Violin String Types

Today I'll be going over the different string types and letting you know which I have been using. Keep in mind that the quality of the string is very important. A more expensive steel string will likely give a better sound than cheaper gut strings. But, it would not sound as good as an expensive gut string.

The first type of string has been used for centuries. That would be the Gut string. As the name suggests, the strings core is made out of animal (specifically sheep not cat) intestine. Now that doesn't mean that the string is one giant line of intestine. Instead it has silver or copper lines entwined along the length so when you pick up the string you're handling silver or copper, so no need to be grossed out if someone recommends that you use that kind. Gut strings don't stretch very easily so you'll spend a lot of time retuning your violin until they finally do stretch.

Gut strings have 2 different types, thin and thick. The thin strings will have a brighter sound but won't be heard very well in a large area. The thick strings won't be as bright as thin strings but will carry the sound through larger areas. I have not used gut strings personally but many people who play classical music prefer using them.

The second string type is Steel. This is the string type you'll likely have on your violin the moment you buy it. With these strings you have a core of steel instead of animal gut. The ones you have on a newly bought violin are likely cheaper ones which, in my personal opinion, have a very "tinny" sound. Better quality steel strings do  have a good bright sound but I only like using them for my E string.

The final string type is Synthetic. These use nylons and composites instead of gut for the core and are still wrapped in silver or copper. These ones produce the best sound to my ears and you save poor little Lamb Chop from becoming a musical instrument.

Doesn't she look happy?

These are the types of strings I prefer for the G, D, and A strings on my violin. They just have a nicer sound compared to the steel strings and they stretch a lot easier compared to the gut strings. I was originally very unsure about using synthetic strings because the term "synthetic" often brings up bad images of shoddy work and easily breaking items. But in this case it works very well.

I've tried a number of different strings made by different companies and here's the ones I personally like:

Fiddlerman Synthetic Strings:

Pirastro gold Steel E-String:

Next time I talk about the violin I'll give you a quick rundown on the different rosin types. Until then, pick up some strings and see what you prefer. Each person likes a different sound after all. 😊