Return To Love: $69.98

[nfotxn]

Nothing like a new set of strings to make my viola sound somewhat OK. Trying Pirastro Chromecor® instead of my normal Thomastik Dominant. I usually buy stuff in sets 'cause my viola isn't that great an instrument. The only Pirastro's I've tried before were the Eudoxa which sounded fantastic but reduced the volume on my instrument too much. I imagine on very loud instrument they'd be truly fabulous.

Low and behold strings are very important on a string instrument.

Comments

this is out of left field, I know...

[telemann.livejournal.com]

but have you ever had a chance to play a Strad? Just wondering.

Re: this is out of left field, I know...

[nfotxn.livejournal.com]

Ha, you've got to be kidding! Even if I were good enough to have use for one they still wouldn't let me near one.

Despite trend otherwise and what people would have you believe my first hand experience is that Classical music is classist as all get out.

[sultmhoor.livejournal.com]

I've been considering buying a new set of strings for my Erlichmann bass. I haven't been too pleased with my silver-wound steel (they're ancient, I don't even know what brand they are, but tarnished black strings look kewl) since they're MUCH too bright and twangy for an orchestra-tuned bass. I want deep, thunderous bowed bass notes.

I want to get something mushier and mellower, maybe some synthetic core, but I'm sure they wouldn't last nearly as long as the Ag-w-St ones have, almost 20 years! My main obstacle has been the price. Shar has had synthetic core nickel wrapped for $120 or so a set (Pirastro? I forget which brand, I don't have the catalog with me), and I'd hate to have blown that money on strings I hate the sound of, and aren't going to last but a couple years. They ought to have sound samples of a basic bass with each of the different string sets on it.

[jenneferre.livejournal.com]

if you're only changing your strings every couple of years, you're doing something mad wrong, brotha.

they go false wayyy before that even if you're not playing on them, and quicker if you are.

[sultmhoor.livejournal.com]

Oh, I dunno -- I inherited this instrument from a school district, and it was already 40 years old at that point. The strings were new when I inherited it, and they really sound no different today than they did then. The strings are starting to unwrap near the tailpiece, though.

[nfotxn.livejournal.com]

Yeah, new strings will sound extra good though. Bass strings go slowly but they lose their brightness first I find.

[antnycub.livejournal.com]

Brodie my dear man, it's ALL about Larsen solo strings. They will make any student instrument sing like a Strad. They make some of the best cello strings and I know for a fact their viola strings are kickass. A friend of mine at Acadia swore by them. Shar used to sell them, but I've heard they packed up shop. Try Shar online, they ship from New York, but they're still great.

[jenneferre.livejournal.com]

It's all about the mix and match my dear... =) Every instrument is different, and every musician is different. Personally I go with the old Jargar A, Silver Dominant D, Eudoxa G and Dominant C on my Charles Samuel...

P.S. I'm still kickin'! Finally got ninternet at my house in TO today. yay me!