Orchestral string instruments come with all sorts of different setups. Arguably, the easiest way to upgrade your violin, viola, cello, or double bass is by changing the strings. But have you ever wondered how exactly they affect your instrument’s sound? Come along with Sweetwater as we explore the different types of string materials and how they impact your instrument’s sound.
What Materials Are Orchestral Strings Made Of?
Historically, orchestral strings were made with gut cores, which still see some use today. But, these days, most orchestral strings are made with synthetic or steel cores. Manufacturers also use outer metal windings to change a string’s sound quality. The changes are subtle but noticeable to discerning players. Wrapping materials include nickel, chrome steel, titanium, gold, and other types of metal.
String Core Materials
The core is what gives a string its characteristic sound.
Gut Core
The use of gut strings for instruments goes as far back as 6,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Orchestral gut strings are typically made of sheep intestines and were the standard material until the mid-20th century. While some players still prefer gut strings, they’ve mostly been phased out in favor of steel- and synthetic-core strings.
Gut strings have a rich, warm sound filled with complex overtones. That said, they have a slower response than most other strings, demanding more precision and finesse when playing. They also have lower tension and require more frequent tuning. And, since they’re organic, gut-core strings are easily affected by temperature and weather changes, such as playing outdoors or even stepping under hot stage lights.
Steel Core
Steel-core strings gained prominence at the start of the 20th century. Generally speaking, steel strings have a quick response, a longer life span, and better tuning stability than gut or nylon strings. They’ll come in one of two core types:
Solid Steel Core
These were the first type of steel-core strings produced. They give your instrument a clear, direct sound that’s brilliant and easy to produce. Solid steel-core strings are great for students since they hold their tuning very well and respond easily. They’re also popular among fiddlers who want a brighter and more direct tone than classical players.
Stranded Steel Core
Manufacturers make these strings by winding several steel strands together like a rope. Thanks to the added fibers, stranded steel strings provide more warmth and a wider array of tonal colors than solid steel. Stranded steel-core strings are particularly favored among violists and cellists and are often the default strings on student and step-up instruments.
Synthetic Core
Synthetic-core strings are a relatively new type of string. They first hit the market in 1970 when Thomastik-Infeld released the now-legendary Dominant strings, which use perlon (a type of nylon) for the core. Since then, synthetics have become the string of choice for many players, thanks to the wide offerings from Thomastik and other manufacturers.
Perlon and other synthetic cores offer some of the best playing characteristics of gut strings without the drawbacks. Synthetic strings produce a rich, gut-like tone that’s considerably warm and focused. They’re also much more stable, so they’ll hold their tuning longer without giving in to weather and temperature changes.
While nylon and perlon were among the first materials used for synthetic-core strings, other core types have been developed with great success. These are sometimes called “composite” or “multifilament” strings, which combine different materials to create more complex and sophisticated tone colors.
Outer Winding Materials
The outer winding on a string not only protects the core but also has subtle effects on tone. Manufacturers use different materials to customize the sound, giving players more options for their setup. They also cleverly use specific alloys to enhance or counteract the natural tendencies of a string core’s tone.
Lighter alloys will brighten the sound and increase the response. Some light outer winding materials include nickel, chrome steel, aluminum,andtitanium.
Next, we have heavier outer windings, which include materials like silver, platinum, tungsten, and gold. These metal windings offer more warmth and increased projection. One common use for them is to temper the brightness of violin E strings, so you’ll often find string sets with a different type of E string.
Should You Mix and Match Strings?
Ideally, you shouldn’t notice any sudden tone changes when bowing from one string to another. In most cases, a set of identical strings will give you a consistent sound across the whole range of your instrument. But some players prefer the sound they get from mixing and matching different strings.
Here are some of the most popular string combinations among Sweetwater customers:
Violin
Violinists often use matching strings for the lower three strings but change out the E string to dampen its harshness.
| G string | D string | A string | E string |
| Dominant | Dominant | Dominant | Gold Label |
| Pirastro Tonica | Pirastro Tonica | Pirastro Tonica | Gold Label |
Viola
Similar to violinists, violists will often change out the top A string. This helps temper brightness on the high end and brings out the viola’s natural warmth. Others take this approach a step further by swapping out both the D and A strings.
Cello
Cellists are the most likely to mix and match their strings. The most common setup uses Spirocore tungsten C and G strings with Larsen D and A strings. Thankfully, Sweetwater has already prepared a few bundles for you.
How to Pick the Right Strings for Your Instrument
Ultimately, the strings you choose come down to your personal preferences. Consider what type of sound you’re looking for and the natural tendencies of your instrument. Then, take some time to experiment with different strings or talk with fellow musicians to get their recommendations. If you need help choosing the right strings, then our Sweetwater Sales Engineers are on standby at (800) 222-4700. Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to assist!