Practical Guide: recommended set of strings for Viola

In this section you will find the different sets of viola strings designed in detail by our luthiers. His goal is for each musician to find the one that best meets his personal predilections and preferences.

To facilitate the process of selecting the perfect strings, our experts have made different distinctions: according to specialization (chamber, versatile, soloist and orchestra) and according to the type of sound (brilliance - warmth). From here, all you have to do is enter the fascinating world of the strings and follow a path in which reason and emotion will lead us in search of the perfect sound through the best possible strings.

STRING SETS FOR SOLO VIOLA

Some Violists who use Evah Pirazzi Gold - Pirastro: William Coleman, Kristina Fialová, Monika Henschel, Georgy Kovalev, Vicki Powell, Luca Ranieri. This set of viola strings is intended for the brilliant-sounding player. Composed of the 1st A, 2nd D, 3rd G Evah Pirazzi Gold and 4th C Thomastik Spirocore tungsten. 

Evah Pirazzi Gold strings have a core made of a modern multifilament synthetic fiber which gives off a brilliant golden hue. They also provide a full-bodied, big sound from the bottom to the top of the register and a wide range of sound colors. The large dynamic range allows expert solo violists to confidently explore the finer nuances of quiet passages and create powerful sonorities when played close to the fingerboard or with a strong bow arm. For the 4th string (C), we have recommended the Thomastik Spirocore Tungsten. 

Spirocore strings  feature a multi-strand spiral core, which offers a longer period of vibration by significantly reducing inertia, are equally effective when playing bowed or pizzicato, have a high playing response and are durable.

SET OF STRINGS FOR VERSATILE VIOLA

SET OF VIOLA LARSEN, VISION AND SPIROCORE WOLFRAMIO STRINGS

This set of viola strings is designed for the versatile musician. Composed of 1st A Larsen, 2nd D and 3rd G Thomastik Vision and 4th C Thomastik Spirocore Wolframio. These strings are aimed at advanced violists looking for characteristics that are suitable for orchestral or chamber music.

For the 1st string (A) we recommend the Larsen brand, this string is made on a solid steel core and has become the default choice as the base for the ideal viola string set. It offers versatility and projection combined with long-lasting, consistent performance. Its medium tension provides a soft and charming sound, while the strong one offers brightness and power. 

Vision Viola strings produce a powerful, sonorous tone with the perfect balance of brightness and warmth. They are versatile strings of the latest generation with excellent tuning stability, fast response and great modulation and have a long durability. In addition to this they make the instrument reach its full sound spectrum in a very short period of time.

SET OF VIOLA LARSEN, EVAH PIRAZZI AND SPIROCORE WOLFRAMIO STRINGS

Composed of 1st A Larsen, 2nd D and 3rd G Evah Pirazzi and 4th C Thomastik Spirocore Wolframio. 

Evah Pirazzi strings have a core made of a modern multifilament synthetic fiber (multiwire) which provides a powerful, bright and colorful sound, based on a warm central sound with enormous projection and a wide dynamic range. Evah Pirazzi's strings emphasize the individual sound image of each instrument. 

SET OF VIOLA LARSEN, OBLIGATE, EVAH PIRAZZI AND SPIROCORE WOLFRAMIO STRINGS

This set of strings is composed of the 1st A Larsen, the 2nd D Obligato, 3rd G Evah Pirazzi and 4th C Thomastik Spirocore Wolframio. 

Obligato strings have a core made of a modern multifilament synthetic fiber which makes them sound warm and full, with a bright and focused tone as well as providing a big and powerful tone with fast response throughout the dynamic range with tuning stability. Another important characteristic of the Obligato strings from the Pirastro brand is their insensitivity to variations in temperature and humidity.

SIGNALS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR SET OF STRINGS

- You have played with the same set of strings for 300 hours or more.

- You sweat a lot (humid climates require more frequent rope changes).

- You have advanced to the next level.

- Decreased sound quality.

- It does not stay in tune: if you notice that your viola does not stay in tune and you have to tune it often, it is possible that the strings are the cause, although it could also be due to the adjustment of the bridge or the tuning pegs.

It is essential to always clean the strings after playing. Use a clean cloth and try to clean where the bow goes, between the bridge and the fingerboard, to avoid the accumulation of rosin. Also on the fingerboard, to limit the impact of dust or sweat on the aging of your strings. You will find everything you need for the maintenance of string instruments on the Luthier Vidal website.