Technical data
| Core | multi strand perlon |
| Line | Dominant |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Size | 1/2 |
| Gauge | medium |
| Supplied as | Set and single strings |
| Item number | ST-DO141-SET12 |
Description
On the viola, Dominant develop a warm, rounded sound with clear projection. Volume is well balanced across the individual strings, keeping the tonal image even throughout the entire tessitura. The A is aluminium-wound, the D comes in either aluminium or silver, the G and C are silver-wound.
The set is made for the common viola scale lengths 4/4, 16.5", 15.5", 15", 3/4 and 1/2. A dedicated d'Amore variant covers the requirements of historical and experimental performance practice. As with the violin set, several tension grades are offered to match the individual instrument.
Scope of delivery
- Available as a complete set
- Single strings: A string aluminium, D string aluminium, G string silver, C 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.
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 Dominant viola set 141 combines the A string 136 with synthetic core and aluminium, the D string 137 with synthetic core and aluminium, and the G string 138 and C string 139 with synthetic core and silver. Besides 4/4 the set is made in 3/4 and 1/2 and in dedicated versions for 15 inch, 15.5 inch and 16.5 inch; for the D string the silver wound 137A is offered as an alternative. For the 15 inch set a body length of 38 cm is on record.
Each size is a string design of its own, matched to its 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
On the 4/4 set we experience Dominant as the set on which a viola shows its own character: brilliant, open and clear. We recommend it above all on dark sounding violas and wherever an instrument should respond easily. So even a large viola finds the set that suits it; among the eight Thomastik viola lines we compare, only Dominant offers this range.
When another model suits you better
If a viola already sounds bright and slender and is looking for more warmth and body, we recommend Rondo Gold or Peter Infeld. For young viola players and everyone playing a small size, we recommend Alphayue, which is made down to 1/8.
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.
Which set do I need for a 15.5 inch viola?
There is a dedicated Dominant set for 15.5 inch, as there is for 15 and 16.5 inch.
Is there a D string with silver?
Yes, the 137A is silver wound; the standard D 137 carries aluminium.
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.
