The strings on my violin are an everyday technology for me. They do not get changed as often as they should, but about once every couple of months. Strings are much more than just “the four thin strands of metal” we bow, (or pluck), on our instruments. A lot of thought is put into the string, what brand to use, what material, the thickness, et cetera.
Strings have made quite an evolution over time. The strings that were first used and used on baroque instruments are gut-strings. They were mostly made from sheep and lamb intestines. The gut strings are said to have a warmness in quality that has yet to be matched. They are still used today. Sometimes, people use different types of strings on their instruments and like the use of both metal and gut strings on their instrument, as they prefer the qualities in their sounds or tones that are the result of these combinations. For example, among my many hours of research, I read that Jascha Heifetz would use gut A and D strings, which is uncommon because on the modern violin, one would tend to use a gut string on the upper strings, not the middle combination.
These days, the most popular are the metal, steel core strings. The metal strings were introduced in the early 20th century. They produce vibrant sounds with many colors. However, it is said that they do not have the same richness to the core that gut strings provide. Also, metal strings tend to have a bigger and brighter sound and are more stable in pitch. It is interesting to see how there used to be no choice in the type of string one used to play and now there are many options within the three main material families of strings. We have to take into account that metal strings tend to last longer. Thus, it is a better investment to buy them so one does not have to spend too much money and change his/her strings too frequently.
There are also synthetic strings, which are described as the “bridge” between metal and gut strings. These were introduced in the early ’70s and produce a sound that is said to be more similar to the gut strings but synthetic strings are more durable. However, they lack the “complexity” that gut strings are popular for.
I would say that the reason I use the strings I do is because it is what has been suggested to me by family, teachers, and the luthier who I usually bring my violin to. Overtime, it has become a habit to just stick with what I am used to. These days, I always buy Dominant A, D (silver wound) and G strings and a Goldbrokat E string. The Goldbrokat E string is the newest member of the set, suggested by the luthier I see in my town. I have not ever experimented with gut strings on my own violin but I have played instruments with gut strings on them, and I do understand why some may prefer them. From what I remember, the tone quality is very sweet and rich. I do like a more sweet and vibrant tone quality on the top without it being too bright, while I prefer a darker, richer sound on the bottom range. I understand that it takes more than just four strings to produce the type of sound that I like but something that I have learned through this research is that it is important to understand how each string has its unique qualities. I wonder now if I have found the best combination for my instrument, but at the moment, I will probably stick with what I am used to and what I know works for me and my violin.
Sources:
http://www.violinstringreview.com/history.html
https://www.gamutmusic.com/new-page
http://www.violinist.com/wiki/violin-strings/
http://www.ifshinviolins.com/Articles/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/411/Guide-To-Choosing-and-Using-Strings-for-Violins-Violas-and-Cellos
http://www.the-violin.com/violinstrings/ (Helpful layout of the pros/cons of each type of string)
Media:
Slideshow of how strings are wound : https://www.gamutmusic.com/violin-setups-1
Video of violin strings slow motion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXjdGBZQvLc
4:36-4:50
How gut strings are made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRQq_0VM110