Best violin strings

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 18, 2022

In this article, we've compiled the best violin strings one can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 95 of violin strings and selected the 30 top options by BestSounds, MAONOCASTER, Music Alley, Aquila. We took the time to do a meticulous research and point out some advantages and disadvantages of each of the options we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend endless hours searching for the ideal model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Apollo Melodies Violin Strings Set – 4/4 Size Scale – Durable Stainless Steel Core Violin Parts – Medium Gauge – Orchestral Strings – Perfect
#TOP 1
Apollo Melodies Violin Strings Set – 4/4 Size Scale – Durable Stainless Steel Core Violin Parts – Medium Gauge – Orchestral Strings – Perfect
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JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set: Gold Label Loop-End E & Dominant A
#TOP 2
JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set: Gold Label Loop-End E & Dominant A
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Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set
#TOP 3
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set
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Top 30 Best violin strings Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Apollo Melodies Violin Strings Set – 4/4 Size Scale – Durable Stainless Steel Core Violin Parts – Medium Gauge – Orchestral Strings – Perfect

Apollo Melodies

Features

  • 4/4 SCLAE – Perfect fit for 4/4 size violin with Medium tension
  • BEGGINER’S CHOICE – Designed with quick bow response and ease of use in mind, Apollo’s are the preferred choice for beginner violinist. Educators can attest their quality due to their exclusive blend of warm tone, affordability and constancy; Perfect strings for both new and experienced student violinists.
  • AFFORDABILITY – Apollo's strings harmonize quality and affordability. Designed to safeguard wallets and help improve violinist, at all skill levels, at LOW COSTS.
  • SOLID STAINLESS-STEEL CORE – Apollo’s violin strings are manufactured using a solid stainless-steel core; designed to maximize the endurance and warmest sound.
  • LONG LASTING QUALITY – With its solid stainless-steel construction and uniquely-designed sealed pouches, Apollo’s strings have an unsurpassed fortification against the elements that cause corrosion. Perfectly adaptable to temperature and humidity changes, the strings wear well and can stand up to any violinist’s usage.
#TOP 2

JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set: Gold Label Loop-End E & Dominant A

JSI

Features

  • Medium Gauge
  • Full Set includes Pirastro Gold Label Plain Steel Loop-End E, Thomastik Dominant Aluminum Wound Perlon Core Ball-End A, Thomastik Dominant Aluminum Wound Perlon Core Ball-End D, Thomastik Dominant Silver Wound Perlon Core Ball-End G
  • 4/4 Violin
#TOP 3

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set

Pirastro

Features

  • Full Set includes Ball-End Gold-Plated Steel E, Ball-End Aluminum Wound Synthetic Core A, Silver Wound Synthetic Core D, Silver Wound Synthetic Core G
  • Medium Gauge
  • This set includes a Ball-End Gold-Plated E String
  • 4/4 Violin
#TOP 4

Thomastik Infeld Vienna Vision Violin Strings Set 4/4 Size VI100

Thomastik

Features

  • Developed and produced in Vienna, Austria since 1946
  • Breathable leather lining
  • Thomastik-Infeld offers 1,300 strings for every playing style!
  • 100% constant quality
  • absolutely reliable at every performance
#TOP 5

Thomastik-Infeld 135 Dominant Violin Strings

DR THOMASTIK

Features

  • string material type: M-Steel
  • Used by students and professionals around the world
  • Made in Austria
  • Genuine Thomastik-Infeld Product
#TOP 6

Super Sensitive Super Sensitive Steelcore 4/4 Violin Strings: Set

Super Sensitive

Features

  • Package Dimensions: 0.762 H x 11.43 L x 10.414 W (centimeters)
  • Tunes up quickly and stays in tune
  • Country of Origin : United States
  • Package Weight: 0.15 pounds
#TOP 7

JSI Special 4/4 Violin String Set: Gold Label Ball-End E & Dominant A

JSI

Features

#TOP 8

Thomastik Peter Infeld 4/4 Violin Strings Set

Thomastik-Infeld

Features

  • Peter Infield
  • Violin
  • Platinum plated E, Aluminum Wound A, Silver Wound D & G
  • Synthetic Core
#TOP 9

D'Addario Helicore 4/4 Size Violin Strings 4/4 Size Set

D'Addario

Features

  • FOR 4/4 SCALE VIOLIN – Scaled to fit a 4/4 size violin with a playing length of 13 inches (328mm), these medium tension strings are optimized to the needs of a majority of players. The E string included with the H310 set is a plain steel E (tin-plated high-carbon steel) with no winding.
  • STRANDED STEEL CORE – Helicore violin strings are crafted with a multi-stranded steel core, giving them great playability and a clear, warm tone. Smaller string diameter provides quick bow response while quality materials and workmanship create pitch stability and longevity.
  • MADE IN THE USA – D’Addario leverages centuries of string-making experience and advanced computer-controlled winding technology to bring you the most durable, consistent and long-lasting strings. All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
  • VERSATILE STRINGS – Designed for optimum playability, D’Addario’s Helicore violin strings are one of the most versatile stranded-steel core strings available. Helicore strings suit many playing styles, levels and instruments.
  • BUILT TO LAST – Packaged in uniquely-designed sealed pouches, Helicore strings have unparalleled protection from the elements that cause corrosion.
#TOP 10

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set

Pirastro

Features

  • Medium Gauge
  • Full Set includes All Ball-End Steel E, Aluminum/Synthetic A, Silver/Synthetic D, Silver/Synthetic G
  • 4/4 Violin
#TOP 11

Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set

Thomastik

Features

  • Made in Austria
  • Used by Students and Professionals around the world
  • Genuine Thomastik-Infeld Product
#TOP 12

D’Addario Prelude Violin String Set

D'Addario

Features

  • MADE IN THE USA – D’Addario leverages centuries of string-making experience and advanced computer-controlled winding technology to bring you the most durable, consistent and long-lasting strings. All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
  • MADE TO LAST – With its solid steel construction and uniquely-designed sealed pouches, Prelude strings have an unparalleled protection from the elements that cause corrosion. Unaffected by temperature and humidity changes, the strings wear well and can stand up to a student player’s usage.
  • EDUCATOR’S CHOICE – Designed with quick bow response and ease of use in mind, D’Addario’s Prelude violin strings are the educator’s preferred choice for student strings. Due to their unique blend of warm tone, affordability and durability, they are ideal for both new and experienced student violinists.
  • FOR 4/4 SCALE VIOLIN – Scaled to fit a 4/4 size violin with a playing length of 13 inches (328mm), these medium tension strings are optimized to the needs of a majority of players.
  • SOLID STEEL CORE – Prelude violin strings are manufactured using a solid steel core for maximum durability and warmest sound. Available in both full and fractional sizes, the Prelude line has an option for any age student.
#TOP 13

D'Addario J56 4/4M Pro-Arte Nylon violin Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Sized to fit 4/4 scale violin with a playing length of 13 inches (328mm), these medium tension strings are optimized to the needs of a majority of players. Pro-Arte synthetic core violin strings have a warm, mellow tone. They are less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, and break in quickly. Pro-Arte strings are manufactured at a lower tension in order to maximize bow response, tonal blend and playability. The perfect choice for players seeking a warm, dark tone.D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known worldwide for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario continues to develop and manufacture exceptional strings and accessories for violin, viola, cello and double bass, incorporating innovative, environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
  • Synthetic core produces a warm, mellow tone
  • All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry
  • 4/4 scale violin with a playing length of 13 inches (328mm)
  • Less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, and break in quickly
  • Medium tension
#TOP 14

Pirastro Violin Strings

Pirastro

Features

  • Superior sound: Great dependability, full and powerful volume, lively sound with a high degree of modulation
  • Pirastro quality: Constructed using the latest manufacturing techniques, with strict quality control, which musicians around the world recommend
  • Features: 1 x full set Pirastro Tonica 4/4 Violin String Set. Medium Gauge with stainless steel Ball End E string
  • Long lasting: These specially designed violin strings are made from nylon, which is resistant to heat and humidity changes
  • Strings to last: The violin strings' special synthetic core is made from the finest & most flexible single filaments along with high quality winding materials
#TOP 15

Full Set Violin Strings Size 1/2 & 1/4 Violin Strings

Stravilio

Features

  • 1/2 - 1/4 Violin uses the same size strings
  • Set of 4 Violin Strings!
  • Steel core round nickel wound with ball end
  • Pitches of one set strings: G, D, A & E
#TOP 16

Larsen Virtuoso Violin String Set Ball End Medium

Virtuoso (Larsen)

Features

  • Allows your violins tone to blossom and open
  • Synthetic core with fast settle-in time
  • Great brilliance and projection
  • Strings of power and nuance
  • This may just be the string you have been looking for
#TOP 17

3 Packs Full Set Replacement Stainless Steel 4/4 Size Violin Strings E A D G

jiaoguo

Features

  • Package Include:3 Sets
  • 4/4 Size
  • Stainless Steel Violin Strings
  • 3 Sets=3*(E1 A2 D3 G4)=12 Strings
  • E1 A2 D3 G4
#TOP 18

Imelod Violin strings Universal Full Set (G-D-A-E) violin Fiddle String Strings Steel Core Nickel-silver Wound

Imelod

Features

  • Soft and vibrant tone, clear and bright sound.
  • Each string is individually packed and sealed to protect from corrosion.
  • 5pcs violin universal strings (E-E-A-D-G), nickel wound with ball end for 4/4 3/4 2/4 1/4 Violins
  • Perfect strings replacement for violin lovers from beginners students to advanced players
  • The E-1st string is stainless steel wire, other strings are high-quality solid steel core with nickel-silver wound, which optimized to create the warmest sounding.
#TOP 19

Thomastik Dominant 1/2 Violin String Set

Thomastik-Infeld

Features

  • Aluminum Wound Ball-End E String
  • Medium Gauge
  • Thomastik Dominant 1/2 Violin String Set
#TOP 20

Full Set High Quality Violin Strings Size 4/4 & 3/4 Violin Strings

Stravilio

Features

  • FLEXIBLE & SOFT! Fantastic balance of complexity and stability to the touch makes playability easy for all player levels
  • FIT'S FOR ALL! From beginner and intermediate players to advanced students and experienced band or orchestra players intermediate affordable choice for all levels
  • Full Size 4/4 and 3/4 will use same size strings - Pitches of one set strings: G D A & E - Steel Core Round Nickel Wound with ball end. Set includes 4 Strings + 1 extra E string Total of 5 Strings
  • WARMEST SOUNDING! Bright tone and incredibly warm sound that projects beautifully will give sweet timbre,
  • HIGH QUALITY & LONG LASTING! The best replacement Violin strings 4/4 and 3/4 around, made from solid steel with Silver wound for nice warm tone and longevity.
#TOP 21

Cecilio 4 Packs of Stainless Steel 4/4-3/4 Violin Strings Set (Total 16 Strings)

Cecilio

Features

  • Steel core round nickel wound with ball end
  • Size 4/4 - 3/4 Violin will use the same size strings
  • Pitches: G, D, A & E
  • Includes 4 packs of a violin set strings (4 stings per pack)
#TOP 22

D'Addario Zyex Violin String Set

D'Addario

Features

  • 4/4 scale violin with a playing length of 13 inches (328mm)
  • Short break-in time and excellent bow response provides superb playability and a broad tonal palette
  • Medium tension with Aluminum D string (also available with silver)
  • Zyex synthetic core produces a rich, warm tone
  • All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry
  • Scaled to fit 4/4 scale violin with a playing length of 13 inches (328mm), these medium tension strings are optimized to the needs of a majority of players. The D string included with the DZ310A set is aluminum wound. Packaged in uniquely-designed sealed pouches providing unparalleled protection from the elements that cause corrosion. Zyex synthetic core strings produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Zyex strings are made from a new generation of synthetic material, creating strings that are incredibly stable under drastic climatic conditions. Within a matter of hours, Zyex settles in on the instrument with a sound that is warmer than most other synthetic core strings. Zyex is also an excellent choice for use on bright sounding instruments.D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known worldwide for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario continues to develop and manufacture exceptional strings and accessories for violin, viola, cello and double bass, incorporating innovative, environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
#TOP 23

Thomastik-Infeld Violin Strings (AL100)

Thomastik-Infeld

Features

  • Aluminum wound A & D, Silver Wound G
  • Violin
  • Alphayue
  • Synthetic core
#TOP 24

D'Addario A310 4/4M M-Steel Violin Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Excellent pitch-stability: the best tuning stability of any synthetic core string available
  • Affordable sophistication: elevated quality at an accessible cost
  • Unbeatable resilience: engineered for unparalleled longevity and durability
  • Accelerated learning: designed to help students sound better, faster
  • Expressive tone: expanded tonal palette designed to complement student instruments
#TOP 25

SAVITA 4/4 Violin String Universal Set Classic Silver String (GDAE) Steel Core

SAVITA

Features

  • Package Content: You will receive 4pcs violin strings. The strings (EAGD) sizes are 0.26mm 0.36mm 0.5mm 0.73mm respectively. You can choose appropriate size to match your violin.
  • Durable Material: Steel core composite nickel silver wound with ball end, so the violin strings have good durability.
  • Wide Application: Universal violin strings can match all sizes of 1/2, 1/4, 3/4 and 4/4. They are ideal for violin learners and music players at all level.
  • Mellow Tones: Violin strings can create mellow tones and rich sounds. In particular, the E string is harmoniously blended with the G and D strings, which makes the sound vivid and sweet.
  • Quality Control: Strings are designed and manufactured to the severe quality controls. You can enjoy your violin time for long-time use.
#TOP 26

Obligato 4/4 Violin String Set

Pirastro

Features

  • Obligato strings sound warm and full, yet have a brilliant, rich overtone spectrum and focused tone.
  • Obligato strings have a core made from a modern synthetic multifilament fibre.
  • excellent playability and response throughout the entire dynamic range
#TOP 27

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Violin String Set

Pirastro

Features

  • Full Set includes Loop-End Steel E, Ball-End Aluminum/Synthetic A, Ball-End Silver/Synthetic D, Ball-End Silver/Synthetic G
  • Medium Gauge
  • 4/4 Violin
#TOP 28

8 Pieces Violin Strings Universal Full Set (G-D-A-E) 4/4 Violin Universal String Steel Core Violin Fiddle String Strings

Yeshone

Features

  • Broad applications: the violin fiddle string strings can match with the sizes of 1/2, 1/4, 3/4 and 4/4, which are ideal for violin learners and music players at most levels, nice replacement strings for your instrument
  • Mellow tones: these 4/4 violin universal strings can create mellow tones and rich sounds; What's more, the E string is harmoniously blended with the G and D strings, which makes the sound vivid and sweet; With the soft and vibrant tone, clear and bright sound, you'll enjoy playing the violin more
  • Proper size: the violin string measures approx. 0.26 mm/ 0.01 inch, 0.36 mm/ 0.014 inch, 0.5 mm/ 0.021 inch, 0.73 mm/ 0.028 inch respectively, and it's length is about 56 cm/ 22 inch, providing you with more options
  • Reliable material: these universal full set violin strings are made of steel core with reliable material plated ball end, which are not easy to break or deform, light in weight, easy to apply, can serve you for a long time, adding a lot of fun to your life
  • Items sent to you: there are 8 pieces of violin strings in the package for you, which come in 4 different kinds of sizes, 2 pieces for each size, so that you can choose the appropriate size to match your violin, can satisfy your daily use and replacement needs
#TOP 29

Thomastik-Infeld IB100 Infeld Blue Violin Strings Set 4/4 Size

Thomastik-Infeld

Features

  • Composite Core
  • Tin plated E, Hydronalium Wound A & D, Silver Wound G
  • Infield Red
  • Violin
#TOP 30

Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro Violin Strings DP100

Thomastik-Infeld

Features

  • SOUND DEVELOPMENT: DP100 set reacts immediately and effortlessly to the bow with a focused core sound with an exceptional balance of brilliance and warmth.  It has a bell-like tonal character and it’s easy to shape dynamics and phrasing (from pp to ff).
  • INNOVATIVE LEADER IN STRING TECHNOLOGY: Dominant Pro for advanced violinists is Thomastik-Infeld’s latest string revolution. Well balanced with a broad sound color range, they are exceptionally powerful and easy to play with a sound that fills the room.
  • RELIABLE STRING STRUCTURE: Flexible multi-strand synthetic core provides tonal warmth and feel of a gut string while adapting to changes in humidity.
  • BUILDING ON A LEGEND: Dominant Pro offers a contemporary repertoire of strings which build on the legendary Dominant brand, “the reference standard.” The DP100 string set is ideally suited for chamber and orchestral violinists and soloists alike.
  • INNOVATIVE LEADER IN STRING TECHNOLOGY: Dominant Pro for advanced violinists is Thomastik-Infeld’s latest string revolution. Well balanced with a broad sound color range, they are exceptionally powerful and easy to play with a sound that fills the room.

The Buyer's Guide to the Ideal violin strings - What You Must Know

What does violin do to your brain?

Violin lessons boost memory and mental capacities. Many studies show that playing the violin (alongside other musical instruments) even for just a year positively affects your brain's capacity for memory. It can also improve your reading skills, language processing, speech and attention span.

Do violins get better with age?

The Science of Antique Violins Antique violins are well-aged, but seasoning is not the only factor that gives vintage instruments their unique tone quality. Violins sound better and become more responsive the more they are played. Before a violin is even made, aging is already a factor.

How often should violin strings be replaced?

Your strings should be replaced, at minimum, every 9-12 months, but there are too many variables to assign an exact timeframe. Keep in mind that the only real downside to replacing your strings too soon is the cost, while waiting too long can actually result in a number of negative consequences.

Are violins vegan?

The violin is made out of wood (spruce, maple, and ebony). Good quality instruments can trace back their wood. Sustainable management of forests is becoming the norm for violin making. Strings are made of synthetic materials and not only gut: so they can be vegan as well.

Do violinists have neck problems?

Violinists have twice as much risk of developing pain in the neck, right shoulder and left forearm, when compared with pianists. Violists and violinists have a higher incidence of pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm than pianists.

Should I change all violin strings at once?

Should I change all violin strings at once? You may change all violin strings at once but you should NEVER remove all the strings at the same time. You can also wait a day or two between changing each string, so the bridge doesn't move as the strings settle.

What are the warmest sounding violin strings?

1) Pirastro Obligato – most popular The most popular warm sounding string. A lot of violin players are very enthusiastic about this type of strings. They create a beautiful deep warm and full tone. Certainly when you have a bright and large sounding violin, these strings could be a good match.

How many hours a day do violinists practice?

3 to 4 hours a day Perlman, one of the best violinists of our time, advices a 3 hour practice schedule and advices against practicing more than 5 hours. Average conservatory students practice 2 to 4 hours a day. Often they say they practice more of course ;).

What kind of strings do professional violinists use?

Most Recommended Violin Strings For Advanced & Professional Violinists
  • 1) Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Violin String Set – Medium Gauge – Gold Wound G – Ball E.
  • 2) Obligato 4/4 Violin String Set – Medium Gauge – with Gold Ball-end E & Silver D.
  • 3) Pirastro Wondertone Gold Label Violin Strings.

What is the most beautiful sounding violin?

1. The Alard Stradivarius. Antonio Stradivari is one of the most famous makers of stringed instruments (otherwise known as luthiers) of all time. His instruments are highly regarded and often sell for six figure sums at auction thanks to their unique sound and esteemed history.

Editor's Notes

A considerable amount of time and effort was put into this research. We spent a lot of time (over 61 hours to be exact) to deep dive into the topic, analyzing at least 1209 consumer reviews. As a result, we came up with a list of the most loved models with an average rating of 278. The products you'll find in this compilation are available at $1273 on average (as of 03-10-2023).

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.