haven’t put them on yet. Bought them at Fiddlershop. I am happy with the ones currently on my violin, so I am waiting until they fizzle. I am really looking forward to trying those Zyex. I love the Fiddlerman ones, also. I have two sets of those. I bought the second set when they were on sale. They don’t have a Fiddlerman viola string, as far as I know. I wish there was a Fiddlerman viola string. Would definitely try them. I am going to have to check the site and see if there are any.

I, seriously, have found Fiddlershop prices to always be the best. Not just saying this. I check around. If the kind you want is not there, see if they can get them. Clare is wonderful. 

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Leaviathan

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August 11, 2019 - 3:04 pm
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I just bought a Fiddlerman Viola bow from here, actually on Amazon but the vendor is from here. I was considering Pirastro Tonica but I'm not sure how far i want to go with strings on a Viola this inexpensive. I'll start small...

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Mouse
August 11, 2019 - 3:12 pm
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I agree, Leaviathan. Your viola is a start. Like I said, on the video, it sounded so warm and clear with the strings in it. I would wait until you hear it in person. I put Tonicas on a Mendini test violin. It really made a big difference, but the violin itself was unplayable. Not worth sinking money into.

Let us know how the viola sounds? Was it shipped yet?

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Leaviathan

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August 11, 2019 - 4:07 pm
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No shipping notifications yet, I assume it'll go out early this week. I don't live far from Johnson String Instruments, but they seem to be all high end. I wasn't going to drive up there to see stuff I can't afford :)

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Fiddlerman
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August 12, 2019 - 4:49 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
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Actually about the strings on our instruments, our makers leave the set up to us. They don't include the strings. We try to set them up with the strings that make the most sense to us but if anyone has any special desires, just make notes at the time of purchase. Often it won't cost you more to change strings.

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

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Mouse
August 12, 2019 - 4:59 pm
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You made a good choice on that viola. It was lovely. I hade Preludes on my first cello (leased). They did not work because that cello really needed more oomph. It was nice to hear them on a fitting instrument.

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