Pirastro Tonica - Should i swap it for Pirastro Gold?

Well i was thinking of changing strings buit i really dont know what to go for, what do you think? Should i swap?

What's wrong with your current string? The gold one has a tendency to whistle quite a lot, but if you handle your bow well has a really sweet tone.

The best way to decide would be to figure out what you don't like about your current string and then we can make some suggestions for replacements.

Allan

Well i like tonica, it has good dynamic range and is a nice string...... but that's all it is --- "nice".......i want a bit more colour.....and sweeter tone.....and that's why i was actually considering gut strings i.e. Pirastro gold.

Sorry, wrong end of the stick - I thought you were talking about E strings... stupid me!

Pirastro gold is a reasonable entry level gut string. I enjoyed my time with Eudoxa but found that the tonal qualities that make them so wonderful to begin with fade quite quickly - they become dull much quicker than synthetic strings - so I suppose in the long run they cost more because they are also more likely to break. If you switch from using high tension syths to a low tension gut, you may well have to have your violin overhauled by a luthier too - soundpost adjustment, maybe even a change of bridge depending on what's on there now.

Have you though about Evah Pirazzi? They're excellent and have a really good sound with lots of overtones, whilst still keeping the bright loud synthetic range. I like them a lot.

Well, I wouldn't. Pirastro Gold and Pirastro Tonica isn't that much difference in quality, but I can't say the same for the price. Here in Singapore the price difference is around S$30-40, with the pirastro gold being S$80. Just get Pirazzi like what rosfrog said, or try Dominant. Except for dominant's E strings, the 3 other strings are really good for a reasonable price as well.

Another alternative is Helicore, which is known for its playability and softness to the touch.

Pirazzi strings in Singapore are really expensive too. They are my dream strings though. Once I get good enough, I'll get one set to try.

Well do you think Evah Pirazzi will work on my violin in terms of tension??? The Tension of the Pirastro Tonica are fine, when i had dominant strings they were fine......will the tension of evah pirazzi work??

Or would it be better to buy Pirastro Obligato??

I guess it goes back to the old saying, "If you like it, get it." Each violinist is different. One string might work for someone, while that same string might not work for someone else. Get your teacher's advice and go to the shops to try the strings. If you like it, get it! I've heard the Pirazzis are really good so I think it's good to give it a go.

Well, the best E string is the Piraxo Oliv Gold, preferably with a ball end... I always recommend it. It has a great sound and lasts long. About whistles... well, it has never happened to me "because of the string", it's more that the bow doesn't have enough rosin in all parts.

Evah Pirrazi are high tension strings and they can almost 'strangle' the tone of some instruments. They make lots of noise and are great if you need to be heard individually, but, if you would rather blend in with everyone else (preferable in an ensemble situation) then I'd recommend the Obligato.

The Obligato play in very quickly and they are comparatively low-tension so it won't mean any set-up change on the instrument. Pirastro market them as the closest you can get to wound gut. If you do a lot of playing though (4 to 5 hours each day), be prepared to change them every six months, as the tone will dull quicker than the Pirrazi.

Are Obligato gut or steel strings?

Neither. They're synthetic cored, but give the closest playing qualities to gut.