VIOLIN STRINGS FOR BEGINNERS
The violin is a small yet high-pitched wooden instrument with a hollow, hourglass body and four strings. The instrument originated in Italy, and its singing tone saw it get recognition and distribution around the world. Its modifications in the 19th century gave it a robust sound projection.
The violin is played while holding it between the collar bone and the jaw, then sounding the string either by plucking them with the bare fingers (pizzicato), using a bow (arco), or striking them with the bow’s wooden side (col legno). The Violin strings were initially made of stretched sheep gut, that would be dried and twisted. The 20th century had strings made of stranded steel, solid steel, gut, or various synthetic materials.
The strings of the violin have their longevity dependent on the quality of the strings, and the intensity of playing them. A beginner’s violin comes with low-end strings as it is easy for a beginner to break them, that get replaced as they advance with playing the instrument. There are good quality brands for beginners that come at an affordable price too. The quality of the strings affects the quality of sound.
4 tips for a beginner on choosing Violin strings
1.Know the various kinds of violin strings available
There are steel, synthetic, and gut as the three main types of strings that differ in tonal quality and maintenance. The steel core brings stability, a synthetic core is made of nylon or perlon, and the gut strings are made from a sheep’s intestines and copper metal.
2.Understand the string’s gauge and tension
The string’s gauge determines the quality of sound and projection, and the gauge is the width of the string. A thinner gauge produces brighter sound, as the tension and projection are less. A thick string gives more volume and a centered tone.
- Consider your music preference
- If you know the specific music genre that you wish to play, then it becomes easier for you to decide on and get the right strings.
- Gut strings have lower tension compared to steel and synthetic and are ideal for rich and complex overtones. Gauge strings affect the power and quality of the tone, with thick gauge gut strings being more powerful and with high string tension. Ideal for early music or Baroque.
- Synthetic strings have a warm sound quality similar to a gut but have a stable pitch and few complex overtones compared to the gut. They are ideal for the classical sound.
- Steel core strings are perfect for clear, brilliant tones with few overtones. They have a longer lifespan, and their pitch is more stable compared to the gut, but they do not have the great depth or tonal complexity.
- Price
A beginner’s violin strings might need frequent replacement or upgrading as they advance with their learning. For this reason, going for the cheaper options that have a good sound balance would be most ideal.
Top 10 violin strings for beginners
- Corelli Strings: These strings have a synthetic core
2.Jargar: Jargar strings have a clear sound and are available in a wide range of gauges, while their strings are interchangeable. Most violinists will combine other strings with these Jargar strings for a clearer set.
3.Prelude: These strings are ideal for beginners, as they produce a stable sound. They will serve a beginner for one or two years and a cost under $20, till the beginner is set for an upgrade. Their core is made of solid steel, they pouch sealed to avoid corrosion, and produce warm tones.
4.Helicore: Helicore strings have a high-quality clear tone, and is an excellent choice for beginners compared to preludes. The strings rate highly compared to the other inexpensive strings, with a high reputation in the pop sector of music.
5.Fiddlerman: Fiddlerman strings cost under $40, and their quality is close to the Dominant strings used by professionals. They closely resemble gut strings too
6.Super Sensitive: Super sensitive violin strings are made of a steel core wrapped in nickel. They are incredibly cheap, going for under $15, but are relatively durable. However, they lack in complexity and tone character. Their tonal quality is excellent. They are ideal for a full or fractional sized violin that is designed with student needs in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How young can a child start playing the violin?
Experts recommend that children start playing from the age of 3, as those under that do not have the motor and developmental skills needed to learn how to play the instrument.
- As an adult, can I teach myself how to play the violin?
Yes, you can teach yourself if you are determined. Resources like YouTube videos and DVDs can help you much. However, it is recommended to have a teacher as string instruments can be harder to learn, and a physical teacher will observe you and gauge where you are and where you need to go with the skill and offer appropriate lessons.
- What was the violin invented?
Violin was invented in Italy in the 16th century and was also known as the Fiddle.
- Which instrument family does a violin belong to?
The violin belongs to the bowed string instrument, String instrument, Violin family
- Should I clean my violin strings?
Playing the violin requires bowing and plucking of the strings, which leads to the production of rosin, skin, sweat, and oil debris. These substances dampen the strings and affect the quality of sound. You, therefore, need to clean your violin’s strings with a string cleaner.
- How often should I clean the violin strings?
You should clean the strings every time the instrument is used.
Conclusion
The ideal violin will have all its aspects balanced. The reality is that most violin players have their strings mix-matched to ensure they get the best possible sound. You will need to experiment with various strings until you find your best-desired sound. The best string is the one that works for your asper your music needs and works for your instrument. A Luthier can help improve the tonal characteristics of your violin.
It is advisable as a beginner to always have a spare set with you as the violin’s strings can break at any time as you learn. A full-sized violin has four strings.