Thomastik Dominant Violin 1/2, ST-DO135-SET12
ST-DO135-SET12
Since 1970 generations of violinists have played Dominant violin strings. They rank among the most-played strings in the world and have significantly shaped the modern synthetic-string market.
- New strings sound metallic; after a few days this gives way to a warm, gut like tone
- Settled in after about two days of playing
- Comfortable and flexible under the fingers
Technical data
| Core | A/D/G multi strand perlon, E steel |
| Winding | A aluminium, D aluminium or silver, G silver |
| Line | Dominant |
| Instrument | Violin |
| Size | 1/2 |
| Gauge | medium |
| Supplied as | Set and single strings |
| Item number | ST-DO135-SET12 |
Description
At the centre of the design sits a highly flexible multi-strand Perlon core. This core technology delivers the tonal warmth of a gut string combined with the stability of modern synthetics. The synthetic core is far less sensitive to humidity than gut and holds its tuning calmly as a result.
Tonally, Dominant bring out the individual character of an instrument. They offer a balanced spectrum of warmth, clarity and brilliance and respond very directly across all positions. These qualities make them attractive both for students and for professionals; Dominant comes fitted from the workshop on many instruments, our own violins included.
The set is made in every size from 4/4 down to 1/16, with multiple E-string options (steel ball/loop end, chrome-plated steel, tin-plated, aluminium-wound) and in 4/4 in different tension grades (Soft, Medium, Strong) for the A, D and G strings; the small sizes come in Medium.
Scope of delivery
- Available as a complete set
- Single strings: E string aluminium, E string chrome, E string chrome (loop end), A string aluminium, D string aluminium, G string silver
Sound and physics
The construction of the string (string length, tension, cross section, material properties) keeps its overtones close to the harmonic series; the higher partials lie only fractionally above the exact multiples of the fundamental. In wound strings this is achieved by the composite design of a thin, flexible core with one or more windings of metal ribbon or wire, which puts a lot of mass on the string with little bending stiffness.
A string tuned to the same pitch on the same string length carries proportionally more mass per metre (linear mass density) when it is under higher tension.
Under the bow the travelling kink of the Helmholtz motion (the string sticks to the bow hair and slips back) stays sharp on the flexible string, and the bridge receives a sawtooth force that contains every overtone of the fundamental.
The violin is tuned in fifths; at A = 440 Hz and pure fifths the open strings G, D, A and E sound at about 195.6 Hz, 293.3 Hz, 440 Hz and 660 Hz.
The E string is usually steel today, because gut would be loaded to the limit of its breaking strength in this position. Steel stretches far less than gut when tuned, which is why a steel E is tuned most finely with a fine tuner in the tailpiece. The low G string sounds rounder and fuller than the higher strings; composers therefore ask for whole passages on it (sul G).
With the Thomastik synthetic sets we carry, the longitudinal pull lies between 21.2 kg (Dominant 135) and 23.5 kg (Rondo); angled over the bridge (string angle about 157°), about 8.5 to 9.5 kg of it press the bridge onto the top. Towards the G string the strings sit higher above the fingerboard, because their amplitude grows towards the low strings; the bridge is cut asymmetrically to match.
The Dominant violin set is made from 4/4 down to 1/16; the small sizes are made in medium gauge. The construction follows the line: A and D with synthetic core and aluminium winding, G with synthetic core and silver, the E string in carbon steel; in the 1/16 set it is the E 130 with a loop end.
Each size is a string design of its own, matched to its shorter string length; the maker publishes tension figures only for the 4/4 set.
The polyamide synthetic core (1,130 to 1,150 kg/m³, modulus of elasticity as a measure of material stiffness 2,500 to 3,500 MPa) reacts far less to humidity than gut and settles in faster than gut, though not as fast as steel.
Our experience
Dominant is the set where everything starts for us: every Conrad Götz violin leaves our workshop strung with it. On the 4/4 set we experience it as neutral and honest, full of colour and finely modulated in every position. Even in lessons it brings the colourful, complex sound that a violin grows into over the years.
When another model suits you better
When easy response and tuning that holds calmly matter most in the first years of lessons, we recommend Alphayue, which is also made down to 1/16.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the lower strings wound?
The winding adds mass to the string without making it stiff. On the same string length a low note at similar tension needs a much higher linear mass density, and the metal of the winding supplies it.
How much does tension change when I tune higher?
From 440 Hz to 442 Hz, as many orchestras tune today, tension rises by about 0.9 per cent, and to 445 Hz by about 2.3 per cent.
Does a fine tuner for loop ends also take ball end strings?
No, our fine tuners are made for loop end strings. For a ball end string you choose a tailpiece or fine tuner that takes a ball, or a string with a removable ball.
Is Dominant also made in small sizes?
Yes, from 4/4 down to 1/16, the small sizes in medium gauge.
Why is no tension figure given here?
The maker publishes tension figures only for the 4/4 set, and we do not carry a 4/4 figure over to another size.
These texts hold decades of experience and a great deal of heart. They are protected by copyright, C.A. Götz jr. GmbH. Please ask us before any use. Thank you for your appreciation.