Sometimes buying strings for your violin, viola, cello, or bass is just a matter of reordering the set you’ve loved for years. A reliable set that has always sounded great on your instrument might be all you ever need. Other times, a new instrument, a change in playing level, a new budget, or simple curiosity sends you looking for a different sound. There are many brands and types of strings to choose from, so starting with a trusted source can save you time. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to find the right set by chance or word of mouth alone.
That’s why Shar Music created the String Sound Charts for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Each chart places popular strings according to how they sound. Strings near the top are more direct and soloistic, and strings near the bottom are more subtle. Strings toward the left have a warmer tone, and strings toward the right are more brilliant. Find where your current strings sit, decide which direction you’d like to go, and you’ll have a short list of sets worth trying. We hope the charts are a useful resource for teachers, parents, students, and professionals alike.
Once you have a few options in mind, it’s easy to shop. Browse complete violin string sets, viola string sets, cello string sets, or bass string sets, or shop favorite brands like Dominant, Evah Pirazzi, Helicore, Il Cannone, and Rondo. Have questions about choosing strings? Let us know in the comments below!
