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DougBrock - Posted - 03/12/2021: 13:21:48
I took an old-ish German violin into the local shop to see what they could do to make the somewhat disappointing violin all that it could be. I bought it last year from Morgan Music because I don’t have any old instruments and wanted to get back into violin (I had dabbled about ten years ago, using the violin my son had used for lessons). This German violin was rough, but seemed to my mandolin ears to be very resonant, even more than some of the more expensive (and prettier) violins in the shop.
In December I finally started learning to play. I really got into violin and ended up buying a used Chinese violin that was so much louder and richer than the German violin. I thought about selling the German violin, but the market is so flooded with violins I figured I couldn’t get enough of my money back. Instead, I decided to take it in for a checkup. I knew that it at least needed a bridge - the A string had dug into the bridge quite a bit before I got it.
The luthier suggested that I try Vision heavies. He said that a fiddler/teacher friend of his in Nashville said that there seems to be a trend with these strings to help a violin with volume and warmth. I was surprised by the suggestion of heavy strings but I was open to try most anything.
I have to say I was amazed at the improvement! I’m not sure how much was due to the strings, how much to the new bridge and how much to anything else the luthier did, but I’m VERY happy.
The Chinese violin now seems quiet and thin! The German violin took its place as daddy’s favorite, lol.
When the Chinese violin needs new strings, I’ll have to consider Visions. It will be interesting to see if it jumps back into first place in my heart and mind. :)
jgarber760 - Posted - 03/13/2021: 08:34:41
I use Vision mediums on my fiddles. I used to use Dominants then Pirastro Aricores but my fiddles are all dark sounding so the brightness of the Visions works quite nicely. I don't need too much volume and am used to the tension, so I stick with these. I did start using a Kaplan Non-whistling E instead of the e that comes with the Vision set.
Most of my othe fiddling friends use Helicores but I don't really like the steel core strings. These work well for me.
DougBrock - Posted - 03/13/2021: 09:53:10
quote:
Originally posted by jgarber760
I use Vision mediums on my fiddles. I used to use Dominants then Pirastro Aricores but my fiddles are all dark sounding so the brightness of the Visions works quite nicely. I don't need too much volume and am used to the tension, so I stick with these. I did start using a Kaplan Non-whistling E instead of the e that comes with the Vision set.
Most of my othe fiddling friends use Helicores but I don't really like the steel core strings. These work well for me.
I've been moving more toward synthetic core- the Helicores just were seeming harsh to me.
I wasn't thrilled with the EP Green silver e string but am giving it some time. I do have a few new e strings I need to try sometime.
luthier65 - Posted - 03/13/2021: 16:43:11
The heavys will, most likely, pull the neck down over time.
Good news is that when the action gets too high to play comfortably, then you can have the neck pulled-up or re-set and start over again.
DougBrock - Posted - 03/13/2021: 17:16:44
quote:
Originally posted by luthier65
The heavys will, most likely, pull the neck down over time.
Good news is that when the action gets too high to play comfortably, then you can have the neck pulled-up or re-set and start over again.
Well that's not a good thing lol!
East Texas Fiddle - Posted - 03/14/2021: 14:43:12
Which Vision set did they put on your fiddle? Thomastic makes 4 different sets under the "Vision" line: Vision, Vision Solo, Vision Titanium Solo, and Vision Titanium Orchestra. My guess would be the first, as it is the only one of the 4 that comes in Heavy gage.
Just saying that heavy gage strings will "most likely pull the neck down over time," isn't that helpful or informed, IMO. It's all about string tension, not gage. There are medium steel-core strings that have more tension than heavy synthetic strings. So don't worry about that aspect unnecessarily. You might try the Mediums of the Vision set for less tension if it worries you. Should be pretty similar in tone. Of course, each fiddle is different, so YMMV.
I've got the same set on one of my violins, and I like them a lot. Trying the Vision Titanium Solo next, to see if I can get a little more volume and sparkle.
I'm also trying their Superflexible set as a steel-core alternative to Helicores and Prims on a different, bluegrass-oriented fiddle. So far so good.
The folks at Tomastik sure know how to make some strings.
Edited by - East Texas Fiddle on 03/14/2021 14:50:05
