A student’s instrument, bow, or strings can dramatically impact his or her sound and enjoyment in playing.
- Instrument Step Up. If your instrument is not currently matching your playing ability I encourage you to consider purchasing or “stepping up” to a better instrument. Students who rent from Lisle or Fishburn are able to step up to a higher quality instrument at a minimal price per month.
- Strings. Strings can be purchased at Fishburn, Lisle, or online at sharmusic.com or even on Amazon! I recommend that violin/viola students change their strings one to two times per year and cellos/bass studnets change their strings every year to 18 months. Violas make sure you know what size you’re getting and Violins whether you need a loop or ball end string E string.
- Recommended Violin Strings
- Kaplan Vivo (medium gauge)
- Larsen Virtuoso (medium gauge)
- Thomastik Dominant G,D, & A strings with a Pirastro Gold Wondertone E string (medium gauge)
- D’Addario Pro Arte or Overture Ultra strings (medium gauge) are acceptable as well for Concert or Phil students only.
- Recommended Viola Strings
- Kaplan Amo – (long scale, medium gauge)
- Thomastik Dominant C, G, & D strings with a Larsen A string (medium gauge).
- Thomastik Alphayue
- D’Addario Zyzex – (long scale, medium gauge)
- Jargar (medium gauge)
- Cello Recommended Strings
- D’Addario Helicore
- Kaplan (medium tension)
- Larsen A & D strings with Thomastik Spirocore or Dominant G and C strings.
- Bass Recommended Strings
- D’Addario Helicore
- Recommended Violin Strings