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Find the Perfect Orchestral Strings for Your Sound
Every player needs a set of strings suited to their unique sound and playing style. We’ll help you explore our orchestral string families, compare tone, projection, bow response, and feel, and find the set that fits you best.
Choose The Right Strings
We organized our strings based on four performance factors:
- Tone: What kind of sound they produce
- Projection: How loud or soft they are
- Bow Response: How the string reacts to your bow
- Feel: The flexibility or firmness of the string
Use these categories to discover the D’Addario string set is the best fit for you.
Prelude Strings
Resilient and durable with a warm, focused tone, these strings are great for students and beginners.
Ascenté Strings
Humidity Resistant with a warmer sound, Ascenté strings introduce players to unique tonal colors offered by synthetic core strings.
Helicore Strings
The clear, focused tone and fast bow response makes these strings versatile for all styles.
Kaplan Strings
Strong bow response, tonal depth, and a rich, broad tone makes these strings ideal for advanced players.
String Cores Explained
Every D’Addario string starts with a carefully engineered core. From solid steel to gut, the materials inside the string influence tone, playability, and response. Here’s a quick look at what makes each core type unique.
Solid Steel Core
A single steel wire running the full length of the string. Bright, direct tone with quick bow response. Found in: Prelude (except Double Bass), Kaplan Viola A & Kaplan Cello A/D
Stranded Steel Core
Rope-like construction for flexibility and warmth. Ideal for players who need both projection and control. Found in: Helicore, Prelude Double Bass, Kaplan: Forza Viola, Cello G/C, Double Bass
Synthetic Core
Made from advanced synthetics for a gut-like warmth with improved stability. Balanced tone and bow response across all registers. Found in: Kaplan Amo, Kaplan Vivo, Ascenté, Zyex, Pro-Arte
Gut Core
The oldest string-making tradition, known for rich tone and organic feel. Favored by period performers and purists. Found in: Select custom or historical sets
Explore Strings By Instrument
Every instrument has its own voice, and so do our strings. Whether you’re just starting out or performing professionally, there’s a D’Addario set that’s just right for your sound, style, and skill level. Select your instrument below to explore your options.
Violin Strings
From the classroom to the concert hall, D’Addario violin strings are designed to help you play and grow confidently.
Prelude
Warm, focused tone. Ideal for students and beginners. Durable and dependable with a quick bow response.
Ascenté
Balanced tone for advancing players. Designed for stability across changing climates.
Helicore
Bright, clear sound with fast bow response. Works well for both acoustic and electric setups.
Kaplan Amo
Warm, rich tone for instruments that tend toward brightness. Sophisticated feel for advanced players.
Kaplan Vivo
Brilliant, projecting tone for darker instruments. Excellent bow response and articulation.
Viola Strings
Our viola strings deliver a full, resonant tone across every playing style and skill level.
Prelude
Reliable and warm. Great for students seeking durability and consistent tuning.
Helicore
Focused sound and quick bow response. A trusted choice for advancing violists.
Kaplan
Rich, broad tone with refined response. Built for professional players who demand versatility.
Zyex
Synthetic core delivers warmth and stability with powerful projection.
Cello Strings
No matter what or how you play, D’Addario has cello string offerings with clarity, projection, and feel you need.
Prelude
Easy to play with a warm, focused tone. Durable enough for classroom and practice environments.
Helicore
Bright, clear sound and excellent pitch stability. Flexible feel under the bow.
Kaplan
Deep, complex tone with strong projection. Chosen by professional and orchestral cellists.
Double Bass Strings
For jazz, orchestral, or solo playing, D’Addario bass strings offer the clarity, response, and feel to bring out the best in every performance.
Prelude
Durable, easy to play, and ideal for students. Produces a warm, consistent tone.
Helicore
Balanced tone for arco players. Smooth response and reliable tuning.
Kaplan
Professional-level string offering strong projection, power, and tonal complexity.
Zyex
Synthetic core material for rich, dense tone. Strong pitch stability and fast break-in. Close to gut in tonal character.
Find Your Set. Discover Your Sound.
