About D'Addario
D'Addario is a family-owned American manufacturer founded in 1973 by Jim and Janet D'Addario and headquartered in Farmingdale, New York. The family's string-making history runs far deeper than the company itself: Italian census records place D'Addario family members in the string trade in Salle, Italy as early as 1680. Today D'Addario is the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument accessories, producing more than 700,000 strings a day at its own in-house wire mill.
D'Addario at Shar
Our D'Addario range covers the orchestral string lines for violin, viola, cello and double bass across steel and synthetic cores, in full and fractional sizes, from school-programme workhorses through to premium orchestral sets.
Shar has been supplying school programmes and individual players since 1962. If you are ordering for a class or a rental fleet, our staff can advise on durability and cost per set as well as sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are D'Addario strings made in the USA?
Yes. D'Addario manufactures at its facility in Farmingdale, New York, using wire drawn at its own in-house mill.
What is the difference between a steel-core and a synthetic-core string?
Steel-core strings hold pitch well, last longer and cost less, which is why they are common on student and rental instruments. Synthetic cores are generally warmer and more flexible under the bow, and are the usual step up as a player advances.
Which D'Addario line suits a beginner?
For a first instrument or a school programme, the steel-core lines are the usual choice for durability and price. Students moving past the first year or two often switch to a warmer line. Contact us if you would like a recommendation for a specific instrument.
