Questions and answers about violin building
Bows
- My bow is losing hair!
- My bow can no longer be tightened!
- The hairs no longer properly grip the strings while playing!
Violins
- My Violin rattles!
- My varnish has become dull and gummy!
- Inexplicable scratches are occurring on the bottom of the violin cover!
- How must the bridge be positioned?
- The bridge is no longer straight after tightening the strings!
- Where must the sound post be positioned?
- Do I own a genuine Stradivarius?
- My pegs no longer hold properly. They slip and cant be turned!
- Problems in Winter
- String Studies
- Which string is recommended for my instrument?
- How did Stradivari build his intruments?
Answers
Which string is recommended for my instrument?
It is not possible to make a general statement regarding the make-up of strings. For each instrument the right strings must be found and tuned in a trial and error process. Each of the above-mentioned strings has its advantages and disadvantages.
Ever kind of strings has its advantages and disadvantages:
- The gut-core string (Eudoxa and Oliv for example) produce a noble and powerful sound but they become out-of-tune in temperature swings, even with adequate humidity. In violins, the d-strings and g-strings are played most and steel as well as synthetic core strings are frequently combined here
- Of the lower strings, the steel string is the beginner string. It is sturdy and has good pitch stability. A disadvantage is the metallic quality of the sound produced.
- For cellists and contra-bass players, the steel-core string is the first choice. A voluminous sound and good durability characterize these strings. Good cellists often use the following strings; c and g strings are steel-cored with wolfram, a und d Saite Larsen strings are Larsen or Jargar. strings. Larsen and Pirastro have become a good alternative over the past few years to the once unchallenged Spirocore strings. Larsens Wirecore g and c strings and Pirastros Evah-Pirazzi strings are especially popular.
- The synthetic-core string is a compromise between the gut-core string and the steel string. Its sound is more akin to the gut-core string and it is very pitch sturdy.
Please come by and see us for a free consultation. We often have test strings at our workshop you can try out as you like.
Last update on 2011-01-28 by Haat-Hedlef Uilderks.
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