Sometimes I dislike ...

[ReinerTorheit]

Originally Posted by periodinstrumentfan

I dislike the "gummy" sound of some strings (cello, viola or violin) ....

That may have to do with the way modern instruments are 'set up' - neck thrust back, bridge nearly 1cm higher than in the C19th, and overwound metal strings ratcheted up like piano-wire.

It all sacrifices tonal nuance for the sake of volume, but not everyone would agree it was such a good bargain

[periodinstrumentfan]

ReinerTorheit,
I see. Someone ought to make strings that would compensate perhaps ? :/

I think strings available in stores some what limited with their gauges (light, medium, heavy). :-.


ElliotViola,
I'm curious. What strings do you prefer for your viola ?

[ReinerTorheit]

Originally Posted by periodinstrumentfan

ReinerTorheit,
I see. Someone ought to make strings that would compensate perhaps ? :/

I believe they already do, and most players use them - they ameliorate the effects somewhat. However, nothing can really compensate for the alteration of the neck angle, or the higher bridge - they're all predicated on a sound that's louder, rather than especially nicer.

The string-tension on modern fiddles is nearly double that of Haydn's time.