See below for my background, but I'm putting the important points up top: these strings have really good projection and very bright, clear tone with easy action.
Suggested use cases: Beginners, bluegrass, folk, country, and they'll probably sound good on an electric violin (Only have the one set, so I can't test them on my e-fiddle!). They'll be fine in a student or community orchestra as well. Just make sure you're in tune. They're extremely easy to put on provided your violin has a ball end chin rest. Most student violins, especially those with a Whitmer tailgut will be of the ball end variety.
Bottom line: excellent value for money, very clear tone, the open strings really 'ring' out beautifully.
I've been playing fiddle for about six or seven months now, but I've been a musician literally all my life. I received a used instrument that had, at the time, year old Dominant strings on it that I purchased these to replace. It's taken me this long to actually do the deed because I was frankly uneasy about changing the strings. I had a Chinese VSO (violin-shaped object) before this that literally fell apart when I tried to take one string off, but as long as you have a good quality instrument and only change one string at a time, you'll be fine(mine was a VSO from, like, 1995, literally made of plywood with the sound post glued in place!)
The difference between these and Dominant strings, besides the price (Dominants retailing at about $50) is mostly in the tone coloration. These strings are very clear and bright, which some people might describe as "nasally" or "thin". If you have a violin that's already very muddy and dark sounding (the opposite direction from bright/clear) you'll get a good balance from these. But even if you don't, chances are you'll be fine with these strings. If they do sound too shrill for you, you might be able to have your luthier make adjustments to your violin.
If you don't have a luthier, get a luthier. Buy them a round or two, or bake them some brownies, whatever you have to do to get into their good graces. You'll thank me when your violin comes unglued (No, really. This is a thing that happens, and it's an easy fix for a qualified luthier/technician)
D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension – J810 4/4M - Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical and Dura
4.7 | 8,726 ratings
Price: 19.99
Last update: 02-05-2025
About this item
EDUCATOR’S CHOICE – Designed with quick bow response and ease of use in mind, our violin strings are a unique blend of warm tone, affordability and durability making them ideal for both new and experienced student violinists.
SOLID STEEL CORE – Prelude violin strings are manufactured using a solid steel core for maximum durability and warmest sound. Available in both full and fractional sizes, the Prelude line has an option for any age student.
MADE TO LAST – Solid steel construction and uniquely-designed sealed pouches, Prelude strings have an unparalleled protection from the elements that cause corrosion and are unaffected by temperature and humidity changes.
WARM TONE: Prelude violin strings have the warmest sound available in an affordable, solid steel core string design, making it the educator's preferred choice for student strings due to their unique blend of warm tone, durability, and value.
MADE IN THE USA – All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
SOLID STEEL CORE – Prelude violin strings are manufactured using a solid steel core for maximum durability and warmest sound. Available in both full and fractional sizes, the Prelude line has an option for any age student.
MADE TO LAST – Solid steel construction and uniquely-designed sealed pouches, Prelude strings have an unparalleled protection from the elements that cause corrosion and are unaffected by temperature and humidity changes.
WARM TONE: Prelude violin strings have the warmest sound available in an affordable, solid steel core string design, making it the educator's preferred choice for student strings due to their unique blend of warm tone, durability, and value.
MADE IN THE USA – All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
Product information
| Item Weight | 0.32 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 4.3 x 0.5 x 4.4 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| ASIN | B0002Y6BJI |
| Item model number | J810 4/4M |
| Customer Reviews |
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars
8,702 ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #86 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #1 in Violin Strings |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | July 16, 2004 |
| Body Material | Steel |
| Color Name | 4/4 Scale |
| String Gauge | Medium |
| String Material | Silk & Steel |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Material Type | Alloy Steel |
| Size | Full Set |
Top reviews from the United States
Dani JoBright and clear
ReviewerGood quality strings for the price
CarolineGreat set of strings!
Ryan HaltomThese are the okayest strings money can buy
invisibleGreat strings
DAVID M.Father-in-law’s Violin is back in business
Brittaney AllenWorked in a pinch
Hat size small