Choosing the Right Violin Strings, Accessories, and Setup: A Player’s Perspective

So many string options

Chinrests and shoulder rests help you feel comfortable and balanced while playing.Rosin affects how your bow grips the string and speaks.A properly adjusted soundpost can completely change how an instrument responds.Mutes, fittings, and small accessories add function and a bit of personality.And strings… well, there are more options than ever.

There are countless ways to shape your sound, and just as many opinions on what’s “best.”

Your Sound Changes Because You Change

To be honest, there are too many fun, nerdy things to try. Your body changes over time, and so does your musical taste. That includes not just your tone preference, but your technique.

When I was growing up, I was convinced I wanted a warm, silky sound. Over the years, I tried Infeld Red, Obligato, Dominant, Pinnacle, Helicore, and even Black Diamond fiddle strings way back in the day. Most of these came from teacher recommendations, which is usually where string experimentation starts.

I’m fairly sure my first owned violin came strung with Dominants, while my rentals probably had D’Addario strings. At the time, I was playing more fiddle than classical music, so Helicore strings made sense. They worked for the style, but eventually felt like they were missing something.

That “something” turned out to be clarity and punch, especially once I discovered the difference a silver D string could make. Yet another variable to consider.

How My String Preferences Evolved

As I grew as a player, my string choices evolved with me. I spent many years playing on Evah Pirazzi (original green) before transitioning to Peter Infeld strings. These are still the strings I remember most clearly since moving back to Texas, and they continue to be some of the most popular sets I sell in the shop today (not counting individual E strings, which is a whole category on its own).

I look for a crisp, clear, and deep tone from my personal setup these days.

Popular String Choices at Fine Instrument Consulting

Violin Strings

• Perpetual Cadenza

• Peter Infeld

• Rondo Gold

• Rondo

• Dynamo

• Dominant Pro

• Infeld Blue (you know who you are)

Viola Strings

• Evah Pirazzi Gold (synthetic core)

• Peter Infeld

• Dynamo

• Tungsten C strings

Cello strings are still growing at the shop. I haven’t sold a full cello set just yet, though I hope this will change soon!

I’ve ordered one or two sets of Evah Pirazzi Green and Gold since I opened. They’re excellent strings, but Houston humidity can be hard on them, which plays a big role in what I recommend locally.

Try, Listen, and Take Notes

All of this is to say: try things. Listen to how strings sound when they’re brand new, and again after they’ve settled. I genuinely recommend keeping a simple string journal. Yes, it’s nerdy, but it will be really helpful. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re trying to remember why you loved (or hated) a certain set.

I also highly recommend doing this with instrument and bow trials.

One of my favorite parts of running the shop is helping players find the right strings, setup, and accessories for their instrument. No two violins are the same, and no two players are either.

If you’re interested in a string or setup consultation, give us a call. It's one of my favorite things to do!

(832)879-0853

So what strings are currently on your instrument?

Do you love them, or are you tempted to try the newest thing?