Strings

TEACHERS please call 04 232-9200 FOR SPECIAL PRICING on non-sale strings

NOTE: Teachers must first sign up to the FREE Music Teachers' Register to be eligible for special pricing.

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 The results of the recent Virtuoso Strings violin string survey (Nov 2011) demonstrate that Thomastik Dominant strings are still the overall favourite followed by Pirastro Obligato strings. Dominant strings were however favoured predominantly by students rather than professional players. Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, Thomastik Vision (Orchestra, Solo or Titanium Solo), and Corelli strings tied in third place. With roughly equal numbers, Larsen Tzigane, Infeld Red/Blue, Pirastro Wondertone Solo,  Pirastro Oliv and Pirastro Passione strings all got a highly commended.

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We have tried very hard to be genuine in our descriptions of strings, and avoid ‘manufacturer speak’ wherever possible. Having said that, no two instruments are the same, and no two people will share exactly the same opinion of the tone or playability of strings. Nevertheless we hope that the information provides a useful comparison of different string types and helps players make appropriate choices. Still having trouble? See our String Selection Guide.

Out-of-stock strings usually take around 2 weeks to become available. Unfortunately we can't promise to maintain the current price on out-of-stock strings due to currency fluctuations. However will let you know immediately of any price changes or expected delays in shipping. You have three options: (i) ask us to send the in-stock strings immediately and refund the out-of-stock strings, (ii) ask us to send the in-stock strings immediately and the other strings later when they are back in stock (iii) ask us to send the complete order when all strings are available.

NOTE: All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

 
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Violin Strings – full size (4/4)

Violin 4/4
Peter Infeld
  • New strings from Thomastik with awesome reviews from professional players.
 

D'Addario Helicore
  • A great steel string popular with electric violinists.
 

Jargar
  • Fine steel strings popular with electric violinists.
 

Pirastro Tonica
  • These synthetic core strings are very fine multi-purpose strings.
 

Pirastro Evah
Pirazzi
  • Evah Pirazzi are outstanding synthetic core strings. Brilliant, silvery and unbelievably powerful, with lots of character. Very soloistic string.
 

Pirastro Obligato
  • Of all synthetic strings, Obligato come closest to imitating the warm, rich tone of gut-core strings, although they are more responsive and slightly more brilliant.
 

Pirastro Wondertone
Solo
  • With a modified synthetic core, these professional grade strings offer excellent versatility and outstanding playing characteristics. In many ways, they have the colour and power of Evahs combined with the warmth of Obligatos. Currently Elizabeth's favourite strings for her European wood Strad model violins, and for newer instruments requiring more depth to the tone.
 

Pirastro Wondertone
Gold Label
  • These gut-core strings are often referred to as 'Gold Label'. They are 'old timers' that have been used over many years. The E string is today still one of the most popular on the market.
 

Pirastro Oliv
  • Pirastro's premiere gut-core string has been on the market for around 40 years. An absolute joy to play when matched with the right instrument.
 

Pirastro Passione
  • New gut-core strings from Pirastro. These strings have the gorgeous tone characteristic of gut strings but with better stability and shorter break-in time. Elizabeth's favourite string on her Guarneri model Jay Haide instrument.
 

Corelli Alliance
  • Corelli Alliance strings use a kevlar rather than a perlon core. They have a warm, dark, rich tone.
 

Larsen Tzigane
  • Relatively new synthetic core strings with very favourable views from violinists. Said to capture the gypsy sound. Excellent dynamic range, responsiveness and projection.
 

Thomastik Infeld
Red
  • Warm, dark strings with short break-in period.
 

Thomastik Infeld
Blue
  • Similar to Dominant strings but with more warmth, although not as warm as Infeld Red.
 

Thomastik Dominant
  • These time-tested perlon core strings are a great choice for students and still the default choice for many violinists.
 

Thomastik Vision
  • Thomastik Vision strings are similar to Dominants, but in many peoples opinion surpass them in terms of tone, stability and durability. Elizabeth's preferred choice for fullsize student violins.
 

Thomastik Titanium
Orchestra
  • Widely used by professionals in chamber music and orchestral settings.
 

Thomastik Vision
Titanium Solo
  • Widely used by professionals. Made from an innovative and strong composite synthetic core. Highly playable and stable.
 

Thomastik Vision
Solo
  • The Vision Solo strings are quite different from other simililarly named Thomastik strings. They are warmer sounding than Vision Titanium Orchestra, and much warmer and easier to play than Vision Titanium Solo. One of Elizabeth's default choices for fullsize violins, as they tend to work well on almost all instruments.
 
 
Violin Strings – popular E strings

Platinum Peter Infeld
E
  • First ever platinum-plated string on the market. Warm, powerful and clear tone.
 

Thomastik Vision Titanium
Solo E
  • The titanium coated E is particularly powerful and strong in higher positions.
 

Pirastro Gold Label E
  • One of the most popular E strings on the market. Works very well in combination with many other strings.
 

Pirastro Eudoxa E
  • A wound E commonly used with other brands of G, D and A strings. Good solution to 'whistling E' problem.
 

Pirastro Oliv E
  • Compared to to other plated Es, the Oliv gold-coated E produces a pure, brilliant and clear tone.
 

Violin 4/4 Pirastro Goldstahl
E
  • Soft under the fingers, the gold steel Obligto E has a warm, textured sound.
 

Pirastro Univeral E
  • A fantastic new E string specifically designed by Pirastro to suit the entire range of Pirastro strings.
 

Pirastro Wondertone Solo
E
  • The Wondertone consists of a new material that significantly improves playability. It has a silvery, clear and pure sound.
 

Larsen Tzigane E
  • A sweet sounding E string that has had rave reviews.
 

Kaplan Golden Spiral
Solo E
  • Popular choice with gut-core strings such as Eudoxa or Oliv.
 

Lenzner Goldbrokat E
  • Popular choice with gut-core strings such as Eudoxa or Oliv. Similar to Kaplan Golden Spiral but with a little more punch.
 

Westminster E
  • One of the most powerful Es around. A high tension string.
 

Hill Steel E
  • A sweet sounding E. Very nice with Wondertone Solo strings.
 

Jargar Forte E
  • Very popular plain steel string which combines many of the qualities of other E strings. Used widely in combination with synthetic core strings.
 
 
Violin Strings – fractional sizes (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4)

Pirastro Tonica
  • These synthetic core strings are very fine multi-purpose strings. Elizabeth's current favourite for fractional size (1/8, 1/4 and 1/2) violins.
 

Pirastro Obligato
  • Obligato strings for fractional instruments bring a warmth of tone to overly bright instruments. Particularly good on 3/4 size violins.
 

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi
  • Evah Pirazzi strings for fractional size instruments have a great warmth, power and character which is hard to find in small scale violin strings. Especially good on 3/4 size violins.
 

Thomastik Vision
  • Thomastik Vision strings are similar to Dominants, but in many people's opinion surpass them in terms of tone, stability and durability. Elizabeth's first choice for 3/4 size student violins.
 

Thomastik Dominant
  • These time-tested perlon core strings are a great choice for students and still the default choice for many violinists.
 
 
Viola Strings

Thomastik Vision
  • New composite core string for viola. A professional grade string, considered by many to be a significant improvement on Dominant viola strings.
 

Thomastik Vision Solo
  • A superb choice for the professional player.
 

Pirastro Flexocor
  • Steel rope core string.
 

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi
  • Developed from an exclusive new synthetic core, Evah Pirazzi viola strings combine the proven sound characteristics of gut strings with the advantages of synthetic based strings. Very popular choice for violists wanting powerful, focused and responsive string.
 

Pirastro Obligato
  • A modern composite core synthetic fibre string. Less tension provides longer playing life. Gorgeous gut-like tone. Currently Craig's favourite!
 

Larsen
  • The bright sound of the steel core Larsen A string nicely complements other gut and synthetic strings. A very popular viola string.
 

Jargar
  • Jargar viola strings have a solid steel core and are very bright in tone. The Jargar A is widely used.
 
 
Cello Strings – full size (4/4)

Pirastro Obligato
  • Multi-strand synthetic core with metal windings. Professional grade C and G. Warm, rich and complex tone, without the metallic edge. Obligato C and G with Passione A and D is one of Elizabeth's premium combinations.
 

Pirastro Passione
  • These strings are a recent innovation from Pirastro. They have a stabilised gut-core and are proving hugely popular with professional players.
 

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi
Soloist
  • The whole Evah Pirazzi Soloist set has become very popular amongst cellists. Renowned for their power and resonance.
 

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi
  • Lower tension and warmer sounding than the Soloist range of Evah Pirazzi strings.
 

Pirastro Flexocor
  • Warm, rich, round and sonorous tone.
 

Jargar
  • Jargar cello strings have a solid steel core and a very bright tone. The time-tested A and D strings are widely used in combination with other strings. Very popular.
 

D'Addario Helicore
  • A superb choice for advancing students. Great playability with quick response. Produce a warm, clear sound with excellent pitch stability and longevity.
 

Kaplan Helicore Combo
  • New Kaplan A and D in combination with highly popular Helicore C and G strings. An affordable choice for advanced players.
 

Thomastik Spirocore
  • Spirocore strings are chrome/tungsten wound on a rope steel core. They are a flexible yet powerful string widely used in combination with other strings. A bright sounding string with some edge.
 

Larsen
  • Larsen Cello strings are world renowned for their great strength, colour, volume and durability. They have a deep, beautiful sonority with a distinct clarity, due their clear attack and immediate reaction.
 

Larsen Soloist
  • Larsen Cello strings are world renowned for their great strength, colour, volume and durability. They have a deep, beautiful sonority with a distinct clarity, due their clear attack and immediate reaction.
 

Larsen Wire Core
  • Larsen Cello strings are world renowned for their great strength, colour, volume and durability. They have a deep, beautiful sonority with a distinct clarity, due their clear attack and immediate reaction.
 
 
Cello Strings – fractional sizes (1/4, 1/2, 3/4)

Pirastro Chromcor
  • Steel core strings with bright sound, big tonal volume and easy response. Affordable choice for students.
 

D'Addario Helicore
  • An excellent and affordable choice for students. Great playability with quick response.
 

Larsen
  • Simply awesome strings for fractional size cellos. Definitely Elizabeth's favourite professional quality string for small cellos.
 
 

 

If your favourite brand is not featured on this page, please give us a call (04 232 9200) or email us so we can stock it for you.