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There are four basic types of center core materials used on violin strings:
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Synthetic
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Rope
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Steel
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Gut
Synthetic Core
Synthetic core strings are meant to sound as similar to gut as possible.
They are used by most of the top players.
Advantages include:
- Superior stability and durability
- Stronger than gut
- More consistent tone than gut
- Less affected by humidity
- Sound is generally brighter than gut, with a faster response
Rope Core
These combine the virtues of gut and steel.
The core consists of thin strands of steel.
Some advantages are:
- Sound is brighter than steel
- Greater flexibility that steel core
- More durable than gut
- Has the fastest response of all the strings
- Not affected by changes in humidity
Steel Core
They consist of a single strand of steel.
They are generally used on new instruments because they produce greater volume.
Advantages are:
- Brighter in tone and more responsive than gut or synthetic strings
- Not affected by humidity changes which affect tuning
- Will last a long time
Gut Core
Preferred by most concert violinists.
Gut strings are the oldest type of strings.
They have:
- Great flexibility
- Pleasing warm tone without harshness
- They will react to changes in temperature and humidity
- Response is slower than other string types
There are also a variety of wrappings available: Gold, Silver, Aluminum,
Chromium, Steel, Titanium, Tungsten
Gold
Usually gold plated. It is the softest of the winding materials and has the
darkest sound. Occasionally used for "E" strings
Silver
Will usually create a richer, rounder sound than aluminum or chromium
Aluminum
Has fairly bright sound and minimal surface noise
Chromium
Has bright sound and quick response
Steel
Has a very bright tone and fast response
Titanium
Has bright tone and strong projection
Tungsten
Is the brightest of all windings |
