Technical data
| Gauge | medium only |
| Line | Alphayue |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Size | 4/4 |
| Supplied as | Set and single strings |
| Item number | ST-AL200-SET44 |
Description
As with the violin set, a synthetic multi-layer core sits at the centre of the design. Chrome and Monel windings deliver a balanced tonal layout across all four strings. The sound is warm and clear, and the response remains reliable even under gentle bowing.
In daily school use, Alphayue plays to the family's typical strengths: solid corrosion resistance, fast tuning stability and a working life noticeably longer than that of budget student strings. A natural upgrade from a basic all-steel set to a first serious viola string.
Scope of delivery
- Available as a complete set
- Single strings: A string, D string, G string, C string
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.
Because viola body lengths today range from 38 to 40.5 cm, most often 39 cm, viola sets are also made for individual body sizes in inches.
A C string wound with tungsten (19,300 kg/m³) carries the same mass per metre on a smaller diameter than one wound with silver (10,500 kg/m³).
The AL200 set combines the A string AL21 in carbon steel with chrome, the D string AL22 with synthetic core and chrome, and the G string AL23 and C string AL24 with synthetic core and Monel. At 25.4 kg Alphayue sits in the narrow band from 25.4 to 25.6 kg in which, among the 4/4 medium sets of the seven Thomastik viola lines we compare here, Alphayue, Dominant Pro, Dynamo, Peter Infeld and Rondo gather; only Dominant sits clearly below at 20.7 kg and Spirocore clearly above at 28.3 kg. On the viola, set tension is therefore not what sets these five lines apart; their differences lie in core and winding.
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
For us, Alphayue is the set for teaching: brilliant and warm at once, round, clear and singing. It speaks very easily, settles in tune quickly, makes little bow noise and holds up through changing weather. We recommend it above all to young viola players and to everyone playing a small size.
When another model suits you better
If a viola should show more of its own character, or may carry little pull, we recommend Dominant. And when the next step is due, towards more colour, power and projection, then Dominant Pro or Rondo.
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.
What are the frequencies of the viola's open strings?
At A = 440 Hz and pure fifths they are about 130.4 Hz (C), 195.6 Hz (G), 293.3 Hz (D) and 440 Hz (A).
Why are viola strings made in inch sizes?
Violas are built with very different body lengths, 38 to 40.5 cm being usual. A set that matches the instrument's vibrating length sits with its winding in the right place over nut and bridge.
Is Alphayue a low tension viola set?
No, at 25.4 kg in the 4/4 set it sits in the same middle as Dominant Pro, Dynamo, Peter Infeld and Rondo; clearly lower in tension is Dominant at 20.7 kg.
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.
