Creole - Posted - 08/14/2022:  11:12:04

After restringing with Tonica Pirastro strings...I miss the Fiddler brite sound of the Preludes that came with my Violin. But hated the Prelude G and E.. Should I buy Helicores or can I mix the Tonicas with Prelude D and A strings that sounded so old timey? Since Tonicas are Synthetic and and not steel core i was unsure what to do as I do not want to destroy my Violin with diff tensions etc???

Earworm - Posted - 08/14/2022:  11:29:21

This way, madness lies ... :)

Creole - Posted - 08/14/2022:  12:05:02

quote:

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Originally posted by Earworm

This way, madness lies ... :)

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I am looking for Bob Wills and I get Stephen King instead!!!

Edited by - Creole on 08/14/2022 12:09:52

Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 08/14/2022:  15:11:56

Always try to string up G, D, A and E strings in their proper lanes and make sure they're all either steel or synthetic cored, but when it comes to who makes a particular string, do whatever the heck you want. In any case, whenever I've had a string divest itself of its winding or just plain go bust, I'd just reach into my fiddle case and grab a spare that's designated for the same pitch, whatever brand it may be. Maybe it might sound a bit off, but I've found that a three-stringed fiddle can really drive you crazy. And oh, yeah, it's best that all the strings are for the same gauge. 

Edited by - Lonesome Fiddler on 08/14/2022 15:13:48

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 08/14/2022:  15:40:23

You can mix strings, but the results are usually not very good. String sets are carefully engineered to work together, and mixing them distorts the overall tension, balance, and bow response.



The exception is the E string. This can be switched because that string is typically a single strand at the same gauge and tension as other brands (unless you get a different gauge E or one that’s been designed to stop whistles). I always recommend the Goldbrokat medium gauge E, which sounds great with everything.



Although it might be tempting to try to adjust the sound of one string by switching it with one of another type, doing so will affect the sound of the other strings as well. Preludes and Tonicas are completely different strings in composition, and I would expect the Preludes to ruin the sound of the Tonicas.



It’s ultimately your decision to make, and mixing strings shouldn’t do structural harm; the detriment will be to the sound.

Edited by - The Violin Beautiful on 08/14/2022 15:41:58

RobBob - Posted - 08/14/2022:  18:25:02

Why not try it? You will find that the Tonica's will be softer than the Preludes so your bowing will be influenced by that. Why not just use Tonica's and if they don't suit, experiment.

The old man I learned fiddling from a life time ago would use steel core for the G,D and E. He always liked a gut core, aluminum wrap A. Go figure. I think he liked how it made his fiddle sound.

Edited by - RobBob on 08/14/2022 18:27:06

carlb - Posted - 08/15/2022:  05:06:43

I have a fiddle that has a weak E string response. I get a stronger response by using Pirastro Wondertone Solo E.

coryobert - Posted - 08/15/2022:  06:11:47

quote:

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Originally posted by Earworm

This way, madness lies ... :)

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Perfect!

Creole - Posted - 08/15/2022:  08:39:50

quote:

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Originally posted by Lonesome Fiddler

Always try to string up G, D, A and E strings in their proper lanes and make sure they're all either steel or synthetic cored, but when it comes to who makes a particular string, do whatever the heck you want. In any case, whenever I've had a string divest itself of its winding or just plain go bust, I'd just reach into my fiddle case and grab a spare that's designated for the same pitch, whatever brand it may be. Maybe it might sound a bit off, but I've found that a three-stringed fiddle can really drive you crazy. And oh, yeah, it's best that all the strings are for the same gauge. 

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Great info thank you....yea I am thinking more along the lines of Steel and Synth being mixed.  Pretty sure I am going to try the Helicores out.  Even as a newbie I am finding the strings are you get wat you pay for.  My Axe likes to be a bit dark so the steel will hopefully brighten things up.  :) TY

Creole - Posted - 08/15/2022:  08:43:15

quote:

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Originally posted by RobBob

Why not try it? You will find that the Tonica's will be softer than the Preludes so your bowing will be influenced by that. Why not just use Tonica's and if they don't suit, experiment.

The old man I learned fiddling from a life time ago would use steel core for the G,D and E. He always liked a gut core, aluminum wrap A. Go figure. I think he liked how it made his fiddle sound.

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Thanks Bob,

So interesting.  Seems there are never any rules.  Reminds me of many years ago, when I found out my Guitar rock hero actually does use the string brand he advertises for..Yea one string was that brand and none of the rest.  LOL  :)  Waddah ya do?

Creole - Posted - 08/15/2022:  08:46:45

quote:

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Originally posted by The Violin Beautiful

You can mix strings, but the results are usually not very good. String sets are carefully engineered to work together, and mixing them distorts the overall tension, balance, and bow response.



The exception is the E string. This can be switched because that string is typically a single strand at the same gauge and tension as other brands (unless you get a different gauge E or one that’s been designed to stop whistles). I always recommend the Goldbrokat medium gauge E, which sounds great with everything.



Although it might be tempting to try to adjust the sound of one string by switching it with one of another type, doing so will affect the sound of the other strings as well. Preludes and Tonicas are completely different strings in composition, and I would expect the Preludes to ruin the sound of the Tonicas.



It’s ultimately your decision to make, and mixing strings shouldn’t do structural harm; the detriment will be to the sound.

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Yes!  Thank you...Ok just do not want to twist things up on any of my new toys.  Even I do not like my neck twisted, HU?  Then why am I liking this little sqeeky box under my chin so much?  Never said I was smart, just addicted.   ha!  :)

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 08/15/2022:  09:43:47

quote:

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Originally posted by Creole

quote:

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Originally posted by The Violin Beautiful

You can mix strings, but the results are usually not very good. String sets are carefully engineered to work together, and mixing them distorts the overall tension, balance, and bow response.



The exception is the E string. This can be switched because that string is typically a single strand at the same gauge and tension as other brands (unless you get a different gauge E or one that’s been designed to stop whistles). I always recommend the Goldbrokat medium gauge E, which sounds great with everything.



Although it might be tempting to try to adjust the sound of one string by switching it with one of another type, doing so will affect the sound of the other strings as well. Preludes and Tonicas are completely different strings in composition, and I would expect the Preludes to ruin the sound of the Tonicas.



It’s ultimately your decision to make, and mixing strings shouldn’t do structural harm; the detriment will be to the sound.

---

Yes!  Thank you...Ok just do not want to twist things up on any of my new toys.  Even I do not like my neck twisted, HU?  Then why am I liking this little sqeeky box under my chin so much?  Never said I was smart, just addicted.   ha!  :)

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We're all fiddle-mad here!