Technical data
| Set tension 4/4 medium | 25,5 kg |
| Line | Dynamo |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Size | 4/4 |
| Gauge | medium |
| Supplied as | Set and single strings |
| Item number | ST-DY200-SET44 |
Description
From orchestral and chamber-music work through to solo applications, Dynamo offers a modern, high-performance alternative to the established premium series.
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 DY200 set combines the A string DY21 in carbon steel with chrome, the D string DY22A with synthetic core and silver chrome, the G string DY23 with synthetic core and silver, and the C string DY24 with synthetic core and tungsten silver. At 25.5 kg Dynamo 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, Dynamo is the set for everyone who is after tone colours: rich, broad and with a fine edge. It speaks very quickly and surely and covers a wide dynamic range, on old and on new instruments alike. We recommend it above all to professionals who expect mobility and modulation from a set above all else.
When another model suits you better
If a viola needs a gathered, compact sound and generous projection above all, we recommend Rondo. And if a sensitive or older instrument should carry little pull, Dominant at 20.7 kg is the gentler partner.
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 Dynamo viola set?
The DY200 medium set in 4/4 has 25.5 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.
