Warchal strings — violin, viola & cello

By AR Distribution · Last updated 01 Nov 2025

Short history & innovations

WARCHAL builds on two generations of violinists and intensive materials R&D. Highlights include the helix (wavy) E to tame whistling while keeping clarity, the proprietary W-Core® synthetic core (Amber, Timbre), and transparent tension charts for setup decisions.

How to fit strings (general)

Change one string at a time to protect bridge/soundpost.
Back out fine tuners; use pegs until stable.
Lubricate nut & bridge grooves with a soft pencil (or dry soap).
Wind from the peg hole toward the pegbox wall; avoid crossing winds.
Retune several times, then re-stand the bridge if it leans and the bridge feet are no longer flat on the belly.

Break-in: Synthetics stabilise quickly with a few retunes. Timbre stabilises quickly ; Amber/Brilliant settle within a couple of days of playing.

Violin — choosing, fitting & fixes

Warchal The Beast — violin set — The Beast — soloistic power

Warchal TIMBRE — violin — Timbre — flagship W-Core® + helix E

Warchal Amber — violin — Amber — W-Core® warmth; non-whistling helix E

Warchal Brilliant — violin — Brilliant & Brilliant Vintage

Set	Best for	Feel / sound	Notes
The Beast	Soloistic projection & stage power	3 synthetic strings + helix E	Tensions at 327 mm; eco packaging.
Timbre (LEP)	Italianate complexity + stability	Gut-like response; helix E	Break-in ~10–15 min; D avoids hydronalium (sweat corrosion).
Amber	Warm, rich colour; anti-whistle E	W-Core® warmth	Great all-round choice.
Brilliant	Clarity + projection	Fast, focused	Also Brilliant Vintage (lower tension for antiques).
Karneol	Warm easy play	Velvety	Easy playability
Ametyst	Sparkling	Brighter	Easy playability

Metal A options: Russian Style & Avantgarde

Warchal’s metal A strings are designed to pair seamlessly with synthetic lower strings:

Russian Style A: classic metal A feel which a smooth transition across the A to D break; clear, focused tone.
Avantgarde A (helix): helix geometry adds longitudinal elasticity for warmth and control, helping tame glassiness at the top.

Fitting notes (violin)

Back out fine tuners; use pegs until stable.
Graphite grooves; wind neatly toward the pegbox wall.
Retune a few times; re-stand the bridge after stretch.

Troubleshooting

Whistling/glassy E: fit a helix E (Amber/Timbre) and check contact point/speed.
Bridge lean: normal during stretch — re-stand and retune.
Won’t hold pitch day 1: retune; stability follows short playing-in.

Viola — choosing, fitting & fixes

Warchal TIMBRE — viola — Timbre — flagship warmth + projection

Warchal Amber — viola — Amber — two A options (metal helix or synthetic)

Warchal Brilliant — viola — Brilliant — clear, projective

Warchal Karneol — viola — Karneol — warm, velvety balance

Set	Best for	Feel / sound	Notes
Timbre	Flagship warmth + projection	W-Core® colour; fast to “speak”	Also available for ZMT tailpiece (extended lower strings/minimal silking).
Amber	Rich, warm, textured	A: metal with helix or synthetic	Choose scale: Medium (≈36–38 cm) or Long (≈38–40 cm) vibrating length.
Brilliant	Clear projection, fast response	Concert-hall focus	Popular with principals/section leaders.
Karneol	Warm, easy play	Comfort-first tonal balance	Great for good instruments that require a velvety sound with fewer overtones.

History & what’s special for viola

Warchal’s Amber and Timbre lines use W-Core® to bring gut-like colour without gut instability. For viola, Amber uniquely offers two A options: a metal A with helix (for extra elasticity and warmth) and a synthetic A (for maximum blend). Medium and long vibrating-length options match common viola sizes.

Fitting guide (viola)

Replace one string at a time, backing out fine tuners first.
Lubricate nut & bridge grooves with pencil graphite.
Tune with pegs only until stable; then bring fine tuners into mid-range.
Check bridge vertical; correct lean after first tuning cycle.
For the Amber metal A, the helix section sits in the bowed area by design.

Scale lengths: Choose Medium (≈36–38 cm) or Long (≈38–40 cm) based on your instrument’s vibrating length.

Common pitfalls

Swapping all four at once (risk to soundpost).
Forgetting graphite — leads to noisy tuning and winding damage.
Mismatching scale length (use Medium vs Long correctly).

Troubleshooting

Surface noise: reduce rosin, adjust contact point; Amber/Timbre smooth the top end.

Cello — choosing, fitting & fixes

Warchal Amber — cello — Amber — warm, full-bodied core

Warchal Brilliant — cello — Brilliant — projection & clarity

Warchal Prototype metal A — cello — Prototype metal A — alternative feel

Set	Best for	Feel / sound	Notes
Amber	Warm, full-bodied core with power	W-Core® warmth; metal A (helix) or synthetic A	Often lower tension than steel; settles in a few days.
Brilliant	Projection and clarity	Rich overtones; fast to settle	Pair with Prototype A for a firmer top.

Fitting guide (cello)

Change one string at a time. If loosening all, lay the cello on its treble side with the aim of preventing the soundpost from falling.
Play ~10 minutes per string after fitting before moving to the next — reduces bridge creep.
Use pegs until stable; bring fine tuners into range afterwards.
Graphite grooves; neat winds toward the pegbox wall.

Troubleshooting

Bridge pulling forward forward: re-stand and retune; add the 10-minute play-in per string next time.
Scratchy upper strings: don't use too much rosin, adjust bow contact point; try Amber metal A for extra elasticity/cut. Synthetic cello strings require an adjustment in bowing technique and are less forgiving than metal strings.
Instrument feels over-tight: Amber and Brilliant are often lower tension than many steel sets; review afterlength/tailpiece if needed.

Specs & resources

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