LARSEN Il Cannone Set Medium Violin Strings (LV-IC MED-B)

The media could not be loaded.  These strings are extremely well balanced and last a very long time relative to other lines of strings. I previously tried a mix, a set with soloist tension G and E strings and medium tension A and D strings. This combination worked great on my old violin to compensate for a lack of resonance in the G. But my new violin is a very sensitive 18th century violin, and a full set of medium tension strings is perfect.I STRONGLY RECOMMEND GIVING THE E STRING A TRY. Most violinists switch out the E string of whatever set of strings they use for something different, and I've seen plenty of people playing with Il Cannone strings with a different E. But this E string is fantastic! It is very sweet and warm but still has a strong projection characteristic of this line of strings. I do recommend an alternative to the black bridge protector tube. The best thing is a little clip installed by a luthier, something I'm planning on requesting when I have a new bridge carved for my violin. But the black tube that comes on the Il Cannone E cuts up easily by the string and is next to useless.ALSO BEWARE that these strings have an EXTREMELY metallic, tin (the metal) sound to them when you first start playing them before they stretch out. I would recommend letting them fully stretch to stability where they start holding concert pitch, before you even try to play on them. Omigosh they sound nasty at the very first. But this metallic sound very quickly balances out well, and it's that metallic quality that, in the form it does remain in, gives these strings excellent projection without sacrificing color. The end result and stable sound is one that is very rich and colorful but with a kick and core. It just takes stabilization and several hours of playing before they reach their best sound. Once Il Cannone strings reach their best sound, they last for a LONG time relative to other strings. They won't unravel or break (as long as you pencil in your bridge and nut grooves), but you will know when they go dead, because dead strings sound AWFUL. But it takes a long time of playing before these go dead.

Love these strings. I am OCD about violin strings. These are warm and lovely on my violin, and have great projection without brassiness.

For those who are looking for melodic strings. Larsen is the one