Thomastik Dynamo - Michael Explains it All!

Welcome back to Michael Explains it all, the ALL NEW Thomastik DYNAMO edittion. These are currently only available to pre-order, and will ship in mid-March 2023. Be among the first to try them for yourself:
Purchase Here:
fiddlershop.com/products/thom...
I know this one is a long one, so here is the break down:
0:00 ANOTHER string?!?!
2:30 A prerequisite history lesson
3:50 The Basics
5:45 Compared to other Thomastik Strings
6:27 Let's hear them!
7:09 Gibble's Giant Grading Graph!
12:26 Modulate Colors
14:58 Pi vs. Passione vs. Virtuoso vs. Dynamo
18:35 The Cost Conversation
19:21 Longevity Matters
20:30 Sounds kinda Mettalica-y
21:31 Who is it for?
23:20 Just change the E-String?
24:11 The bridge is a unit
25:05 Different E Strings Demonstration
26:34 Wrapping it up!
About the Violin and Bow:
So, I normally try to test strings on an instrument that we sell here at the shop, something that you could purchase. However, since these are a new string set, and I wanted to spend as much time with them as I could and test them out in the real world, and get the best sense of how they differed from the sets I've played in the past, I decided to just put them on my 1949 Becker violin made in Chicago. Also, using my French bow made by Charles Husson. I was able to play them over the course of a week at an orchestra concert, an opera, and a ballet performance and practice with them, which really helped me get a feel for them.
Why do we make these comparison videos?
We know that purchasing a string instrument is a big decision, and every instrument is unique. Since you might not live nearby, or be able to play the instrument (yet) we're here to play them for you and let you hear the ACTUAL instrument you will receive.
We make these videos for instruments at the Master level and higher, and request that it be used for serious inquiries only since they are very labor intensive. To have one made with some of the instruments you are considering, contact us: Email: [e-mail], or Phone: [phone].
About Fiddlershop:
We're a family run business in south Florida that specializes in providing beautiful string instruments at truly affordable prices.
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[@ronaelf]

Thank you for such an in-depth (and as always humorously entertaining!) review! I'm glad you showcased the four string sets side by side so that we may hear the differences ourselves.I must say that the Dynamos did sound the best to my ears and makes me excited to receive my pre-ordered set! I appreciate that you took such time and effort to display this comparison.Another example of Fiddlershop's great customer service and care and why you guys are now my "go to" source for all my fiddling around! Thank you Michael and to all at Fiddlershop! You help keep the music alive!

[@Fiddlershop]

Wow! Thanks @ronaelf! Much appreciated 😃

[@jackdillon4467]

Michael, you have the best string vids on KZbin!!!

[@Fiddlershop]

He sure does! Thanks for watching, Jack!

[@billgreen8051]

Super review! Very thorough. (Like always) Entertaining too. Thank you!

[@Fiddlershop]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@sokolnikaj8840]

Great, in depth review, thank you Michael. I really loved the part with the sweet playing versus solo playing on the G string!

[@Fiddlershop]

Glad you liked it!

[@dvides89]

Love your reviews, now it’s a classic.

[@Fiddlershop]

Thank you kindly!

[@carolknepp5791]

Thank you so much!

[@Fiddlershop]

You're welcome!

[@athan4752]

11:44 That’s funny, when he said “fuzzy” I immediately thought of Fritz Kreisler.

[@emado2006]

It’s a great video thank you for explaining that.

[@Fiddlershop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marilynworth997]

I would love to hear your preferences for violas. I have a 15 1/2 " viola and want the warmest, most responsive string available. Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate your comments.

[@joshuam2154]

I feel they are just testing the waters to see how much they can push the price up…..

[@Fiddlershop]

Maybe they all want boats, if so, we all need jobs there.

[@Imbale]

These strings sound really cool!

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewholland9097]

Thanks for everything you took the time to share - this is the most informative string review I’ve watched on KZbin!

[@Fiddlershop]

Wow, thanks!

[@joshuapedersen97]

Another great video Gibbles, thank you! I wasn't expecting to make a cameo appearance, what a great surprise 😀

[@Nonkel_Jef]

Urgh, ANOTHER great video???

[@Fiddlershop]

ANOTHER one?!?! 🤣

[@Fiddlershop]

Oh yeah, sorry I forgot to tag you and Sokal! Thanks for all your support though!

[@vendelius]

I just picked up a set. and am thoroughly enjoying a really different kind of sound.. Great Video.. ..and larsen has a set now for almost 400 us... pretty crazy...

[@Fiddlershop]

Awesome! Nice to hear, thank you! Yes, $400 - that is something else....

[@Samlaren]

The most rambly? Sure - but I loved every minute of it!

[@Fiddlershop]

Oh, you are too kind! The fact that you heard that line prooves that you watched all the way til the end. Gold star for you!

[@roadwarrior1981]

You can buy two sets of Jargar Superior for what those Dynamos cost, or buy 1 set of Jargar and have a lot left over for ammo and training.

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching! You can, but that's the beauty of having options :)

[@denysmcnair302]

Excellent review!Thank you! I tried Pirazzi's but they don't last physically and degrade tonally. I then got hooked on Titanium Vision Solo which last me about 3 months. Now I'm seriously considering the Dynamos. It would have been helpful to hear you compare Dynamo with Titanium Vision Solo. I shall certainly check out your other string comparison vids. Thanks again 👍

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching and for sharing! The Evah's are great, but the lifespan is limited. The Dynamo are a great option to try.

[@PedrosLamentsAndSlowAirs]

Thank you for this helpful review! Passione strings sound absolutely the best on my violin. Despite their exceptional tonal quality, the frequent tuning and limited lifespan led me to switch to Obligatos. Unfortunately, they didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of sound. These dynamo's might be exactle what I've been looking for!

[@Fiddlershop]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@sinchaipiathanom9005]

I feel Dynamo is a bit muddy. Still prefers PI 101. However, Dynamo may fit well on a violin that has too bright sound. My luthier is also recommend to use Thomastik strings.

[@dvides89]

Hey Fiddlershop I have a rather minor detail question: set DY100 says it comes with a silver D but the description in Fiddlershop is an Aluminum D. Is there a typo in either description?

[@haniazd]

How do they compare to Warchal Timbres?

[@eatpeach2355]

14:58 Pi 15:15 Passione 15:32 Virtuoso 15:50 Dynamo

[@Fiddlershop]

Thank you!

[@mrneil2]

What violin that you sell would you recommend these strings for? Love the reviews by they way. Thanks

[@Fiddlershop]

I think a violin like the Fiddlerman Soloist would be interesting to hear with these strings. It can tend to be too bright and restricted with it has PI strings. We've switched to puting Dominants on it, and warmed up a bit. I think Dynamos would help it find a more "open" sound still. fiddlershop.com/products/fiddlerman-soloist-violin-outfit

[@midnighttutor]

Thanks for making this comparison. You are totally ignoring the Rondo which I thought was the be all end all string. Michael Darnton is on record that it makes almost all violins sound 25 percent better. Can you please describe the pros and cons of the new string vs Rondo? Thank you.

[@MindOverFinger]

This video was really informative thank you! I’m trying the strings right now and I really like them, but they are a little bit powerful for my instrument. What would you recommend for a modern instrument that already has a lot of volume but would benefit from more gentleness, colors, and subleties? To keep things fun, I will add the following challenge: it tends to get fuzzy on the G string so I would also need something that offers clarity on the G string.

[@Fiddlershop]

That's a great question! Have you considered perhaps something like the Larsen Tzigane or the Pirastro Violino? The Violinos would likely be a great set to pair with your violin. :) Thanks for watching!

[@MindOverFinger]

@@Fiddlershop Thank you for this! I've never heard of violino strings! And I've not tried the Tzigane. I'll try to see if you have a video/videos about them! (And I'll order from you!)

[@michaelblaney4461]

So dominant strings are essentially like the silk core strings they used to have?

[@KCPraisesHim]

Hi Michael, thank you.....very informative comparison, always enjoy your humour. What violin are you using for the demo? Cheers 🇨🇦

[@Fiddlershop]

Hi! Michael is using his own violin, a 1949 Becker violin made in Chicago. Thanks for the kind words!

[@KCPraisesHim]

@Fiddlershop Thanks folks 🙏

[@loveearth262]

I like thomastik Pi the feel that created by thoose string amazing and dynamo is quite different but I like it too. For Pirastro Pasione the sound too sweet for me and Larson Virtuoso quite strange in my ear. Its just my opinion. For many people they have their own favorite string❤❤

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@classicalthrasher]

Most expensive are Olivs, even more so if choosing rigid/stiff. But I bet they last longer (gut lasts longer than synthetics because of their organic nature-unless you abuse them in some way, that is.) The price creep-up is what I dislike about the Dynamo in principle-it makes everyone go a bit pricier because of Thomastik's lead (I am talking about synthetics-Oliv have been the most expensive since they were introduced.) Your previously reviewed Perpetual Cadenza have lower tension, lower price, and at least I know I love their tone. I will never try Dynamo (happy with what I am using.) Of the strings compared , I liked them in this order: Passione, Pi, Dynamo, Virtuoso (I was expecting the Virtuoso to do better, but it wasn't as present/clear as I thought it was.) I like Oliv, despite the high price (I do avoid rigid versions-not truly essential for my playing), but wouldn't pay 142 for any synthetic, even the Perpetual Cadenzas, which I did very much enjoy and was surprised about how awesome they were and lasted. But as you said, good to have options. Do not like the "price-creep", but if these make many violinists happy and they can afford it, so be it-even if I know they weren't meant for me. My apologies if I offend anyone. Play what you love. 👍🎻

[@GabrielBonnin]

I think it would be interesting to do a blind test to see if a specialist can make a difference between these strings. There are blind comparisons for guitar Same brand on youtube, and it's really very interesting 😂.I even saw an article on the blind comparison between guarneri and stradivari violins by specialists and even they can't tell the difference 😮. When we see that Hilary Hahn and many great soloists play on standard dominants... I really ask if all these strings aren't just marketing 🧐.

[@ViolinMaestro]

Those string sound nice, but I think they are too expensive for the difference in tone (if any). I personally prefer the Pirastro Perpetual strings over any others, now those have a long life span. But please tell me more about that first violin, it has beautiful maple! 😍

[@Fiddlershop]

oh! I forgot to add it to the description like I said I would. So that is my 1949 Carl Becker, violin made in Chicago. I wanted to spend as much time playing the strings as I could, so I just put them on my violin, rather than on an instrument from the shop.

[@ViolinMaestro]

@@Fiddlershop Well, no wonder, it is a great looking and sounding fiddle for sure! 👍

[@dvides89]

Quoting a previous OG video, to Michael: Is this a flying car string?

[@valentin_a.]

Hi Michael, are you still using dynamos or have you perhaps gone back to PIs on your personal violin?

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching! Pretty certain he is still using the Dyanmos

[@thatoneguy8064]

one can lather only so many superlatives on every string that comes out. already gearing up for the same hyperbolic crap for the next new set

[@smokepickle1]

Would you recommend using these on an inexpensive instrument? Like an intermediate violin?

[@Fiddlershop]

It definitely wouldn't hurt, if it is within your budget. What strings are you using today?

[@smokepickle1]

Not sure why, but I just received your comment today. But I am currently using Helicore strings.

[@suhndog]

Hi Michael! I enjoyed your presentation/review. Question: Another accomplished violinist here on KZbin mentioned that the effective life-span on the Dynamo strings is about 2 months.. I was disheartened to hear that - considering someone like myself is relatively poor, and at about $140+ a set, that isn't cost-effective. I was going to by the Pi 100's..until I watched your review.. and bought the Dynamo's [coming in the mail].. Now, I'm not sure I made a good choice. I'm relearning the violin so I maybe 'classified' as an advanced beginner. I have a rather inexpensive violin, and I wanted to make the most of it - that was my MO in taking the plunge for the Dynamo's.. Did I make a huge mistake? I am/was hoping the Dynamo's will last a long time considering my huge expenditure..

[@MaggieBoy12345]

I don't know if you made a huge mistake, but I think you need a certain quality instrument to be able to really take advantage of the types of colors that higher end strings have to offer. For fiddles that are below the $8K-10K range, I think the best bet is to stick with Dominants, Evahs, or maybe PIs if you're at a higher level. Your instrument is the largest factor in your sound production (besides you, the player, of course) and if your violin doesn't have a ton of different colors to bring out, these strings are likely not worth the price tag for you. If you keep practicing and one day decide to upgrade to a nicer fiddle, you can always revisit the more expensive sets.

[@suhndog]

@@MaggieBoy12345 Thank you Michael. Good points... Ummm.. welllll heh, what's done is done.. and I had ordered these strings before I could stop them.. Anyway [blush].. I will let you know here what happens when I play with them.. I'm relearning violin [I'm 70 now - a big kid].. it's been 50+ years since I've played.. and only could afford a verrry modest violin. I am also very curious as to how [or if] the Dynamo's will sound.. Thank you for your kind and helpful reply!

[@suhndog]

@@MaggieBoy12345 All I can say is "WOW"! I just put the new Dynamo strings on my [Blush] $90 violin [Yes, you can call me crazy].. and what a HUGE difference they make on my modest violin! You see, I am retired on a small budget, and my violin was rated highly by another KZbin artist. I replaced the pegs, tailpiece and bridge with much better ones [Red Sandalwood], and also bought a more expensive Pernambuco bow - and with these Dynamo strings.. my little violin sounds amazing! Nice warmth and clarity with 'singing' highs.. I'm very impressed. I have needed to use more rosin than on other strings I tried.. but that's an easy "fix"..

[@Fiddlershop]

Hey there! I think everyone's mileage will vary to some extent, but 2 months seems awfully short. I've had them on for almost 4 months now, and they sound as good as ever. Granted, I'm not playing 4 hours on them EVERY day, or anything like that. But, still. @MaggieBoy12345's point is valid to some extent, that you will notice MORE of a difference with a finer instrument, but I think they're still great strings for any instrument. It's more of an issue that your money will go farther if you save up for a better instrument, than shelling out for premium strings on the regular.

[@MrStlewis1117]

How do these compare to the Dominant Pros?

[@Fiddlershop]

So, I think these are a little higher in tension than Dominant Pros, Similar in broadness, but Dynamos are slightly warmer.

[@dvides89]

Hmmm did you notice the D on the grading graph while editing the video ? 😅

[@jonhh6918]

My vote goes to the Larsen Virtuoso strings

[@Aliseelike]

Me 2

[@Creationhorse]

On your violin I preferred the PI on the lower strings, but the upper strings sounded too shrill. I didn't like the low end of the Dynamo. It's just too broad. The thicker E helped it, but would need to hear how that affected the D string. Thanks for the fun review 😀.

[@VicariousAdventurer]

The best thing is the discount on PIs

[@Fiddlershop]

Amen to that! Get them while they're still on sale: fiddlershop.com/collections/thomastik

[@LordCarmesimXXVII]

On my violin they sound much closer to Dominants than Dominant Pro.

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@JSWilliamssr]

A HUNDRED FORTY TWO DOLLARS? For what is essentially a set of Dominants? They have got to be kidding.

[@patriciajrs46]

Yeah! No doubt. Ridiculous.

[@christianklein5774]

Granmothe used cat strings made somwhere told that where best.never meet her but thats what deliverd as already ceepet in the violin.

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@patriciajrs46]

They sound very shrill on the higher notes.

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@fredericgrolleauditkendall9719]

Hello ! Well, strangely I find these strings poorer than the PI and Virtuoso. I don't really like the Passione, on this violin at least (but is it the "ordinary" Passione or the Solo?) The PI and Virtuoso seem to have a broader and more sonorous sound than the Dynamo. Whatever the explanations given, I find the price shamefully high. Far too high. Concerning the longevity, I don't know anything of course but I have some doubts. The Dominant lose their sound very quickly (after 10 days there is nothing left) and so does PI in my experience. I used to use PI for A-D-G and Tzigane Strong for E until recently and I found that they lost their sound and power quite quickly. In general, I find that Thomastik-Infeld strings tend to lose their tone quite quickly. Currently I have switched to Il Cannone, Medium for A-D-G and Soloist for E, and I am very happy with them at the moment. They sound large, broad, relatively focused, colorful... and they seem to have a long life span, unlike many. I installed them around January 5th and still have them. They have lost little or nothing of their sound, something that has rarely happened to me with other strings. As for the EPs, I find them overestimated for what they really are. I'm not a fan. I don't like their sound very much, especially the bass, and they are only powerful because they are high tension, which is a problem for some violins, including old ones. Their life span is also very short. I knew a very famous international soloist who hated these strings but only played them because the manufacturer provided them for free !

[@jennifersersaw3588]

I am really curious to know how long Dynamo's last. I am able to almost get my Perpetual Strings to 6 months. I have never even tried EP because I have heard that they only last 3 months before they lose their sound.

[@Firenmage433]

10 days for Dominant and PI? No.. Just no

[@fredericgrolleauditkendall9719]

@@Firenmage433 Not for PI, just Dominant. PI, a little bit more :D But Dominant, absolutely yes ! If you are an advanced student, semi-pro or professional (like me) Also the soloists who use Dominant change every week or two because of this (they lose their brilliance, power etc. quite quickly) E.g. Itzhak Perlman, with whom I once spoke after a concert, also explained this. He plays Dominant out of habit, but changes them every ten days or so for that reason. And for others it is the same.

[@jennifersersaw3588]

@@fredericgrolleauditkendall9719 It must be nice to afford to be able to change strings every 10 days. 😂

[@Firenmage433]

@@fredericgrolleauditkendall9719 I’m pro, but if you aren’t soloing there’s no reason to change them that often

[@jonhh6918]

They are too expensive and the sound is very disappointing compared to other options on the market. If they bring them out for viola and cello we will cry just seeing the price. One day musicians won't be able to afford strings if the prices keep going up like that.

[@GiuseppeCad]

Every day have one Company make "new strings" for violin. Only bussines and money.

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@rayamusicentertainment9359]

The bad think of thmoastik strings is about bad durability

[@Fiddlershop]

Well, that can be debated as durability depends on how often you play and where. :) Thanks for watching!

[@saea58]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@megabugginout]

Metallica! Rrrrr....

[@patriciajrs46]

You're very funny, but don't quit your day job. Ha. Just a friendly ribbing. No harm meant. Why the difference in strings? Is it easier on my fingers to use flatwound, or roundwound?

[@vincentpastore4470]

You lost me at 140 Dollars. Shame on you Thomastik

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching! Terribly sorry regarding the cost of the Dynamo set.

[@saea58]

Thank you for this video. Very interesting. 😊 I will be calling because i also have more questions. 🦜🎻🌷🌷

[@Fiddlershop]

Glad it was helpful! Please do.

[@amilcarcarfi]

But no set of strings improves detuning

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately not :)