Yeah...hmmm...
Sooooo...a string is a string right???
Wrong...apparently.
This is a GREAT article on different types of strings, what they are made of, what they are used for, etc. If you are thinking of buying new strings and are confused, or like me, simply had NO clue, you MUST read it!
Guide to Choosing and Using Strings for Violins, Violas and Cellos
After reading that article, and some other reviews of strings, I called my local friendly luthier* and made an appointment to see him. It was SUCH a good idea, if I do say so myself. I learnt HEAPS. I was able to ask questions. Lots of them. I always have so many questions and it was really good to talk to someone who was willing to answer them until I was exhausted. We talked for about an hour or so going over various parts of my cello and seeing what needed to be done where, discussing whether at this stage in my playing I really needed it and going over all the cello product in the store and its limitations and strengths.
Here were some of the highlights of my conversation:
Me (skeptically): Is it really going to make a difference?
Luthier: Yes. The strings are what make the sound. The body of the instrument is what amplifies it. Currently you have metal core strings on the instrument. They are factory strings, made cheaply and sound tinny. They are made to be replaced.
M (looking longingly at the beautiful bows): So if you could only buy ONE thing, which would it be, new strings or a carbon fibre bow?
L: The strings. The carbon fibre bows are lighter and stronger, they may allow you to play for longer because of that, but that are basically the same. When you change the strings, you will change the sound of the instrument.
M (getting down to business): What strings do you sell and what would you recommend?
L: We sell Pirastro's and Dominants and I would recommend the Dominants. If you talk to ANY cello teacher around this area, they will say they prefer their students to upgrade to them. They are a synthetic core string and make a really nice sound when on the instrument. There is no doubt though that the Dominant Strings are more expensive. Cello strings are going to be more expensive than say, violin strings, no matter WHAT you get though, so you need to be prepared for the cost.
In the end, I went with the Dominants. I have to say, it WAS expensive. The Strings and set-up (restringing,etc.) together cost about $300. The full set of strings alone were about $260.
But...OH MY....
What a difference the strings really make!!!
The sound is clearer and indeed, less tinny (I thought it was just my terrible playing!!!) and the difference in sound makes a difference to my confidence in PLAYING. I am still at the stage of tuning them a LOT though. They are settling. But I don't mind. I am learning the sound of each string every time I do it and I just like LISTENING to the sound sometimes.
Now if you will excuse me...I have to go have a conversation with my cello about a man called Beethoven.
* NOTE: There is a very good student quality music store that also offers lessons and sells instruments and music within a 20-30 minute drive from where I am. I actually spend quite a bit of time chatting to their staff, who even though I do not take lessons there, are always willing to help and give advice whenever they can. They were called Play Today Music, but I believe they are going through a name change to Academy of Music. This is their website... http://www.playtodaymusic.com.au/ If you live in North Brisbane and are a student or the parent of a student, GO SEE THEM!!!!
