Best
Professional Gut String
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Overall: Tin-Plated Carbon Steel E (Loop or Ball)
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Best Feature: Finely wound and polished, handmade gutstrings
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Professional Synthetic Core String
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Overall: Made with highly flexible, multi-strand synthetic core
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Best Feature: With medium Gauge
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional Steel Core String
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Overall: Complete set and Full Sound
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Best Feature: Featuring a solid steel core and ball ends with gold standard
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TedScore™: 8/10
Calling all professional violinists!
I know that having the perfect set of strings is essential to producing those sweet notes and achieving the sound you’re after.
In this article, I’ll take you on an epic journey through the wonderful world of violin strings and help you find the best ones for your needs.
I’ll cover everything from the different types of strings available to the top 9 on the market today. I’ll even explore the popular string combinations that professional violinists use to achieve their signature sound.
So, grab your bow and make some magic happen with the best violin strings for professionals!
How Are Professional Violin Strings Different
Material Quality
They’re made from high-quality materials, such as select metals, synthetic fibers, or gut, which undergo rigorous quality control to ensure consistent performance.
Steel-core strings are often favored for their durability, stability, and bright sound. Professional-grade steel-core strings are manufactured precisely, using high-quality steel to enhance tonal characteristics and a refined sound.
Synthetic-core strings are crafted from advanced synthetic materials, such as composite fibers or perlon, designed to replicate the tonal qualities of gut strings while offering improved stability and longevity.
Professional synthetic-core strings undergo advanced manufacturing processes to deliver exceptional tonal complexity, responsiveness, and projection.
Some professional violinists prefer gut strings for their warm and rich sound, made from sheep or cow intestines.
Professional gut strings undergo meticulous craftsmanship, including precise diameter selection and careful drying techniques, resulting in strings with excellent tonal qualities and playability.
Tonal Characteristics
They’re designed to provide many tonal colors, responsiveness, and projection. They offer enhanced depth, complexity, and nuance, allowing professional violinists to express their musical ideas with precision and artistry.
These strings exhibit balanced tonal qualities across the entire instrument range, from the lower registers to the higher ones. They offer a rich and well-rounded sound that can be tailored to suit various musical styles and genres.
Dynamic Range and Expressiveness
They offer a broad dynamic range, allowing nuanced expression and control over various volume levels. They respond well to the player’s technique and bowing variations, enabling intricate articulation, expressive vibrato, and dynamic shifts with ease.
Professional strings provide excellent bow response, allowing the violinist to effortlessly achieve various articulations, from delicate and nuanced to bold and powerful.
Stability and Durability
Designed to withstand the demands of rigorous practice sessions and performances. They are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and undergo extensive testing to ensure stability and longevity.
These strings are less prone to pitch instability, intonation issues, and premature wear, allowing professional violinists to rely on their strings for consistent performance over extended periods.
Customization and Varieties
Professional string manufacturers often offer a range of string options to cater to individual preferences and playing styles. They may offer multiple tensions, allowing violinists to choose strings that best suit their instrument and playing requirements.
Professional string sets can be mixed and matched, combining different strings to achieve a desired tonal balance or response.
Tension and gauge
They’re available in a wider range of tensions and gauges, allowing players to fine-tune their sound and playability. Higher tension strings require more force to play but can produce a fuller, more powerful sound.
Thicker gauge strings can produce a richer, more complex sound, while thinner gauge strings are more responsive and easier to play.
When to Upgrade to Professional Violin Strings?
Skill Level and Commitment
Professional violin strings are designed for advanced players who have developed refined techniques and a deeper understanding of musical expression.
If you have reached an intermediate or advanced skill level and are committed to furthering your musical development, upgrading to professional strings can enhance your playing experience.
Instrument Quality
The quality of your violin is crucial when considering upgrading to professional strings. Professional strings can unlock their full potential if you are already playing a high-quality instrument, allowing it to resonate with greater clarity, depth, and richness.
However, if your instrument is of lower quality, investing in a better violin may be more beneficial before upgrading to professional strings.
Musical Goals and Performance Demands
Consider your musical aspirations and performance demands. If you regularly perform in concerts, orchestras, or chamber music settings, professional strings can help you achieve a more nuanced and expressive sound that can captivate audiences.
Professional strings offer greater tonal complexity, responsiveness, and projection, which can be advantageous in demanding musical contexts.
Tonal Preferences
Consider the desired sound and choose strings that align with your tonal preferences.
For example, if you seek a deep and rich sound, you may opt for strings known for warmth and depth, such as Pirastro Passione or Evah Pirazzi Gold.
Consultation with a Luthier or Violin Teacher
Seek guidance from a luthier or violin teacher.
They have expertise in instrument setup and can provide valuable insights on whether your instrument is ready for professional strings.
Before upgrading, they can assess the instrument’s structural integrity, setup adjustments, and necessary modifications.
The Three Basic Types of Violin Strings
GUT STRINGS
Gut Strings are the oldest violin string used exclusively until the 20th century. They’re made from sheep or lamb intestines and are known for their warm, rich sound.
Gut strings are also known for their sensitivity and responsiveness, making them popular among professional musicians.
However, they can be quite expensive and are less stable than other strings, making them more difficult to tune and maintain.
STEEL CORE STRINGS
Steel Core Strings are made with a steel core and are known for their durability and stability. They produce a bright, powerful sound suitable for various musical styles, including rock and pop.
Steel core strings are also less expensive than gut strings, making them popular among beginner and intermediate players.
However, they can be harder on the fingers and are less sensitive than gut strings.
SYNTHETIC CORE STRINGS
Synthetic Core Strings are the most popular type of strings today. They’re made with a synthetic core designed to mimic the sound and feel of gut strings while offering greater stability and durability.
They’re more affordable than gut strings and are easier to tune and maintain. They produce a warm, rich sound that is suitable for a range of musical styles.
However, they are less sensitive than gut strings and may not offer the same level of nuance and complexity in tone.
9 Best Violin Strings on The Market Today
3 Gut Core Strings for Professional Violinists
Pirastro Passione Violin Strings
The tone colours of Passione strings are incredibly rich and intricate. They’re soft to the touch and low in tension. Modern manufacturing methods have also made them incredibly stable.
Pirastro Passione Violin Strings
FEATURES: "Silvery Steel" Tin-Plated Carbon Steel E (Loop or Ball)
OTHER INFO: Finely wound and polished, handmade gutstrings
- Features gut core
- Powerful sound
- Very easy response
- It possesses a fascinating diversity of sounds
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Pirastro Eudoxa Violin String Set
The Pirastro Eudoxa violin string is likely the most well-known worldwide and has been a mainstay for many musicians for the past 60 years.
Traditional covered gut string is what it is. These days, the players who respect the distinctive tonal characteristics, playing feel of a classic gut-cored string and are willing to accept the necessity for more frequent tuning and their sensitivity to climatic changes are the ones who find these strings appealing.
Pirastro Eudoxa Violin String Set
FEATURES: Low string tension
OTHER INFO: The alternate brilliant D and G strings are stiffer
- A well-balanced, warm tone
- Offers a warm and rich sound
- Comfortable left-hand feeling
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Pirastro Oliv Violin String Set
These cool gut strings are wrapped with metal wire to create unique and colourful sounds. These strings are perfect if you’re exploring more classical and traditional sounds on your instrument! Plus, each string is made from sheep gut and crafted by hand with great care and attention to detail.
The metals used to wrap each string are carefully chosen to enhance the unique tonal qualities of each one. It’s pretty awesome!
Pirastro Oliv Violin String Set
FEATURES: D-silver is available in four gauges
OTHER INFO: The E-strings are available with ball or loop-end
- Many string tensions and diameters are available
- The tone is rich and complex
- It offers the typical beautiful sound of gut strings
- It has an easier response
- The strings are easily snapped
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3 Steel Core Strings for Professional Violinists
Stravilio Violin Strings
Stravilio violin strings are an excellent choice for players who demand the best sound and playability. While they may not be the cheapest option on the market, they offer a quality that’s hard to beat.
So if you want to take your playing to the next level, consider trying Stravilio!
Stravilio Gold Violin Strings Full Set
FEATURES: Featuring a solid steel core and ball ends
OTHER INFO: With Gold Standard
- Medium gauge and medium tension
- Incredible sound quality
- Complete set
- It has a warm sound
- It may not be the best choice for beginners
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Imelod Violin Strings
These strings may not be famous, but they’re a great option for beginner players. Imelod Violin is budget-friendly compared to other strings available in the market.
One of the best things about Imelod strings is that they maintain a stable pitch and are perfect for performing musicians who don’t want to spend too much time tuning their instruments.
Imelod Violin strings Universal Full Set
FEATURES: Made of a high-quality steel core to avoid oxidation
OTHER INFO: The E-1st string is stainless steel wire
- Other strings are high-quality solid steel cores with nickel-silver wound
- With a great tone
- Durable
- Cost-efficient
- Not so popular
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Prim 4/4 Medium Precision Strings
It works great on a dark-toned violin and has a steel core. The best part is that they’re an affordable option compared to some of the pricier brands. The strings are flexible and retain tuning well. They’re super easy to play and perfect for beginner learners.
With these strings, you can effortlessly move up and down the fretboard.
Prim 4/4 Violin String Set
FEATURES: With medium Tension and medium gauge
OTHER INFO: The Full Set includes Chromesteel Winding Medium Gauge Ball-end
- The E string does tend to whistle at times
- Convenient to play
- Cost-efficient
- Complete accessories
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3 Synthetic Core Strings for Professional Violinists
Fiddlerman Violin Strings
Fiddlerman Violin Strings are made from a synthetic core material designed to replicate gut strings’ warm and rich sound but with greater stability and durability.
The strings are also intended to be easy to play, with a smooth and responsive feel that is perfect for beginners and advanced players.
Fiddlerman Violin Strings
FEATURES: Available in various size options
OTHER INFO: Full String Set Includes: G, D, A, E
- Medium Gauge - Ball-end E
- Comfortable to play
- Offers excellent sound quality and playability
- Complete Accessories
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Green Violin
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Green violin string set is an excellent choice for advanced players looking for a high-quality string collection that delivers a rich and nuanced sound.
While they may be a bit more expensive than other options, the quality and playability of these strings make them well worth the investment.
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Green Violin String Set
FEATURES: The Full Set includes Ball-End Gold-Plated Steel E
OTHER INFO: Ball-End Aluminum Wound A, D, G
- Medium Gauge
- Responsive and easy to play
- Produce a warm and full-bodied tone
- It has a rich and nuanced sound
- Strings are too warm or complex for some players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Thomastik Dominant Strings
It’s a popular brand of strings for violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. They are made by the Austrian company Thomastik-Infeld and were first introduced in 1970.
Dominant lines are known for their warm, rich tone and are favoured by many professional musicians and students.
Thomastik 133 Dominant Nylon Core Violin G-String
FEATURES: Made with highly flexible, multi-strand synthetic core
OTHER INFO: With medium Gauge
- Strings are durable
- They're rich in overtones
- The sound is soft, clear, and with a stable intonation
- Provide the tonal warmth
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Major Violin String Brands on the Market Today
Should Pro Violin Players Combine Strings?
Combining strings has pros and cons; a few things to consider before deciding.
- One of the main advantages of combining strings is the ability to customize your sound. You can achieve a more balanced and nuanced sound by using different types of strings on different violin parts. For example, you might use a brighter string on the E string to help it stand out or a warmer string on the G string to give it more depth.
- Another advantage of combining strings is that it can help you to achieve the ideal tension across all the strings. Different strings have different tensions; combining them lets you find the perfect balance for your playing style.
- One of the main disadvantages of combining strings is that it can be expensive. If you're trying out different types of strings to find the right combination, you may need to buy multiple sets of strings, which can add up quickly.
- Another potential disadvantage of combining strings is that it can be difficult to find the right combination. Different types of strings may not work well together, and you may end up with a less-than-ideal sound.
- Additionally, it can take some time and experimentation to find the right combination of strings.
Popular Violin String Combinations for Professional Players
It’s popular among professional violinists for its warm and rich tone. Many players combine this set with a Gold E string, which provides a brighter sound and helps the E string stand out.
Another popular choice among professional violinists, known for its powerful and clear sound. Many players combine this set with a Gold E string, providing a bright, focused sound.
It’s a newer set of strings that has gained popularity among professional violinists. Known for its warm and rich tone, many players combine this set with a Gold E string, which provides a bright and focused sound.
Popular among professional violinists who prefer a more traditional sound. This set is known for its warm and complex tone, and many players combine it with a Gold E string to provide a brighter sound.
It’s a classic string set popular among professional violinists for many years. Known for its warm and balanced tone, many players combine this set with a Gold E string to provide a brighter sound and better projection.
Best Violin Strings For Professionals
Summary
As a professional violinist, your sound is your voice. The type of string you use can significantly impact the sound you produce.
Professional violin strings are constructed using high-quality materials and with a high degree of precision, thus producing a clear, vibrant sound.
But when do you know it is time to upgrade to professional violin strings? How do you choose the best violin strings for your sound?
I’ve researched and tested the top violin strings today and compiled a list of the best strings for professional violinists. Whether you play with a gut, steel, or synthetic core, my detailed analysis will help you make the right decision.
I currently play on the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi – but I’m also keen on trying out new strings, and tend to try different options every year or so.
Remember, a professional violinist’s sound is unique and personal, so choose the strings that make your sound best.
Just before you go…
Check out our list of Best Violin Brands to go with your violin strings!
I’ve been on the fence about mixing string types but this conversation is really pushing me to experiment. I’m thinking the warmth of gut strings for the G and D might blend nicely with the brightness and stability of synthetic for the A and E. Anyone else tried mixing like this? I’m curious about tension differences and how that plays out with the sound and playability. Thanks for shedding light on such an interesting topic, Nadine!
Mixing strings can be magical! Start with lower tension synthetics with your gut to ease the transition. Happy experimenting!
Gotta be cautious with mixed tensions, can really mess with your fingerboard response. Just my two cents.
didn’t know there were so many types of strings. steel core sounds solid for durability. gotta check those out.
Absolutely love the section on gut core strings. It’s a rare topic these days. Brings back the essence of how violin strings started. For those who haven’t tried, the warmth you get from gut strings, especially in a classical piece, is unparalleled. They’re not the easiest to maintain, but the sound payoff is worth it.
hey there Nadine, got a question. so if i’m just getting pretty good at my violin, is it worth jumping to those professional strings yet? like do they make a huge difference for someone not playing on a big stage?
imo, good strings can totally change your sound even if you’re not a pro. worth trying a set if you can!