Technical data
| Line | Dominant Pro |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Size | 4/4 |
| Gauge | medium |
| Supplied as | Set and single strings |
| Item number | ST-DP200-SET44 |
Description
This makes Dominant Pro especially attractive to professional violists looking for a set that carries in larger halls, holds its own against string and wind ensembles, and still preserves the warmth that defines the Dominant brand.
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 DP200 set combines the A string DP21 in carbon steel with chrome, the D string DP22 with synthetic core and chrome, the G string DP23 with synthetic core and silver, and the C string DP24 with synthetic core and tungsten silver. At 25.5 kg Dominant Pro 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.
Our experience
For us, Dominant Pro is the set that gives a viola warmth and focus at the same time. It speaks very quickly and directly, carries with generous projection and needs only a short playing in time. We recommend it above all on instruments that hold back tonally, because it gives them focus, warmth and carrying power.
When another model suits you better
If a viola already sounds dark and full and is looking above all for openness and shine, we recommend Rondo or Dominant. And a sensitive or older instrument that should carry little pull is in good hands with Dominant at 20.7 kg.
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.
What is the tension of the Dominant Pro viola set?
The DP200 medium set in 4/4 has 25.5 kg, 4.8 kg more than Dominant 141.
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.
