Hi Im new to this forum and just wondered if anyone could advise me.
I played the violin to Grade 8 in my younger days but stupidly gave it up. After 20 yrs Ive just bought myself another violin and would love to get back to the standard I was at, start having lessons again and maybe join an orchestra. I am amazed that I can still play albeit not as well
The violin has recently been set up before I bought it with Thomastik Superflexible and with a Kaplan Golden spiral solo E string. He told me these were for him to play folk music and that I may wish to change them. The violin sounds bright and loud and the G and D seem dissapointing vibrato wise especially in higher positions. I remember my old violin being so much better.
Does changing the strings really make a difference, Ive read so many discussions on the topic Im getting more confused although Dominants (except E) are highly regarded.
Any advice as to what strings to try?
Thanks for any replies.

It really depends on the fiddle, to be honest - what works on mine won't work on yours and so on.

Also you should be aware that changing strings makes subtle sound differences - the stories of instruments suddenly coming alive after putting X brand of strings on are generally slightly exaggerated. The most effective way to get a change of sound (more warmth, less brightness in your case - it seems) is to have the set up reviewed. Take it to a luthier and explain how you want it to sound, (s)he can change the set up (including strings, soundpost, bridge etc) to make it sound more like you want.

Have fun and welcome back to the fiddle!

Allan

Thanks Allan,
I was thinking of taking it to a luthier to get an apraisal done as I havent really a clue what Ive bought Its an Amati copy, the label says Nicolaus Amatus cremone Hieronym filii fecit An16 so it would be nice to know approximately what it is worth and if it is any good??? Do you know how much it is for an apraisal and also a set up? Also where would I look to find a good local violin teacher? Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks for all your help.

Yay my first post on the string section. I play the violin but haven't felt able to join in on other discussions.

I use dominants and they sound really good. My friend who plays her violin a lot more than I play mine says that she finds that it helps to change her strings quite regularly but a) She plays her violin a lot and so they got worn down quickly and b) she uses actual gut strings as opposed to synthetic strings (which is what dominants are) so again they get worn down quite quickly. I generally find that a thicker string gives a nicer sound, especially on the lower strings.

That's a good idea. I don't know about the UK, but an appraisal of value costs around 100 euro here and a good set up usually between 400 - 600 euro, but it may be more or less depending on what's to be done. The major thing is that, in addition to changing the sound of your fiddle (and be specific about how you want it to sound), the luthier will be able to recommend a string that compliments his set up properly (he may even suggest blending strings - a mixed set, again a great advantage of seeing a luthier rather than buying strings onself).

As for finding a teacher, I'm pretty sure there's a site called musicteachers.co.uk where you can search, alternatively try local music schools and try to find out if any of the teachers give private lessons outside.

Let us know how you get on!

Allan

Eeeek it will cost more than the violin! I think I will find out if it is any good first before splashing out on a set up
Sorry didnt realise you wasnt in the uk when I bombarded you with questions, thanks a lot for your help.



Thanks Oboecop for replying. Nearly every site Ive been on about strings rate the Dominants. I did read somewhere that they need to bed in so maybe mine will sound a bit better soon as they were new when I bought it.

Hi! i've sort of stopped playing the violin now that I play the cello, but my uncle gave me his first full size German violin and he used Obligato strings for E, A and G, with Goth string or something that is kept in a tube for D. To be honest, I reckon it's better to use a more expensive string like Obligato because they last longer and sound nicer but I don't know, just a random heads up from me.