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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Best Strings for Old Time Fiddle?


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/53702

BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020:  06:30:30


I'm a complete noob at fiddle. I got offered a junky fiddle one day for free, and couldn't say no to that offer! I'm already well acquainted with old time music as I mainly play frailing banjo. I recently bust a string, and I'm curious as to what strings would you all recommend for a beginner fiddler?

stumpkicker - Posted - 06/29/2020:  07:24:08


Well, first of all you should replace all the strings. Second, if you’re a banjo player with no fiddle experience you’re in for some sticker shock when you buy violin strings. But on the other hand they will last you six months to a year depending on how much you play a day. A good starting set would be the D’addario prelude strings. Good luck!

ChickenMan - Posted - 06/29/2020:  09:38:25


Prim strings do the trick for me. About $30-32. Should last a couple of years if you are not too particular :-)

Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 06/29/2020:  13:20:09


I enjoy Chromcor, but Prims seem to be the first choice among the OT fiddlers I know.

WyoBob - Posted - 06/29/2020:  14:06:13


I was where you are 10 months ago:  Clawhammer banjo, old time music, given a free fiddle.   I spent a lot of time going through the Hangout archives learning all I could about fiddle stuff especially strings.



My first good fiddle (new) had Prelude strings and they represent a good value at around $16.00 (in this country).  I've tried the "Fiddlerman" and "Helicore mediums (the "A" string "gave it up" after 4 months)  and  the Prim's work much better for me and are on my two fiddles.  At around $26.00/set (from Southwest strings with free shipping in the USA), I think they are an outstanding value.  From what I've read, they're tough as nails and seem to last a long time for most folks.  I like the sound and feel of the Prims and don't see myself changing to anything else.

BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020:  15:00:20


quote:

Originally posted by stumpkicker

Well, first of all you should replace all the strings. Second, if you’re a banjo player with no fiddle experience you’re in for some sticker shock when you buy violin strings. But on the other hand they will last you six months to a year depending on how much you play a day. A good starting set would be the D’addario prelude strings. Good luck!






I'm forced to change strings currently as my E string burst. I also play bass, $50 for four decent roundwound strings! I spend ~$15 a month on banjo strings, so $32 (the price of preludes in Canada) for up to a year ain't too bad!

BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020:  15:01:03


quote:

Originally posted by ChickenMan

Prim strings do the trick for me. About $30-32. Should last a couple of years if you are not too particular :-)






What are these "Prim strings" you speak of? Is Prim the band? I'm used to the generic D'Addario and Ernie Ball haha

Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 06/29/2020:  15:46:02


Prim Strings. Made in Sweden since 1943...thank you very much!! You're welcome!

farmerjones - Posted - 06/29/2020:  16:16:02


Yep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.
Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.
I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.

BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020:  17:25:40


quote:

Originally posted by farmerjones

Yep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.

Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.

I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.






Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)

farmerjones - Posted - 06/29/2020:  18:57:53


quote:

Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitz

quote:

Originally posted by farmerjones

Yep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.

Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.

I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.






Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)






Cool. Btw, what are you aiming for, banjer-wise? 

BanjoJoeFitz - Posted - 06/29/2020:  19:03:08


quote:

Originally posted by farmerjones

quote:

Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitz

quote:

Originally posted by farmerjones

Yep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.

Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.

I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.






Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)






Cool. Btw, what are you aiming for, banjer-wise? 






I had hoped to be able to get a fretless tackhead from a dealer in the states, but he no longer ships to Canada. Currently it looks like I'm either going for a Washburn or the Deering Goodtime Americana. Sadly the banjo scene here in Newfoundland isn't that big, so I don't have that many options unless I want to get the instrument shipped.

farmerjones - Posted - 06/29/2020:  19:38:02


quote:

Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitz

quote:

Originally posted by farmerjones

quote:

Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitz

quote:

Originally posted by farmerjones

Yep. If yer just going to try it out, Preludes, are good solid core, less expensive.

Prim are better/brighter, long LONG last, but they'll cost more.

I could rattle off reviews of a bunch of other brands (do a search) but . . . . I'm feeling lazy.






Think I'm going to go with the preludes as they're cheaper and I'm really trying not to break the bank. Trying to fund a banjo upgrade first as that's what I mainly play, and I don't even know if I'll be able to take fiddle lessons (that's the hope)






Cool. Btw, what are you aiming for, banjer-wise? 






I had hoped to be able to get a fretless tackhead from a dealer in the states, but he no longer ships to Canada. Currently it looks like I'm either going for a Washburn or the Deering Goodtime Americana. Sadly the banjo scene here in Newfoundland isn't that big, so I don't have that many options unless I want to get the instrument shipped.






Yes, i live in a rural area. So i buy much stuff online. Research is time well spent and a good return policy has much value as well. I learned much over on the sister forum Banjer Hangout. Best of Luck! FJ 

rosinhead - Posted - 06/30/2020:  04:15:54


Prim Medium.

boxbow - Posted - 06/30/2020:  04:27:18


I had good luck with Jargar heavies, better luck with the Preludes and the best luck with Prims. I just tried a set of Prim Orchestra on my fussiest fiddle. In the past I've had Prim mediums and loved them. The orchestra (means heavy gauge, I think) windings have a rough texture that tries to grab at my fingers, but I seem to be getting used to it.

stumpkicker - Posted - 07/01/2020:  14:23:32


quote:

Originally posted by BanjoJoeFitz

quote:

Originally posted by stumpkicker

Well, first of all you should replace all the strings. Second, if you’re a banjo player with no fiddle experience you’re in for some sticker shock when you buy violin strings. But on the other hand they will last you six months to a year depending on how much you play a day. A good starting set would be the D’addario prelude strings. Good luck!




 







I'm forced to change strings currently as my E string burst. I also play bass, $50 for four decent roundwound strings! I spend ~$15 a month on banjo strings, so $32 (the price of preludes in Canada) for up to a year ain't too bad!






$15 a month on banjo strings? My experience has been that a$5 set should last 3 months easily.


Edited by - stumpkicker on 07/01/2020 14:26:02

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