Bluetick - Posted - 07/28/2022:  10:34:01

Howdy folks,

I've been hacking at my great grandfather's old fiddle now off and on (mostly off) for almost 50 years. I figure it's about time I started getting serious about playing it (retirement is right around the corner). The old fiddle is very loud, and has a tremendous sustain. I just can't seem to get used to the strings that are on it. They are all steel strings, brand and such are unknown. Many, many years ago I had a cheap fiddle that had what felt like "coated" strings on it. Those strings were much more pleasant to my ear, and seemed to be more forgiving to my clumsy fingers.

All said, I know that I need to change strings (these are about 30 years old), but I'm looking for something with a softer feel, mellow tone, and somewhat muted compared to my raspy old steel strings.

The old fiddle has mechanical tuners instead of pegs, if that makes any difference.

Thanks for the help, folks!

NCnotes - Posted - 07/28/2022:  11:13:10

"Dominant" strings are a pretty standard string to try, if you want a softer sound and feel...

Here's what the summary on Amazon says: "Dominant series violin strings are one of the most widely-used synthetic strings. A highly flexible, multi-strand nylon core makes these comparable in sound and feel to natural gut. The E string is aluminum/steel or plain steel, ball or loop end." I have used them, they do have a nice smooth sound.

DougD - Posted - 07/28/2022:  11:28:18

Strings are one of thse things where everybody has an opinion, usually different! Partly because different instruments respond differently to different types and brands of strings.
Some people find Dominants to be a bit harsh or metallic, but I've never tried them myself. If you want a similar, but less expensive set, you could try Pirastro Tonica, which also have a synthetic core.
There are steel strings with stranded cores that are a little less stiff and more mellow sounding. D'Addario Helicore are one popular string (although some people hate 'em) and there are others.
After 30 tears its definitely time for a change!

Bluetick - Posted - 07/28/2022:  12:09:18

Thanks, Doug and NC. What should I expect when it comes to "gauge". Medium? Light? Heavy? I'm completely ignorant on this subject. Thanks.

NCnotes - Posted - 07/28/2022:  12:34:02

I believe that most people will opt for Medium to start, then adjust as needed?
Some people like Heavy for the E, but I haven't tried that yet...so will leave others to comment!

DougD - Posted - 07/28/2022:  12:43:37

Yes, the gauge is another debatable choice. I guess I'm not too adventurous - I've always used mediums, regardless of brand. One thing is that Helicores tend to be a little thinner gauge, and some people prefer the heavies, but lots of players like the somewhat "slinky" feel of the mediums.
BTW, I don't think any of the suggestions so far are too out of the mainstream, and are not absolute "budget busters."
Just an aside, NCnotes and I may be two of the only members of the forum who've actually used real gut strings, which I certainly wouldn't recommend for you.

NCnotes - Posted - 07/28/2022:  13:40:19

Gut strings jamming outside...I am turning the peg of my D string WHILE playing, because I could hear myself going flat as I played!!
The tuning was maddening! Also they unwound/broke in less than a year...

RobBob - Posted - 07/28/2022:  17:41:55

New strings, any new strings, will be a big improvement over 30 year old strings, except maybe new Red Label strings.

Flat_the_3rd_n7th - Posted - 07/28/2022:  18:49:00

quote:

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Originally posted by RobBob

New strings, any new strings, will be a big improvement over 30 year old strings, except maybe new Red Label strings.

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LOL!  I bought some Red Labels for my lowliest instrument cause they are cheap.  They were so bad, I had a hard time stopping a note due to their refusal to bend to the fingerboard.

OP, you try to match string characteristics to an instrument so it looks like you are approaching it correctly--harsh fiddle may need what they call "warm" strings.  I like synthetic cause I wear hearing aids and steel sounds tinny to me.  Another vote for Tonicas, and I also like Daddario Pro Arte for a warm sound.  Dominants are OK, but they are bright for a synthetic, and are pretty costly now.

Flat_the_3rd_n7th - Posted - 07/28/2022:  18:59:40

I should add that Helicores are considered by some as the warmest of the steels. They are getting expensive, too though. Many fiddlers like Prim, but they sound a little too loud and harsh personally.

Steel will need very little break-in time, but synthetics will take a week or so.

farmerjones - Posted - 07/28/2022:  20:16:32

Google, "violin string comparison chart."

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 07/28/2022:  21:18:20

Dominants are great. They have a lot of warmth, speak well, aren’t painful under the ear but carry well, don’t cost much, and break in relatively quickly. Get the silver D, not the aluminum, for better response.



Use a Goldbrokat E, though. Thomastik doesn’t make good E strings for their Domimant sets.

Edited by - The Violin Beautiful on 07/28/2022 21:19:13

ChickenMan - Posted - 07/29/2022:  05:30:08

If your strings feel "uncoated" they are likely those round wound Black Diamond strings. The "coated" feel comes from flat wound strings, meaning the windings that make the strings thick are ribbon-like rather than plain round wire. Pretty much all other strings are flat wound.


And practically any string will be an improvement.