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General: e strings viola

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorMCarufe
    • CommentTimeDec 12th 2007
     
    Anyone able to recommend an e string or adaptation of a gauge for 5 string viola.
    Mike
    • CommentAuthorberg
    • CommentTimeDec 13th 2007
     
    Try to read this thread <url>http://5stringviolins.com/forum/discussion/4/strings/#Item_8</url>
  3.  
    I'm not sure what you mean by this question. My company makes 5 string violas with a low C and high E. http://sweetstrings.biz for pictures. We use a standard gold-wound E string
  4.  
    You might call Jonathan Cooper and ask what he would suggest. Jonathan makes extremely fine 5-string violas as well as 4-string violins.
    • CommentAuthorfiddler59
    • CommentTimeDec 15th 2007
     
    As long as the scale length (nut to bridge distance) does not exceed 14 inches you can use a violin e string and be ok....(yes I know violin scale lengths are just under 13 inches but I have a 5-string viola with a 14 inch scale length and violin e strings work fine on this instrument)..

    David Blackmon
    •  
      CommentAuthorpgf102
    • CommentTimeDec 17th 2007
     
    This was discussed briefly in an earlier post but not resolved in any way. I just can't get a violin E string to balance with the other viola strings on a 5-string viola (15.5" Cao and a 16.25" Carruth). I'm using an 11 gauge mandolin string on my Carruth now which works fine but lacks a little in brightness. Violin E strings have plenty of brightness but no body or depth of resonance. Still looking for that perfect string! Any other ideas or suggestions?
    Paul
    • CommentAuthorwoodwiz
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007
     
    What's the scale length on each instrument (nut to bridge)?
    •  
      CommentAuthorpgf102
    • CommentTimeDec 21st 2007
     
    Hi Michael -
    The Cao is 14" and the Carruth is 14.25. The Carruth has a large body, but Alan has the bridge set high on the body to keep the string length down. He uses a rather long tailpiece in doing this. As a result you get a big body sound but the string length is still within reason especially for the E.
    I am interested in your project (from the other post). Personally, I am usually more disappointed in the low C sound on 5-string violins than the E string sound on 5-string violas. I strongly favor the larger body and wider neck on an instrument to accomadate the necessities of performance and sound.
    • CommentAuthorwoodwiz
    • CommentTimeDec 21st 2007
     
    I don't have a lot of experience with five-strings yet, but many standard E strings are long enough for anything up to a 14 inch scale, IME. We set up one instrument with a longer scale by using a hook style fine tuner.
    • CommentAuthortxfiddler
    • CommentTimeMar 10th 2008
     
    I had a similar tonal problem with my Dahlia. Using a Helicore wound heavy gauge E helped the situation considerably.
  11.  
    I have a 16" 5-string viola. I contacted Thomastik-Infeld and discovered that they are working on a long E string for violas. They sent me two experimental strings to try out. They are both so thin that I can't even feel them! The sound is fine, although not very powerful. They have a softer, mellower sound than violin E strings.
    • CommentAuthorsawlogron
    • CommentTimeAug 8th 2008 edited
     
    Posted By: MCarufeAnyone able to recommend an e string or adaptation of a gauge for 5 string viola.
    Mike
    I was just exploring that this morning. Result: single violin E, Kaplan Solutions, Non-Whistling 4/4 wound, KS 311W
    • CommentAuthorbetaylor
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2008
     
    I have a 16" 5-string, and use the viola-length medium tension E-string produced by Supersensitive and have found it to be very satisfactory. I purchase mine through the Electric Violin shop (ElectricViolinShop.com).
  14.  
    Posted By: sawlogron
    Posted By: MCarufeAnyone able to recommend an e string or adaptation of a gauge for 5 string viola.
    Mike
    I was just exploring that this morning. Result: single violin E, Kaplan Solutions, Non-Whistling 4/4 wound, KS 311W


    While walking to an organ concert off my regular path I passed a violin shop previously unknown to me, and they had Kaplan Non-Whistling E-strings in stock. String package says it is made for 328mm scale so I asked the violinmaker what he thought of stretching it to the 343mm scale length of my viola. He opined that tension on the string and the instrument would be within reason, so this afternoon I removed the 0.010" diameter guitar wire E-string that Alan installed (which is prone to whistling and squeaking if one forgets to attack the open E-string just so) and tightened the Kaplan to pitch.


    For now it plays well, can not make it squeak or whistle if I try, and feels silky under the fingers. Time will tell if the string can last for a while under the extra tension from the 5% greater length.


    Do any of you have long-term experience with the Kaplan string stretched beyond its design?

    • CommentAuthorfiddlekat
    • CommentTimeOct 18th 2008
     
    I've been using Kaplan Solutions E-strings on my 5-string with a 335mm scale for 8 months, I did have one break, but it broke in the pegbox and I think the groove in the nut was binding the string. Otherwise they've been great.
  16.  
    I really like them too! I use them on some of my 5 string violins and they do add some depth of tone. If they string up ok they should be fine on your viola. Let us know how it works out in a few weeks.
    • CommentAuthorberg
    • CommentTimeOct 21st 2008
     
    I have begun a little test of e-strings to find out what works best for me..

    I am going to try - first in medium gauge:
    Jargar
    Hill
    Lenzner - guldbrokat
    Pirastro No.1

    later I will try the same in heavy gauge

    on my list are also:
    Pirastro gold
    Westminster
    Eudoxa
  18.  
    Berg, don't forget to try a Kaplan non-whistling "E".
    • CommentAuthorberg
    • CommentTimeOct 23rd 2008
     
    sorry - have one of those too..
  20.  
    does anyone know if that Thomastik string is now available?

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