Violin String Shootout: Peter Infeld PI vs Thomastik Infeld "T.I." aka "Shop Strings"

[@TheHappynot]

I’m trying these with a gold brokat heavy tension brass E. I currently have vision solo’s.

[@Creationhorse]

At the 3 week mark with the PI strings, I'm hearing a little more texture on the G string, which sounded better to me than when you first put them on. I've never heard of VI strings. Couldn't find them online anywhere.

[@jfkoz0822]

Having talked to Thomastik about this extensively, luthier only have to purchase about 15 sets at a time. They are not cheaper than dominants - you can buy them from Thomastiks US importer, Connolly music for $72.. Ti are between vision solo, pi, and rondo. They are also not mass produced - actually less production than anything you buy online form say shar or Amazon since they don’t have to send any of those places thousands of strings. I use Ti exclusively, They’re an artist string for sure - I use them because they are both bright and dark with a good amount of woodyness much of which gets lost between you and the listener.

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Amazing info! I didn't realize you only needed to buy 15 at a time. As for which is cheaper, at the time of filming that was the case (Connolly was selling T.I.'s for a few bucks cheaper six months ago). The big takeaway is, more generally, that you can get better than Dominants without spending on Vision Titanium Solo/Orchestra, Pi, Evah Pirazzi, etc. So many great strings that are very expensive... I agree, T.I.'s are a fantastic value!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The PI Strings are great. How about you try D'addario Helicore Strings? These take advantage of any Pickup & are easier to bow cause they're a little bit thinner.

[@SandraVandertulip]

Have you tried the Dominant Pros?

[@RobFlaxMusic]

I haven't yet. I totally should, good idea! Have you tried them? Do you like them?

[@colinwrubleski7627]

Would not necessarily say they are "better", but if price is a concern, while you still wish to maintain the various qualities you desire, for the E-string only, while retaining the set you wish on the bottom three (G, D, A), consider any of the following: (1) Westminster, especially the higher gauge .275 (2) Lenzner / Optima Goldbrokat, many different styles and gauges [warning, however: do NOT buy any of the G, D, or A from that company; ground glass on asphalt and nails on chalkboard would be preferable-- and the viola strings are even worse!^^] (3) the coiled helix Warchal Amber. The Goldbrokat, in particular, as violin strings go these days, is proverbially "cheap like borscht", but of fine character. Pity the company cannot make any of their other strings even in the same galaxy quality-wise as the E's...

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Yes! I've got a stash of "emergency Goldbrokat E's" in my case at all times.

[@jonhh6918]

I preferred the TI strings on your violin.

[@RobFlaxMusic]

You're in luck... I decided to play the game twice, and I'll shoot a companion update video when I change back (gonna wait a bit. These Pi's sound good for a long time!).