Technical data
| Core | A/D/G synthetic, E carbon steel tin plated |
| Winding | A aluminium, D silver, G silver |
| Line | Vision |
| Instrument | Violin |
| Size | 1/4 |
| Gauge | medium |
| Supplied as | Set and single strings |
| Item number | ST-VI100-SET14 |
Description
The construction relies on a modern synthetic core that combines the warmth of natural materials with the stability of modern synthetics. Vision settle into stable pitch in a particularly short time and are concert-ready within a few hours.
The strings respond precisely to bow changes while keeping enough substance for symphonic work. We carry the set in 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 and in the 1/10 special size, with different tension grades to match instrument and playing style.
In practice
- The reason most often given for buying it is value for money
Scope of delivery
- Available as a complete set
- Single strings: E string steel, E string tin, A string aluminium, D string silver, 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 Vision set VI100 combines a tin plated steel E with a removable ball, an A string with aluminium on a synthetic core, and D and G with silver on a synthetic core. The silver wound D string VI03A is made only in 4/4; in the smaller sizes the VI03 takes its place.
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. The silver winding (10,500 kg/m³ against 2,700 kg/m³ for aluminium) carries the mass the low strings need on a smaller diameter.
When another model suits you better
If you are looking for a set for the teaching years with very easy response and tuning that holds calmly, we recommend Alphayue. And if you want to hear how a violin sounds on its own, Dominant is very good advice.
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.
How long does Vision take to settle in?
The maker gives about five hours of playing for Vision.
What winding does the D string have?
In 4/4 the silver winding of the VI03A; in the smaller sizes the VI03, which in those sizes is made only with a silver winding.
