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> E Strings..., asking again!
sarah-flute
post Feb 3 2006, 03:29 PM
Post #1


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Hey folks, I know this is a regular but I'd appreciate your combined expertise or at least opinions (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I'd really like to try out a different E string on my violin. I have Dominants on there at the moment, and they're fine but I really struggle to get a sweet tone on the E... I know this is to do with my technique, but I could use all the help I can get from my E string, and the Dominant isn't giving me much! Realistically, I don't have masses of time to devote to violin practice, so a helpful E string would be great.

I would love to get a few recommendations... and I also wondered, does anyone know where I might order them online or just by mail order? I have no transport... I know there is a specialist shop not far from me, (I forget the name though... it's one of the well-known specialist string music places & is in Gloucestershire...) but I have no way of getting there at the moment.

I need something reliable (ie although I know gut core strings can sound fab, I believe they don't stay in tune that well?) and hopefully reasonably long-lived - don't want to be replacing it every week! I'm willing to pay for something that's really good... not £20 per string I don't think, but I'm not being miserly and saying I'll only spend a fiver and no more either... I have no idea how much they cost these days. haven't bought one for AGES!

Any help appreciated! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
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bohemian
post Feb 3 2006, 05:49 PM
Post #2


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I use dominants too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I also hate their E, I find it very harsh-sounding. However, when my last dominant snapped, I was in France and managed to pick up an awesome match. It's a red one, but I can't remember the name (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Not Pirastro. I can't even find the pack since it's in France, which is a pain because I really want a replacement, as they work perfectly with dominants. The A is very nice too.
Someone else might know?
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benjaminja
post Feb 3 2006, 05:58 PM
Post #3


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Try a Tonica E. I am very much a convert now, having been a Dominant follower for years.
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Storini
post Feb 3 2006, 07:58 PM
Post #4


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QUOTE(bohemian @ Feb 3 2006, 05:49 PM) *

I use dominants too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I also hate their E, I find it very harsh-sounding. However, when my last dominant snapped, I was in France and managed to pick up an awesome match. It's a red one, but I can't remember the name (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Not Pirastro. I can't even find the pack since it's in France, which is a pain because I really want a replacement, as they work perfectly with dominants. The A is very nice too.
Someone else might know?

The French string brand I know is Corelli, http://www.savarez.fr/anglais/corde-vivace_pubeng.html . I tried a cello-D from them, and it was pretty powerful, but not exactly what I was after. They are readily available in the UK, e.g. from J.P. Guivier.
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hellokitty
post Feb 3 2006, 08:03 PM
Post #5


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I use titanium E strings I find that because the E string is the highest it needs to be sharper in sound and the titanium gives it that extra sharpness. I know many people don't like the sound but I do!
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AmandaL
post Feb 3 2006, 08:05 PM
Post #6


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Pirastro Gold Steel E strings are give a nice clear and rich sound, or you might like to try a Hill 'Special' E. Rather than a medium gauge try a soft. Since the tension won't be so high the tone of the string will blend better with the others.
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sarah-flute
post Feb 3 2006, 08:31 PM
Post #7


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Thanks Amanda... sound like two that would be well worth trying! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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cheeble
post Feb 3 2006, 10:42 PM
Post #8


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I use Dominants on ADG, and Pirastro Eudoxa on E - I find it gives a much sweeter tone than the dominant E's - there's another one you could try!
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sarah-flute
post Feb 3 2006, 11:05 PM
Post #9


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I'm trying to avoid the gut core strings as I know they have a reputation for being temperamental, and as my poor fiddle gets so neglected often... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) If I can't find a synthetic string that suits, I'll be back to scan all the gut cored suggestions!

I have ordered a Hill special E s I've heard good things about them, and also an Evah Pirazzi (I think I spelled that right??!) to have a go with. I've heard varying reports of the EPs but decided that for a few quid it was worth seeing if it suits me and my violin. I'll let you know how I get on!

I had forgotten how relatively cheap E strings are... makes it more possible to give a couple a try, whereas upgrading a whole set would be a little beyond my budget! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Has anyone tried the Obligato E? I'm a bit "eeeek!" as it costs £6.40 just for an E string, but I wonder if they are worth it?
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bohemian
post Feb 4 2006, 11:42 AM
Post #10


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QUOTE(Storini @ Feb 3 2006, 07:58 PM) *

The French string brand I know is Corelli

Unfortunately these aren't the ones. Oistrakh used them if that rings a bell? I tried doing a google but to no avail. The pack they were in was white/cream, with intricate red writing and design. I don't remember much more. Oh, there was a little plastic thing which is meant to sit on the bridge with the E string. It was green. Oh how I want a spare. Maybe I should try out some Pirastros instead and just get over it!
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janexxx
post Feb 4 2006, 05:42 PM
Post #11


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QUOTE(sarah-flute @ Feb 3 2006, 11:05 PM) *

I have ordered a Hill special E s I've heard good things about them,


I use the Hill E, I find it goodon my violin.

QUOTE(sarah-flute @ Feb 3 2006, 11:05 PM) *

and also an Evah Pirazzi (I think I spelled that right??!) to have a go with.


Good enough for VFV!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

QUOTE(sarah-flute @ Feb 3 2006, 11:05 PM) *

Has anyone tried the Obligato E? I'm a bit "eeeek!" as it costs £6.40 just for an E string, but I wonder if they are worth it?

And Obligatos on the rest of my strings but not the E
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sarah-flute
post Feb 4 2006, 06:23 PM
Post #12


Unregistered
QUOTE(janexxx @ Feb 4 2006, 05:42 PM) *

QUOTE(sarah-flute @ Feb 3 2006, 11:05 PM) *

I have ordered a Hill special E s I've heard good things about them,


I use the Hill E, I find it good on my violin.

A lot of people seem to like them, so I'm hoping I'll find the same. And as it's a metal string I'm *hoping* that it will be fairly robust!

QUOTE
QUOTE(sarah-flute @ Feb 3 2006, 11:05 PM) *

and also an Evah Pirazzi (I think I spelled that right??!) to have a go with.


Good enough for VFV!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

lol! I didn't know that! Well, then, I'll have no excuse....! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

QUOTE
QUOTE(sarah-flute @ Feb 3 2006, 11:05 PM) *

Has anyone tried the Obligato E? I'm a bit "eeeek!" as it costs £6.40 just for an E string, but I wonder if they are worth it?

And Obligatos on the rest of my strings but not the E

How do you find they compare with say Dominants?

The Obligato strings do look interesting...

I'm quite intrigued generally by the Infeld Red, which are described as "warm and dark" sounding.... maybe one day when I am feeling rich (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
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bohemian
post Feb 4 2006, 10:01 PM
Post #13


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QUOTE
I'm quite intrigued generally by the Infeld Red, which are described as "warm and dark" sounding.... maybe one day when I am feeling rich (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Yes, me too, because I am really looking for a string to counter my violin's harsh E string tone. In fact, I think a full set of Infield Reds would be really good on my violin because my G and D are extremely dark and rich...Dominants set it off quite well but their Es are rubbish! They break so quickly too.
Does anyone know if Thomastick make strings other than Dominants?

PS - I found my E string!! Made by Thomastik, called Prazision (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Anyone heard of them?
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sarah-flute
post Feb 4 2006, 11:43 PM
Post #14


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Glad you found your E!

Thomastick make LOTS of strings! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Stringmail stock 6 varieties of theirs, there are probably more as well (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I take that back, 9 varieties, at least! They're spread out over various pages.
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sarah-flute
post Feb 5 2006, 11:14 PM
Post #15


Unregistered
Additional query: is it really worrying that I'm very excited about getting my E strings tomorrow?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)










I guess it could be worse, could be G strings...
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