Do you feel like your electric violin’s sound is becoming fuzzy, and playing music now feels like a terrible chore?
Sometimes it’s not the excitement of playing the electric violin that is gone. It might just mean that it is time to get new strings for your electric violin.
And not just any strings, but the very best.
Today we’re going to discuss the very best strings for electric violin.
So whether you’re looking to upgrade your violin or you want to get started on the right foot, you’ll love the options we have for you.
Let’s get started.
What Are the Best Strings for Electric Violin?
Strings are a crucial yet delicate part of an electric violin. Interestingly, the electric violin is compatible with all kinds of string.
Classical violin strings are exceptionally compatible with electric violins. However, it is essential to know whether your violin uses loop end or ball-end strings before attempting a string change.
Not all Electric Violins are the Same
The MIDI electric violin is the odd one out. A MIDI electric violin is compatible solely with steel strings.
This deviation is because MIDI violins use a different kind of pickup, unlike other regular electric violins.
A pickup is a component that translates the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal. The electric signal goes through an amplifier which makes it loud.
Electric violins generally use a piezoelectric pickup, while a MIDI electric violin uses a magnetic pickup.
This is the reason why the strings must be made of steel. Otherwise, the magnetic pickup will be unable to detect the signal generated by the vibrating strings.
Because of this, MIDI violins have a smaller pool of strings to choose from. But this is just a minor inconvenience.
Steel violin strings are compatible with both piezoelectric pickup electric and MIDI violins. Unfortunately, non-steel strings only work on the former and not on MIDI electric violins.
With that distinction in mind, you can go about choosing the best strings for your electric violin.
1. D’Addario NS310 NS Electric Violin Strings, Medium
Ned Steinberger and the D’Addario company designed these strings for electric stringed instruments.
Product Features
- The NS310s are compatible with electric viola, violin, and cello.
- Traditional Omni cello and contemporary bass use these strings.
- Since the sound projection is not an issue for electric violins, the NS strings focus on the expressive nuance and tonal quality. Acoustic power is not an issue here.
- NS310 strings are made from stranded steel core wrapped with tungsten, brass, nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
- The strings are modeled to fit size 4/4 violin. This is a playing length of 328 mm.
- The NS310 is a medium tension string.
Pros
- For electric strings, the NS produces a rich quality of sound.
- When used on acoustic instruments, the electric strings provide more tonal subtlety.
- It is compatible with a majority of standard size electric violins.
Cons
- Some reviewers have complained of quality control issues with the string quickly breaking.
2. Kwmobile 4/4 Violin Strings – Set of Aluminum Violin Strings
The Kwmobile has a complete set of replacement aluminum and magnesium strings. The strings are scaled to work with violins size 4/4.
Product Features
- The magnesium strings are compatible with all full-size violins.
- The electric Kwmobile strings work well with both acoustic and electric violins.
- The strings provide a clear and full sound. Replace your violin strings when you can no longer get a similar clarity.
- The complete set of strings contains the- G, D, A, and E strings.
- Although these strings are great, they are susceptible to loosening over time and losing the tonal quality.
Pros
- Kwmobile electric strings are one of the cheapest brands you’ll come across.
- It comes as a full replacement set.
- The electric strings work well on both acoustic and electronic.
- The quality of sound this string produces makes it good enough even for solo violinists to use. This doesn’t take away from the fact that they are excellent beginner strings.
Cons
- The string is susceptible to semi-regular wearing down. You have to replace them that often after heavy use. However, this is not surprising considering the price tag.
3. D’Addario Prelude Violin String Set, 4/4 Scale Medium Tension
Prelude strings are some of the warmest steel core strings in the market. They play a sustained pitch, they are effortless to bow, and lastly, they are highly durable.
D’Addario pours its centuries of experience in making musical strings into each of its products.
The company uses computer-led winding technology in the manufacturing process. As a result, D’Addario makes some of the most durable, well-sounding, and consistent strings.
Product Features
- The Prelude string is compatible with full-size cello, violin, viola, and double bass.
- The string is built with an excellent balance of tension which makes it easy to bow.
- It is the best-selling steel core electric violin string.
- The electric strings are designed and manufactured in the USE, following stringent company requirements.
- Use the strings to play classical music, jazz, fiddle, or alternative styles. It can keep up with the demands of each genre.
- The package comes in sealed pouches to protect the strings from elements that cause corrosion.
Pros
- We can confidently say that music teachers love D’Addario strings. The quick bow response and ease of play are ideal for students.
- This electric violin string offers complete value for money. The set of strings is not only durable but is also excellent at producing warm tones.
- Learners can have the experience of playing professional sounds for under $20.
- The solid steel core construction of this string is responsible for its durability and generous size.
- The string is available in fractional sizes to cater to younger players.
- Made to withstand hours of beginner lessons without breaking.
Cons
- Due to the great demand for D’Addario strings, quality control complaints have surfaced from customers. There have been reports of bent strings shipped and strings of the wrong tension level dispatched.
If this happens to you, you can return the product for a replacement. Make sure that you know the company’s return policy.
4. Amola 5 Sets Replacement Stainless Steel 3/4 4/4 Size Fiddle String Violin Strings
Amola is a little-known brand of stainless steel replacement fiddle strings. The basis of these five-set strings is to provide violin pupils with a way to replace the strings cheaply and regularly.
Product Features
- Amola fiddle strings are made with a stainless steel alloy winding and nickel-plated ball-ends.
- The complete set contains five packs of E, A, D, and G strings.
- It has cones in full size 4/4 as well as size ¾.
- One package includes five sets of 4 strings which makes a total of 20 strings in a packet.
Pros
- Learners tend to burn through strings from hours or incorrect techniques of play. Amola strings provide quick and easy replacements at an affordable price.
- Although the strings are pretty basic, they still correctly play tunes.
- Even though you get 20 strings at such a low price, none of them are deliberately faulty.
- Amola strings are excellent for pupils trying to perfect their technique.
- It’s a cheap but functional option for rainy days.
Cons
- The quality of the strings is almost unacceptable by professional standards. But then again, they are not intended for professional use.
- Mass-manufactured from a factory in China
5. Imelod Violin strings Universal Full Set
If you are in the market for universal violin strings, the Imelod complete set is one of the sound choices you can make.
Product Features
- The set works well for the big size 4/4 and all the sizes between ¼.
- As expected of a universal model, the strings include the E, A, D, and G strings.
- The strings are nickel wound with ball-ends.
- Three of the string in the set are made of the same material except for the E string. The E is made with stainless steel wire. On the other hand, the rest of the strings have a steel core and are plated with a nickel-silver alloy.
- The string has its advantages when it comes to the tone the strings produce. The sound is warm, bright, and clear.
- The manufacturer packaged each individual string into a package to protect them from rust and abrasions.
Pros
- The strings are rust and oxidation-resistant, thanks to the stainless steel core construction.
- The steel components make for durable strings.
- It is an affordable and long-lasting option for players on a tight budget.
- It Produces a stable pitch. This means that it doesn’t need regular retunes.
- All the strings have a smooth surface. This prevents scratches and finger noise.
- Players of all levels can work with these stings.
- Individual packaging of each string protects them from logistics wear and tear.
Cons
- The strings are excellent for a set of replacements. But not for a primary set because of the relatively narrow gauge.
6. Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set
Have you ever had a serious conversation about brands with a violin-head? When it comes to buying accessories, should the brand matter?
(The answer is yes; they should.)
Brands making violin accessories deserve recognition. Their dedication, innovation, and compliance with strict industry guidelines can’t go without mention. This is how quality products make it to the top of reviewers’ lists.
Thomastik is one brand that has worked consistently hard, which led them to become a global favorite. The Dominant violin string set is one of the company’s best-selling series.
Product Features
- The strings are synthetic yet made with expert artistry such that they mimic the sound of gut strings.
- Dominant violin strings are made from multiple strands of flexible nylon material.
- The E string is made of steel and aluminum, unlike the rest of the three, which are synthetic.
- The E string has a ball and loop end.
- Thomastik Dominant is a medium gauge string. This makes it versatile enough to accommodate players of various skill levels.
- This set offers value for the price you pay.
Pros
- Have you ever found a set of violin strings versatile enough to evolve with you as your technique improves? No? Try the Dominant medium gauge strings for a change.
- The synthetic nature of the strings allows the player to create accurate tones. This is dangerously close to perfection.
- The multi-strand nylon material that mimics gut strings is easily accessible.
- Ball-end aluminum & Perlon strings – A and D.
- Silver & Perlon – G string.
- Ball and loop-end aluminum & steel – E string.
Cons
- As great as these strings sound, they may not keep up with professional violin players’ demands. They are suitable for new and intermediate players.
- Young players have acidic sweat, unlike adults whose sweats are less acidic. The natures of the sweat cause strings to unravel fairly quickly. You can mitigate this by constantly washing your hands before you touch the strings.
- The E string may be squeaky and loud in some fittings. Have it professionally fixed before you join a group playing session. Otherwise, it could be too distracting.
Bonus Notes About Electric Violin Strings
- According to reviews, customers prefer to buy synthetic-core strings that fall in the mid-price range.
- Gut core strings warm up the instrument quickly.
- To transition from the balanced tension, violin players opted for medium tension strings. This allows them to see how their instrument responds before they switch to other tensions and gauges.
- The current innovative violin strings are stable compared to the original gut strings.
- String stability is measured in terms of maintaining the tuning despite environmental changes. The changes include heat and humidity levels.
- If you are still a student, you may do your research, but the best advice on the appropriate strings to buy will come from your teacher.
- Teachers are the best place to offer beginner’s advice since they are familiar with their playing methods. They can recommend the best accessories that will help you improve.
- When you learn to navigate around your violin after lots of practice, you can have your independence to choose.
- You are a skilled electric violin player once you become aware that a change of strings affects the pitch and tone. This will guide your preferences, and you will soon know what works for you.
Conclusion
The strings on your violin will wear out whether you’re an amateur or professional player. It is essential to know when to replace and where to go for a new electric string set.
Our recommendations cover the best strings for electric violin available right now. We are also aware of the fact that there are lesser-known brands that can make excellent products too. This fact is reflected in some of our recommendations.
Lastly, there is something for everyone across the economic divide. The prices of the electric violin strings range from the highest to the lowest under $10. There is something for everyone.
We hope that this list has been helpful to you. Happy shopping!