What kind of strings should I buy?

String recommendations are listed below by playing level and instrument.

Necessary Ordering Information

Violin and Viola Check with your director or private teacher to see if you need ball end or loop end.  Ball end is much more common. All Instruments should double check with your teacher that you are buying the correct gauge and length as well.  

Please reach out and I can help get that information for you.

Where should I buy new strings?

Check these sites for the best deal and free shipping. I buy my strings from these dealers for school as well as my personal instruments.

Shar Music- https://www.sharmusic.com/

Southwest Strings - https://www.swstrings.com/

Quinn Violin Shop - They offer great custom sets and good deals - https://www.quinnviolins.com/

How do I put new strings on my instrument?

The best way to learn is a side by side, one on one lesson.  Learning how to do this properly takes  about 20 - 45 minutes for violin, viola, cello  and 30 - 75 minutes for bass as it requires a lot of winding and careful adjustments that are best not rushed. 

Please let me or your private lessons teacher know when they come in and we can take you through what to do.

Intermediate Violin and Viola

Intermediate 

•  D'Addario - Helicore 

• Thomastik -  Tonica or Dominant (Dominant is also appropriate for advanced players.)

• Jargar Classic

Advanced Viola

-Some players customize their  A strings (Larsen, Jargar).  Some players will also customize their C, though this is less common.

-Players also may find they prefer the feel and sound of different metal string wrappings

• Thomastik - Vision - Focused and balanced tone

• Pirastro - Obligato - Darker orchestral sound

• Pirastro - Evah Pirazzi  - Brighter soloistic sound