Warchal Amber Violin Strings, Set

Rating Summary

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Great sound and recyclable too
14 out of 14 found the following review helpful

Pros: Although these strings are marketed as being intended for higher-end instruments, I've put them on a respectable-but-modest student violin with integrated fine tuners, and am very happy with the results. The previous set of strings was a comparably-priced one; these have a richer tone (lots of harmonics I think) and on my fiddle, they are quite loud and bright. Other people commented on the improved sound straight away. I like it that these strings are made out of sensible metals - no messing around with a whistle-prone vanity gold E string (gold is a very high-impact metal). Better still, the strings are the first violin strings designed to be recyclable. The manufacturer will take them back for recycling after use. For me, this is a huge plus. The design for the non-squeaky spiral end on the E seemed, and felt, a bit odd at first; but it is certainly not squeaky, unlike its predecessor, and plays absolutely fine. I'd be happy to buy these strings again.

Cons: Cons, none.

Other: Took a few weeks to settle down after fitting, but are fine now that they have settled. These are more sensitive to the room's acoustics than the previous set: they sound slightly brash in the living room where there is a carpet, long curtains and a sofa mopping up sound but absolutely great in rooms with more hard surfaces, e.g. in the session in the local pub.

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don't suit me as well as the Brilliant Vintage
3 out of 3 found the following review helpful

Pros: The E string seems to work as described. The strings remind me very much of Obligato's. They also remind me of the importance of matching specific strings to individual instruments, because...

Cons: They seem to take a while breaking in, and they remind me of Obligato's! I usually use Warchal's Brilliant Vintage on this violin and I'm very impressed with them. Therefore I have no doubt the Amber's are good strings, but sadly they don't suit this particular fiddle very well.

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Exceptional strings
2 out of 2 found the following review helpful

Pros: I was pleased with the viola strings I had been using, but I found the C string lacked a centre to the pitch of the notes. I was certain this was not a set up problem with the post and bridge and, on advice, I tried a Warchal Amber C. I found the quality and sound of the string was exceptional and so ordered the remainder of the set and have been playing them for the best part of two months. My instrument has a sixteen and a quarter inch back, is modern and is very responsive. The Amber strings have a synthetic core but aim to have the sound quality of gut strings. I bought a set with the metal core A string. The first thing that strikes you when you see a Warchal Amber string is the quality which looks exceptional! The strings take a little longer than other synthetic strings to settle down, nothing like as long as gut strings I hasten to add. The sound is wonderfully rich and exploring the different sound qualities the strings can produce is very rewarding. The metal core A string is quite exceptional and has a beautiful ring. When first using these strings you may find you have to get used to a slightly different point of contact from what you are used to but that is true between many makes of string. Obviously, what I have not been able to do is play in concerts or rehearsals owing to the pandemic. I did ask my wife who is a violinist to play the viola, so I could hear the sound from a distance and as far as I can tell they carry very well, plenty of sound. Violas come in many sizes and players have the sort of sound they wish to produce. All I can say is that these are the best strings I have ever found for my instrument and what I want for the sound. Very well worth trying. I loved the strings from the moment I first used them and was interested in how playing them in meant they became ever more responsive.

Cons: None

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Not a beginner's strings.
1 out of 1 found the following review helpful

Pros: Nice tone, ring out well. My intonation has definitely improved because of that.

Cons: Went out of tune a lot for the first two weeks, but settled down well afterwards. They also benefit from increased rosin application.

Other: Probably not for the absolute beginner. Good if you have a slightly better violin, and are prepared to work with them for a few weeks.

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Great tone and playability within 30 mins

Pros: I play Irish trad and I love the tone of these strings, I used to use larceny either tzigane or virtuoso then enjoyed evah pirazzi.but wanted to try warchal ...from their write up...I think I will stick with these...for a while it does of course depend on the violin and style in question

Cons: None

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