New violin strings: Pirastro Tonica // thoughts on low tension strings & playing some songs

[@chakanakka7367]

I changed my strings one month ago with the Pirastro Tonica strings and it change everything. The sound is more clear, distinct and so pleasant to hear !

[@MarijkeViolin]

Wow, that's great to hear! They are indeed very nice strings! I recently tried Warchal Amber strings and I think I found my favourite strings. Tonica is a very good second place though. 🙂

[@foxtrotfelix9086]

Being an orchestral violinist for 2 years, I've been using pirastro tonicas for the most part of my career. Very trustworthy strings for someone on a budget since I rarely get dominants (which I think has a warmer A string on my violin) and I've never tried those soloist level evah pirazzis and obligatos which are extremely expensive. I think someone of your level would definitely find tonicas perfect.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Nice to hear! And I've tried all sorts of strings over the years, including expensive ones. Luckily the expensive ones aren't always the best ones.

[@liamderosa2157]

I got my new violin in February as well. Antique German, unknown maker. It came with Dominants, but Dominants are just not my cup of tea, so I installed my violin with Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Strings. My violin is naturally darker sounding, so the brightness and clarity of the Evah Pirazzis really compliment the darker, more viola like sound of my violin (I kinda like the viola like sound because I'm also a violist and I have always loved the sound of the viola, which is why I chose the violin I have, it's like a viola in violin tuning)

[@MarijkeViolin]

Supernice! I love a dark sound too. ☺️

[@liamderosa2157]

@@MarijkeViolin Where did you get the E String Packet set that you mentioned?

[@maddyhopper5824]

These strings seem to bring out the best in your violin, they sound so good! Your playing has improved so much too. I just changed my cello strings and I went for a combination of spirocore C and G and Larsen A and D, and they really really suit my cello, so combinations of strings can really work!

[@MarijkeViolin]

Thanks! And yes, combining strings can definitely do wonders!

[@ViolinMasterfrom0toaHero]

I use the same set :) Pirastro Tonicas are the best budget strings you can get!

[@MarijkeViolin]

Yes, I love these strings! 😁👍

[@Deluge4000]

1:25 Graph of string tensions 2:00 Graph of comparing string brand & types 2:45 Zyex string test: G major scale in 3 octaves 4:36 Pirastro - Tonica string test: G major scale in 3 octaves, various pieces What brand of planetary pegs are you using? also, looking forward to that e string comparison

[@MarijkeViolin]

I have Wittner finetuner pegs. And I did the E string test a few months ago, but thought the differences would hardly be audible on camera, so I didn't make a video about it. My favourite E string was the Pirastro Gold, by the way. (And Goldbrokat a close second). 🙂

[@Deluge4000]

Thanks! I'm using Pirastro chromcor strings, and will hae to try out the Pirastro Gold E.

[@MarijkeViolin]

🙂👌

[@MollyMalone1983]

I had the luthier put Pirastro Tonicas on my violin when I started playing because someone had recommended them. Love them! They are relatively forgiving when it comes to beginner mistakes, they sound great on my violin (early 20th century Italian) and they have an incredible tuning stability. Granted, I don't have experience with other strings, but from what you say I don't feel much inclined to test other strings.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Yes, they are supernice! And indeed more forgiving. 😁👍

[@martincairney1746]

Thanks for uploading this to give myself the chance to buy them. I'm convinced now and will have them sent to me shortly 😊

[@MarijkeViolin]

Nice!

[@user-xk9ji8vn7d]

What an amazing strings! Love that!!! 😍❤️❤️❤️

[@MarijkeViolin]

Definitely recommended! 🙂

[@mikaelvestri1554]

2:46 4:37

[@jrd7972]

Life saver! Thank you 😊

[@ericksonlk]

I've been using Tonicas for the most part of the last 2 years. And use Optima Goldbrokat E (.26 I believe). I really like them over Dominants or Thomastik Reds that were what I used before. But Evahs are the ones my violin prefers but are on the (way too) expensive side. I'm getting a new violin in the next few months (the luthier is already in the varnishing stage!!!) so I might have to start testing strings again. Again, Pirastro Tonica are great.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Nice to hear! And congrats on your new violin, so exciting!

[@josephinedaly5062]

I’m glad you like the tonicas, I tried them on my violin but they sounded very metallic on mine and nasally. my teacher hated them on my violin as much as I did but we put up with them for about 6 months before we changed them. I’ve also tried alphahyue which really brought out the best in my first violin such a beautiful sounding string warm but not muddy but clear to project to the back of a hall. I now have vision on mine and they sound so good which was the recommendation of my teacher we are still yet to change them but after about 10 months they’re still going strong and sound good.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Nice! There's so much left to try. 😋👍

[@rudranshverma]

There is quite an improvement in your rhythm and intonations. You should also watch for what quality of rosin you are using if you are so concerned with sound👏🏻

[@MarijkeViolin]

Thanks! And I use Evah Pirazzi Gold rosin.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Been liking the Tonica’s on my student violin, but I tried Alphayue’s on my viola recently, and they are so damn nice on there. So smooth balanced quick break in, amaZing! 👍 No more steel core, synth’s all the way!🥳

[@MarijkeViolin]

Tonicas are super nice! I might try Alphayue's one day too, I hear good things about them. 🙂

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@MarijkeViolin I like them so much on the viola, hence I think that next time, I’m gonna try the Alphayue’s on the violin as well! 🥳 Thanks for the reply.😘👨🏻

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@MarijkeViolin Hi Marijke, I just found out recently that the Alphayue’s are a little bit less brilliant than the Tonicas, so I’m going to stick with the Alphayues on my viola, and just pay the extra few dollars for the Tonicas on the violin. I’m really liking these choices, at least for now anyway. 🥳 I need to experience the longevity factor next. Happy playing!! 👨🏻

[@pianodesu]

Is it normal for A string to be as thick as G and D in Tonicas? Is A string thinner in more expensive sets?

[@jub8891]

you look just about ready to do a pirouette and a high kick! 😊 dont worry, its lovely.. i also got these strings as a beginner and they sound pretty nice to my ears

[@MarijkeViolin]

They are very nice strings indeed! 3 months ago I installed a set of Warchal Amber strings because Tonicas are student strings and I wanted to try a really nice set. I absolutely love the Ambers, they sound warm and complex. No doubt I'll try something else in the future, but these sure are wonderful!

[@Machodave2020]

Who here is D'addario string gang? I'm for the Prelude Medium-Tension. Both my violin and Viola use Prelude, and soon, when I get my cello, they will have them too.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Hey Dave.. I started out using Preludes on violin and the viola, and truth be told I still prefer the Preludes on my viola, because of the great results and the more affordable price, but on the violin, I felt something was missing, so I have switched to the Tonicas. The Preludes have extreme longevity, but the violin D, and especially the G string, were not so motivating for me. If you’ve been playing for a few years, why not to give it a try, you may be glad you did.

[@michaelblaney4461]

if the E strings are plain steel there should not be too much of a difference if the diameters are similar. I do think the tonicas sound better.

[@bliss6495]

How about it is compared to Pirastro Chromcor?

[@shipsahoy1793]

I finally got around to changing the Preludes on my violin with the Tonica‘s, and I think they may be keepers, will have to see how long they last and their tuning stability, as that was the working advantages of the Preludes. I think the Tonicas sound smoother and less harsh than the Preludes, but will have to see how it goes over time. They are over twice the price of Preludes, and a different string type, so it may be a tough act to follow.

[@swlbarely]

Thanks for your wonderful video Marijke! I used Tonica strings quite a bit over the past few years because they were inexpensive and really found them pleasant to play because their tension is more relaxed and I really like their mellow tone. But I saw reviewers saying they don't last very long. I mainly found this to be true with the A string, but I think the A string is the first string to go bad on a set of strings for many brands. So buying a few extra A strings can make it so you don't have to change a whole set when just the A string is going bad. Just a thought.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Yes, the lower tension is indeed pleasant! Some say they last quite long. But we'll have to wait and see. I'm still curious for the light tension Zyex to try, but a set is €60. Maybe when these wear out. 🙂

[@Zxouf873]

Amazing demonstration video 💕🎻

[@MarijkeViolin]

Thank you! ☺️

[@Mateuuskp]

Hi Mari, there is so many version of Pirastro strings like Tonica, Chromcor and Oliv. Are they the same? If not which one is the best?

[@MarijkeViolin]

They are very different. Pirastro is the brand, the types of strings of that brand all vary in sound, strength and price. It's a matter of trying out a few to see which one sounds best on your violin. I tried a few: Tonica is neutral-warm with lower tension (neutral loudness), Violino is very warm and mellow (and soft sounding), Obligato is warm and powerful, Evah Pirazzi is very bright (and loud). When you're just starting out, I suggest Tonica strings: they suit a lot of violins and the low tension makes them easy to play. Plus, they're cheap!

[@Mateuuskp]

@@MarijkeViolin Thanks Mari, I think that my violin came with a D'addario prelude, and it's been like 2 months and a half that I have been playing it like 3 hours for every single day(200h), and the E string between the tail piece and the bridge is looking like rusty, do you think it's time to change them? How many hours played can a string last? Thanks :)

[@patchevansbrokencountry2583]

Thank you I will now see if I can get the tonicas in England

[@MarijkeViolin]

I hope you can, they are very nice strings and suit most violins well. 🙂

[@pedroebro]

your violin needs D'addario pro art J56 strings, they project little, very warm dark

[@qltygrl3187]

I’m thinking of getting the same pegs put on mine. I wonder if I should try other strings as well. I like Zyex on all strings but the G string. I’ve never really liked it. It was a rental so I guess I should upgrade it.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Finetuning pegs are a dream! Also, they can't come loose when you turn them. It only takes longer to change strings, as you saw in the video. But then, we don't do that too often so I would totally recommend them!

[@alexestrella7103]

Have you tried dominant strings? If you don't like those I like Evah Pirazzi gold and although they are more expensive the best strings I've used are PI violin strings. I wouldn't focus to much on strings though practice is where it's at =)

[@MarijkeViolin]

I had Evah Pirazzi's on my previous rental violin, but thought they were too bright and loud. And now that I've found a set of strings that sounds nice on this violin, practicing gets more fun too. 🙂👍

[@albamanzanaresboga690]

Hi! Do you prefer Tonica to Violino? I was gifted three years ago Dominants and I recently put them in my Yamaha. Even though those strings are neutrals, my violin is way too bright sounding and loud so I do not find It very pleasing. I recently enough found out about tonica strings, and saw some reviews and really loved the sound. They are very different from Dominants even though they are supposed to be neutral sounding. Also the G string in Dominants is kind of hard to play, as It is silver plated, did you find the G string in tónica strings hard to play too?

[@MarijkeViolin]

Hi! Oh, hard to say because they're so different. 🤔 I had put my old Violino's on my violin, and although warm and mellow, they lacked that punch and spirit. But then, they were 6 month old Violino's, so good chance they were "dead" already. I didn't notice anything about the Tonica G string, so can't say anything about that, other than that I like it. 🙂

[@albamanzanaresboga690]

@@MarijkeViolin I will add Tonica to my list so I can try them too. Looking forward to seeing your video about E strings :)

[@MarijkeViolin]

Good idea! And even if you don't like them, they're super cheap.

[@WhiteDragon689]

AH, you have planetary pegs instead of fine tuners. I was wondering how you tune the E without snapping them... LOL

[@MarijkeViolin]

Yes, they are a dream!

[@kevinv.m.94]

It needs practice also in tuning E strings without fine tuners. Having a properly lubricated peg helps a lot.

[@hibanasif2955]

My acoustic _ electric violin is a dark sound I used tonica was good so t change to THOMASTIK super flexible best string but still dark especially G D now I'm trying PIRASTRO CHROMCOR it's brilliant and bright as I want but I don't feel it's pro string

[@lemongirl4853]

Hey! I really like your videos I just started to to play the violin. But I have one question, are you dutch? I’m dutch and you really look like an dutch person and my name is also Marijke😄

[@MarijkeViolin]

Ja, ik ben Nederlands. En dat is leuk toeval! 😋👍

[@LordCarmesimXXVII]

Tonicas aren't low tension, they're quite higher tension than Dominants, very close to Evah Pirazzi Gold if you disregard the E string.

[@jantigercat]

I love Tonicas! They used to sound great on my former violin but recently I acquired a another instrument (a German violin from the 1960s) and Tonicas do sound a bit dull on it . :-(((

[@MarijkeViolin]

Your new violin might like a spicier string then. 🙂 Helicores are bright and clean sounding, maybe try a set of those?

[@jantigercat]

@@MarijkeViolin I might try them! But first I’ll go with Thomastik Vision.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Vision isn't too different from Tonica, I think? On those online violin string charts they're close together. But who knows!

[@jantigercat]

@@MarijkeViolin I got my Thomastik Vision Set today and it is a big improvement on my current set up. :-)) Love the responsiveness and the clarity!

[@jo.a7189]

Why don’t you try alphayue strings and compare it to tonica ! And try wrachel amber strings they absolutely awesome

[@nocturnallsnake4228]

Cute Congrats on your own violin! I am happy you have found you perfect strings set)) Thank your for the video and the hints! *oh the warming up, very nice!

[@MarijkeViolin]

Thanks! I hope they will last a while. 🙂

[@joykiniaru1789]

Are these steel core or synthetic strings?

[@michaelnowak993]

You playing is GREAT, BEAUTIFUL...

[@ahura4323]

How much are those pirasto?

[@MarijkeViolin]

I paid € 23 for the set.

[@asisqueezylovediary6474]

Do you like tonica of violino more

[@MarijkeViolin]

I prefer Tonicas because they sing more. Violino is very mellow.

[@emjeezmusic7603]

tonica is just the cheaper version of dominants

[@deltafour1212]

Actually, I thought the steel strings sounded pretty good.

[@arun.rajput92]

You are lovely ❤

[@MarijkeViolin]

🙂

[@arun.rajput92]

@@MarijkeViolin I've just started learning Violin , I somehow came across your channel , loved the content . Can you suggest me a good Violin although I've narrowed down Cecilio Cvn 600 , what is your take on it ??? I'm open for suggestions . Thanks in Advance .

[@MarijkeViolin]

Thank you! I don't know from experience because I rented a violin at first. But I've heard the Stentor 2 is the best value-for-money option.

[@kevinvaldez80]

:)

[@MarijkeViolin]

🙂

[@TNungesser]

Tonicas sound MUCH better on your violin!

[@reloaderify]

I hope to play as skillful as you someday. :)

[@MarijkeViolin]

Thank you for saying! 🙂

[@solukhumbu911]

at the pirates of the caribbean song, where did the intonation go? sailed away with the pirates or what? jesus

[@joekelly9369]

you seriously put £20 rabbit snare strings on a £40.000 thats a cheap concert violin ! i dont get violinists , pirastro obligatos , must admit the tonica,s sounded a bit squeeky

[@mauriciogarcia9353]

I think you cant play the violn jajaja

[@MarijkeViolin]

Trollollolloll

[@francescobarilla8669]

You Need for some years to practice, not really particular strings... your intonation ehm....