A Little More About Strings...
Core Materials
Steel Core
Quick bow response, better projection, longer lasting, and tend to stay better in tune and have a consistent tone. Steel core strings tend to sound bright. Steel core strings are a good choice for Cello and Double bass, and for beginning violin and viola students.
Synthetic Core
Synthetic strings are designed to be an alternative to gut strings which are troublesome because of their sensetivity to temperature and humidity. The synthetic core material has the advantage of being more stable in tuning, and tone. Sybnthetic strings tend to have a warmer and fuller tone. Synthetic core strings are a better choice for student violins and violas at the Middle School level and higher.
Gut Core (NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STUDENTS)
Gut strings, the original string used on instruments back in the 15-17th centuries, produce the darkest tone. Because gut is a natural material, often made from sheep's intestines, it is sensitive to temperature and humidity and not as durable as steel or synthetic core strings.
Tension
Manufacturers use different words to describe the tension, or how taut the strings are when tuned to pitch. Soft, light, medium, heavy and thick are a few terms used to describe gauge. Their German alternatives, Weich, Mittel, and Stark are often seen. In General most sets sold are of the Medium or Mittle tension. Certain instruments, or players may prefer different tensions, but the medium tension is a good starting point, and suggested for students.
Violin E Strings?
Often you'll have the option of a "loop" e string or a "ball e string. for violin. The ball works better with most fine tuners on student instruments. Also if you have the option of a "wound" e as opposed to an "unwound" e, the wound e will be better for a student, as it's easier to produce a good tone on.
Core Materials
Steel Core
Quick bow response, better projection, longer lasting, and tend to stay better in tune and have a consistent tone. Steel core strings tend to sound bright. Steel core strings are a good choice for Cello and Double bass, and for beginning violin and viola students.
Synthetic Core
Synthetic strings are designed to be an alternative to gut strings which are troublesome because of their sensetivity to temperature and humidity. The synthetic core material has the advantage of being more stable in tuning, and tone. Sybnthetic strings tend to have a warmer and fuller tone. Synthetic core strings are a better choice for student violins and violas at the Middle School level and higher.
Gut Core (NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STUDENTS)
Gut strings, the original string used on instruments back in the 15-17th centuries, produce the darkest tone. Because gut is a natural material, often made from sheep's intestines, it is sensitive to temperature and humidity and not as durable as steel or synthetic core strings.
Tension
Manufacturers use different words to describe the tension, or how taut the strings are when tuned to pitch. Soft, light, medium, heavy and thick are a few terms used to describe gauge. Their German alternatives, Weich, Mittel, and Stark are often seen. In General most sets sold are of the Medium or Mittle tension. Certain instruments, or players may prefer different tensions, but the medium tension is a good starting point, and suggested for students.
Violin E Strings?
Often you'll have the option of a "loop" e string or a "ball e string. for violin. The ball works better with most fine tuners on student instruments. Also if you have the option of a "wound" e as opposed to an "unwound" e, the wound e will be better for a student, as it's easier to produce a good tone on.