It is a function of its mass (or weight) per unit of length, the vibrating length of the string, and the pitch of the note produced when the string vibrates. The proper measurement at the middle of the upper string is 3.5 mm for a violin, 4.5 for a viola, and 5.5 for a cello. The top piece is serrated to match any string configuration. String lifter/bridge height gauge, violin, View Instead, switch to a medium gauge or even a low tension string and see which sound you prefer. If the strings are overly responsive or create thin, shrill, tinny or bright sounds, try medium tension strings. By offering the best rental program in the country, a vast selection of new and antique instruments and bows, sheet music, method books, teaching aids, and every imaginable stringed instrument accessory, we help teachers maintain their teaching studios. The string lifter simultaneously marks the exact position of the new bridge. The gauge (gage) of a string is the measurement of its diameter; in other words, … There are currently no products in your cart. All, Touchstone Tonewoods, 44 Albert Road N, Reigate, RH2 9EZ, United Kingdom. StringOvation Team on Mar 15, 2019. Please open the website on a larger device to use the quick order functionality. Precise measuring tool to insure an accurate set-up and correct string height off the fingerboard. Easy to use with standard pre-set measurement for the E and … You’re bowing arm will also get a workout as you try to produce more nuanced sound from high tension strings. For a violin A string, the measured weight at a frequency of 440 Hz for a vibrating length of 32.5 cm will define the tension level. 1. Free shipping on all string orders over $30! However, you may find that switching to strings with a different gauge/tension, is the key to improving your sound while simultaneously conserving playing energy. If you have remaining questions about which strings might be best for your instrument, please contact us and we will be happy to help. When musicians talk about which strings are the best for their violin, they often talk about how various string materials affect sound quality. Also worth noting, a violin’s structural qualities and character affect a player’s string gauge and tension preferences; some violin’s sound better with a lighter gauge string, while others sound best with medium or heavy gauge strings. Gauge refers to the diameter of the string. There can be some confusion surrounding string gauge (or gage) and tension for bowed stringed instruments. Some string brands offer different gauges, thicknesses, or tensions of strings. The violin model is made of indestructible fibre-reinforced plastic lined with soft plastic to protect the varnish of the instrument. They are used to brighten up the tone of an instrument, and/or quicken the response. The G is about 1/32nd" higher than the E or even a … On the flip side, a beginner opting for a more gentle playing experience may enjoy starting with thin gauge (soft tension) strings because it’s easier on the hand. To help you to determine the best strings for your particular violin, viola, cello, or double bass, we will attempt to present facts and brief definitions of gauge and tension, as well as explanations for how their different properties can result in different tonal qualities and playing responses on a bowed stringed instrument. Try a smaller or lighter tension string! For more information please chat live, call, or email us. These strings can also be marked as stark, or forte. This makes them trickier to play and harder on more tender or weaker fingers. If your violin has a naturally heavy or dark sound quality, you may intentionally use light gauge strings to brighten it up a bit. A choked or dull sound, or an unresponsive effect means that the gauge and tension of that string is too high for that particular instrument. The gauge (gage) of a string is the measurement of its diameter; in other words, its thickness. This is certainly something to consider, but arguably, beginning and newly-intermediate violinists should place a greater emphasis on string gauge and tension than anything else as they explore the world of violin strings. As you can imagine, light or thin gauge strings create a brighter and more forward sound, while heavy gauge strings require more tension and stronger fingers to produce a fuller and more powerful sound. Players often start with the medium gauge or tension of strings (when offered a choice) to see how their instrument responds to the manufacturer's generally balanced tension, before experimenting with different gauges and tensions. So the greater the string’s diameter, the heavier it is, and this can …