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With D’Addario Learn & Earn, we share some interesting D'Addario facts, then ask you a few questions to test your knowledge. Every quiz you complete will get you 50 Player Circle points and that much closer to taking home D’Addario products.
Orchestral Strings
D’Addario Orchestral strings are made for musicians of all skill levels, genres, and preferences. Every player needs to find the right strings before finding their way on their own musical journey. But of course, this means every player needs to know what we have to offer. The best way to understand an orchestral string is to understand its core. The core is the center part of the string, which impacts the physical response and tone. Orchestral strings fall into one of four core categories: solid steel, stranded steel, synthetic, or gut. These categories are the best way to understand the basic distinction between these strings.
Solid Steel Core
Solid steel core strings feature a single wire running through the length of the string. Often, beginning students start out on steel core strings which provide durability and longevity at a lower price. One of our most popular solid steel core string lines is Prelude. Prelude strings have the warmest sound available in an affordable solid steel core string design. Unaffected by temperature and humidity changes, they have excellent bow response.
Stranded Steel Core
Stranded steel core strings are made with thin steel wires braided together in a rope-like formation. This core design results in strings that are flexible and playable, and that have a clear, focused sound. One of our best-selling stranded steel core lines is Helicore. Helicore strings are known for their quick bow response and excellent pitch stability, making them a go-to for players of all musical styles.
Synthetic Core
Using man-made (synthetic) fibers, D’Addario synthetic core strings provide the player with a wide range of tonal color. They are often more corrosion and climate-resistant than steel-core strings. Ascenté strings are one of our standout synthetic core lines for advancing string players. They play with the tonal range of more advanced strings, but are designed to be more durable and pitch-stable. Additionally, Kaplan Amo and Vivo offer two different options for synthetic core, professional-level violin and viola strings. Kaplan Amo is more warm-sounding and flexible, while Kaplan Vivo is more focused and responsive.
Gut Core
The oldest known type of orchestral string is gut core, made from the small intestines of sheep and cows. Though helpful for historical context, D’Addario stopped making gut strings in 2012.
Whatever your preference, strings should be chosen based on tone, bow response, and compatibility with instrument and player level. We suggest using our Orchestral Resources to learn more and find out which strings are best for you.
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