String Test Workshop by Thomastik Infeld

At Luthier Vidal, we believe that every instrument has a unique voice and, with proper care, can reach its full potential. And this week we had a very special experience that proved this to us once again. A String Test Workshop in collaboration with Thomastik Infeld, one of the world's most prestigious brands of strings for bowed instruments.

A brand with history and vision

Founded in 1919 in Vienna, Thomastik-Infeld has been innovating in the manufacture of strings for violin, viola, and cello for over a century. Its approach combines traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology. Its catalog includes some of the most widely used strings by professional musicians around the world: Dominant, Dominant Pro, Rondo, Dynamo, Peter Infeld, and Spirocore are just a few examples that stand out on stage.

During the workshop, we had the privilege of being joined by Stojan Jovanovic and Vesselin Stoykov. Two specialists from Thomastik's international team, whose sensitivity, precision, and deep technical knowledge made the difference in each session.

Two days of testing, adjustments, and learning

The String Test Workshop took place over several days, attended by national and international violinists, cellists, and violists. In each session, professional musicians worked alongside experts to analyze their instruments, identify possible improvements, and find the optimal combination of strings that balanced sound, tension, and playing style. Below, we share some of the most revealing testimonials from the event.

Bernat Prat Sabater emphasized the importance of understanding how the tensions between strings interact. “If you put too much tension on the E string, you lose the tension that the D string can provide. That's why it's important to be very clear about what you want.” His final string combination was a creative mix of Dynamo and Dominant Pro, along with Rondo and Peter Infeld for the lower strings.

Sergi Puente Encinas described the experience as a profound sonic exploration. “Each instrument has its own particularities. Trying different tensions can balance aspects of the sound according to the musician's profile, whether soloist or chamber musician.” His recommendation: “It's worth trying with someone who knows how and can guide you.”

Ivan Percevic, an international violinist, highlighted the opportunity to discover combinations he would never have tried on his own. “I finally found what I was looking for: a combination of Dynamo, Peter Infeld, and Rondo. I never would have imagined it.” His ideal set was: G – Dynamo, D – Peter Infeld, A – Rondo, E – Peter Infeld.

Violist Adrià Trulls tried strings such as Dominant Pro and Spirocore soft strings: “Now my instrument has greater projection. It has been a very positive experience because I was able to experiment with someone who advised me and shared their vision.” His final combination: Dominant Pro with a silver D string and Spirocore soft strings.

At the end of the workshop, cellist Blai Bosser noted: “I've achieved the same warmth in the sound with a more open tone and better control of string tension.” The result was a new setup: Peter Infield's and Rondo strings with D and G.

The most valuable lessons learned from the workshop

The idea that the perfect set doesn't exist as a fixed formula, but can be built through careful listening and expert guidance, was a constant among the participants. The goal of the consultation is always to listen, experiment, and improve together.

Violinist Oksana Solovieva left the workshop deeply inspired. “I discovered new nuances on my instrument. It was a creative process, searching for the perfect balance string by string. If you have the opportunity to try it with professionals, don't miss it. Experimenting alone isn't the same as having someone accompany you step by step.”

The final conclusion left by the musicians reminds us once again that the accompaniment of specialists allows us to discover possibilities that one doesn't perceive alone. Whether you're a soloist or a chamber musician, trying out different tensions, materials, and string combinations will help you get to know your instrument better, define your preferences, and enhance your sound.

At Luthier Vidal, we deeply thank Thomastik Infeld and Vallès Trade Music for their generosity. We also thank each of the participating musicians for their dedication, openness, and passion for continuing to learn. We continue to strive to create spaces for encounter, exploration, and continuous improvement for the musical community. Thank you, and we'll keep going!