Hello,

My present set of Dominant viola strings have been on for a couple of years now and I'm looking to replace them. Earlier this year I spoke to a luthier about something unrelated, and he commented on how many times the strings were wound round the pegs. It turns out the strings are too long for my instrument (it's only 14 3/4 inches). He said that this would be aversely affecting my tone - I'd always blamed my poor tone on my bowing technique.

I had no idea that strings came in different lengths ( shocking, I know, for a string player of nearly 25 years), but he recommended a string that comes in shorter lengths for exactly such violas, a string called Helicore by D'Addario. But I'm nervous about this because he said they have a steel core, and I always thought steel-cored strings were fab for folk but too bright for chamber music and the like.

So, do I take the technically-sound advice of my guitar-playing luthier who doesn't actually play a bowed string instrument, or do I go on the advice of my string music supplier who plays fiddle and viola but has never asked about the size of my instrument? Or do I just come to the forums!

Has anyone here tried Helicore strings? What are they like for orchestral, chamber and solo playing? And has anyone tried and liked any other good, reasonably priced strings that come in shorter lengths? Any info gratefully received.

Thanks x

Most folk players these days use synthetic strings, just like classical players.

That said, there is a lot to be said for Helicore - it's a multistranded, wound metal core string with a lovely warm sound that isn't at all like steel strings you may have heard before.

In France, most violas have helicore put on them as standard these days and even some violinists are using them for orchestral work.

Give them a go - they aren't expensive and you might just be surprised.

I recommend the kind folks at www.stringmail.co.uk for purchasing - cheap, fast and no delivery charge.

Have fun experimenting!

I use helicore on my violin and they sound good I did use zyex but my violin is quite quiet and such, so the helicore's brightened it a bit =]

I like Helicores too.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies and the votes of confidence in Helicore. Maybe I'll give them a shot and see whether I like them. My investigations prove that a set of Helicores costs less than my current set of Dominants did!

Cheers x

Any advice for good strings for a 17" Gliga Gama viola? I've been using Dominant C, G and Ds with a Larsen A until now, and am happy with the sound, but it would be interesting to try something different.

Well, if you like what you've got, stick with it, I say!

Changing strings will only make a tiny difference in overall sound.

If you want darker, aim for something like obligato, or the infeld reds, if you want brighter, try helicores, maybe - they give a bit of edge to the sound on a viola - a bit cello-like.

Overall, though, the sound you make won't change dramatically just due to strings.