String Evaluation

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Viola Lovers

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A group to discuss and share info and music specific to the viola.

43 Members, Created 8/27/2011 -

Administrators: mudbug (owner)

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From mudbug on 11/15/2011 3:48:56 PM

This is my first viola (2 months). When I bought it, the guy had just put new Evah Perazzi's on, cause that's what he had on hand. It was worth the extra $100, because the tone is wonderful. Hard to believe it's an inexpensive viola. After a year I'll probably try something less expensive. Anybody tried Tonica's. Anybody tried gut? What are you using and do you like them?

5 Comments
	fishingcat says: 11/15/2011 3:56:27 PM I have Zyex on mine, but plan to put Evah Pirazzis on next time so I can compare. I may not keep the EPs (they sure are spendy) ... but the Zyex have been tricky to get in the right size and I'm tending to agree with other reviewers — Zyex can play loud, but not so much at other volumes, and they are bright sounding. It's possible my viola is what's "bright", but it makes more sense to try other strings before labeling the instrument. FWIW, I am strongly considering the EP light / weich to gain improved response.
	mudbug says: 11/16/2011 1:52:43 AM Thanks, Fishingcat. Since mine is a new instrument, I probably don't want anything that brings out the bright so will not try the Zyex.
	TimK says: 11/16/2011 5:33:39 AM Well I've only had my Viola since August. It came with Helicores on it and I like them. I use Helicores on all my fiddles because I like the feel and sound of them. When it is time for new strings on the Viola, I'll probably try a set of gut strings but for now the Helicores are just fine.
	transplant says: 11/19/2011 7:13:42 AM I've had Gold Label guts on mine, as well as Helicores and Tonicas. Now it is Zyex, with a Helicore A, just because I snapped the Zyex A and an old Helicore was still around. I get more difference from the weather, bridge/post position, and from whether I've practised lately than I do from strings. I don't think I will go back to gut real soon, but maybe someday...
	paulinefiddle says: 2/20/2012 7:54:33 PM I'm currently using Pirastro Tonicas on my viola, and I like them. The Helicores are too bright for my taste. I'd really like to try Dominants, but viola strings are so expensive compared to violin strings. Does anyone know of an online store that carries viola strings at a lower than usual price?
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