After hearing about this relatively new E string that Prim has brought to the market I thought it was time to grab a few of these and give them a try. I have them on my three main fiddles, a Dudley 5-string, a Kogut 5-String, and a nice Chinese 4-String 1737 Guarnerius copy made Wu Wei Ming that is distributed by Amati's Fine Instruments Cincinnati Ohio. The Lisa E String that I have been using is offered in three guages, light, medium, and heavy. I have been using the medium guage for the last two months or so and it seems to be perfect for all three fiddles. The Kogut and Guarneri have Zyex medium tension and the Dudley has Helicore G,D, and A mediums and a Thomastik Spirocore Viola C medium guage. The Lisa E string works amazingly well on all three fiddles. I tend to be a little picky when it comes to E strings and this new product from Prim has not disappointed. It is hands down my favorite E string for my fiddles. The tone is very sweet and rich with no edginess or harshness. According to Prim the string is made from some sort of stainless steel alloy which means the string will not corrode and should last a very long time. The Lisa E is a little more expensive ($6.50-$7.50), but not nearly as expensive as some the more exotic E-strings that are out there. I know a lot of people love Prim strings but are not very fond of the E string that comes with the Prim set. Give this string a try sometime, you might be pleasantly surprised as I was. David Blackmon

Thanks for the review. I need some new E strings - maybe I'll try one.

How does the Lisa compare with the widely used Westminster or Goldbrokat E strings? Worth the higher price?

I am using a Lisa on my main fiddle and it is a fine string, good tone and clear ring to it.  I never liked Prim E's before this one.

Thanks!  Sounds promising.  The regular Prim E is kinda raspy.

A friend sent me one a while back, I put it in a drawer here. Haven't used Prim E for many years but maybe some day I'll try it since y'all like it. It's stainless steel, right? Been using those Passione E strings for a few years, I used Westminster 27s for years but like the Passione much better.
Thanks for the news, tho.

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Originally posted by oldtimestrings

How does the Lisa compare with the widely used Westminster or Goldbrokat E strings? Worth the higher price?

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I have not used Westminister E's but I like the Prim better than the Goldbrokat E.....doesn't corrode and seems to sound a little sweeter, blends with the other strings better on my fiddles,,,,YMMV.

DB

Edited by - fiddler59 on 08/09/2012 04:51:45

I agree with David, while playing last night and thinking about this thread, the E is sweeter, almost too sweet but I like it as well as the Pirastro Wondertone E I had been using and it is about the same price.  Prim seem to be a good fit for the Don Leister fiddle I have been playing.  I get good tone and volume from this cherry fiddle with these strings.

I need some new E strings (replace old ones and get rid of a Gold squealing E).  I think I'll try the Prim Lisa.

OK -- 2 are on order from southwest strings (free shipping).  I'll report back in a week or so.  Anything has to sound better than what is on there now.  I noticed this a.m. while putting the fiddle up that the e string on my Horner has considerable corrosion under my finger pattern.

What's surprising to me is that the Prim Lisa aren't readily available.  Even Amazon doesn't have a vendor that sells them.

Edited by - fiddledd on 09/09/2012 15:40:38

Fiddledd, International violin has them in all 3 guages.......I've been using the medium guage and have been very happy....!! DB