Using fresh, high-quality strings is probably one of the most important factors that can help your students and your orchestra sound their best.
As a public school educator, I understand that budgets can be tight and teachers need high quality products that deliver good performance and are durable enough to last a long time. Here are some of my recommendation for strings in an educational setting.
For early middle school and other entry level student instruments…
I highly recommend D’Addario Prelude for violin, viola, and cello.
D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension – J810 4/4M - Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical and Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – 1 Set
D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set, Medium Scale Medium Tension – Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical and Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – Sealed Pouch to Prevent Corrosion, 1 Set
D'Addario J1010 Prelude Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale Medium Tension (1 Set) –Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical, Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – Sealed Pouch Prevents Corrosion
D'Addario Prelude Bass String Set
D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension – J810 4/4M - Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical and Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – 1 Set
D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set, Medium Scale Medium Tension – Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical and Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – Sealed Pouch to Prevent Corrosion, 1 Set
D'Addario J1010 Prelude Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale Medium Tension (1 Set) –Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical, Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – Sealed Pouch Prevents Corrosion
D'Addario Prelude Bass String Set
For step up synthetic core strings on a budget, try Ascenté…
These are for violin and viola only…
D'Addario Ascente Violin Strings - Violin Strings with Ball Ends, Synthetic Core - A310 4/4M - Full Set - 4/4 Scale - Medium Tension
D'Addario Ascenté Viola Strings - A410 MM - Medium Tension - Full Set - Medium Scale
D'Addario Ascente Violin Strings - Violin Strings with Ball Ends, Synthetic Core - A310 3/4M - Full Set - 3/4 Scale - Medium Tension
D'Addario Ascente Violin Strings - Violin Strings with Ball Ends, Synthetic Core - A310 4/4M - Full Set - 4/4 Scale - Medium Tension
D'Addario Ascenté Viola Strings - A410 MM - Medium Tension - Full Set - Medium Scale
D'Addario Ascente Violin Strings - Violin Strings with Ball Ends, Synthetic Core - A310 3/4M - Full Set - 3/4 Scale - Medium Tension
Advancing middle school and early high school…
If you have the extra funds, upgrade violin to D’Addario Zyex and viola and cello to D’Addario Helicore.
D'Addario Zyex Violin String Set with Aluminum D, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
D'Addario Zyex Viola String Set, Medium Scale, Medium Tension
D'Addario Helicore Viola String Set, Medium Scale, Medium Tension
D'Addario H510 Helicore Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale Medium Tension (1 Set)– Stranded Steel Core for Optimum Playability and Clear, Warm Tone – Versatile and Durable – Sealed Pouch Prevents Corrosion
D'Addario Zyex Violin String Set with Aluminum D, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
D'Addario Zyex Viola String Set, Medium Scale, Medium Tension
D'Addario Helicore Viola String Set, Medium Scale, Medium Tension
D'Addario H510 Helicore Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale Medium Tension (1 Set)– Stranded Steel Core for Optimum Playability and Clear, Warm Tone – Versatile and Durable – Sealed Pouch Prevents Corrosion
Double Bass:
For double bass, I change strings less frequently so I am always spend a little more on bass strings. If you don’t have the budget, D’Addario Prelude are decent. Whenever possible, I upgrade all of the bass strings to D’Addario Helicore Orchestral. I upgrade all sizes (even 1/4 size!) of double basses to Helicore. The power and warmth of the Helicore strings are totally worth the extra cost. They also last a long time before needing to be replaced.
D'Addario Helicore Hybrid Bass String Set, 3/4 Scale, Medium Tension (HH610 3/4M)
D'Addario Prelude Bass String Set
Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set - Medium Gauge
D'Addario Helicore Hybrid Bass String Set, 3/4 Scale, Medium Tension (HH610 3/4M)
D'Addario Prelude Bass String Set
Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set - Medium Gauge
Sizing:
For violin, cello and double bass, string sizing is pretty straightforward — 1/2 size strings for a 1/2 size violin/cello, etc.
For viola’s it’s a little less clear.
- Extra Short scale is for 13″-14″ violas
- Short scale is for 14-15″ violas
- Medium scale is for 15″-16″ violas
- Long scale is for 16″-17″ violas
- Extra Long scale is for 17″+ violas
I usually have a few viola sets of each available, and keep more medium scale on hand than any other.
D'Addario Prelude EXTRA SHORT Scale for 13"-14" Violas
D'Addario Prelude SHORT Scale for 14"-15" Violas
D'Addario Prelude MEDIUM Scale for 15"-16" Violas
D'Addario Prelude LONG Scale for 16"+ Violas
D'Addario Prelude EXTRA SHORT Scale for 13"-14" Violas
D'Addario Prelude SHORT Scale for 14"-15" Violas
D'Addario Prelude MEDIUM Scale for 15"-16" Violas
D'Addario Prelude LONG Scale for 16"+ Violas
D'Addario Helicore SHORT Scale for 14"-15" Violas
D'Addario Helicore MEDIUM Scale for 15"-16" Violas
D'Addario Helicore LONG Scale for 16"-17" Violas
D'Addario Helicore EXTRA LONG Scale for 17"+ Violas
D'Addario Helicore SHORT Scale for 14"-15" Violas
D'Addario Helicore MEDIUM Scale for 15"-16" Violas
D'Addario Helicore LONG Scale for 16"-17" Violas
D'Addario Helicore EXTRA LONG Scale for 17"+ Violas
Why D’Addario?
I appreciate the quality and consistency of D’Addario strings. For years, I used strings from other companies, particularly those companies based in Europe. I found that the quality was not always consistent from set to set. I would also have a considerable amount of breakage near the ball end of the string, which was extremely frustrating when you have paid a lot of money for strings and only have one backup set. I don’t like to return items to the store.
In my quest for the perfect strings, the D’Addario Orchestral sales staff were extremely knowledgeable in providing useful information and professional guidance that helped me make the best choice for my instrument and my playing style(s).
Finally, I love that all of the D’Addario bowed strings are designed, engineered, and manufactured at the company headquarters in Farmingdale, New York. USA proud!
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