Warchal strings — violin, viola & cello

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, The Beast), and transparent tension charts for setup decisions.

How to fit strings (general)

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

Violin — choosing, fitting & fixes

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 with a smooth transition across the A–D break; clear, focused tone.
• Avantgarde A (helix): Warchal's helix design adds longitudinal elasticity for warmth and control, helping tame glassiness at the top.

Fitting notes (violin)

1. Back out fine tuners; use pegs until stable.
2. Graphite grooves; wind neatly toward the pegbox wall.
3. 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

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)

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

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

Fitting guide (cello)

1. 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.
2. Play ~10 minutes per string after fitting before moving to the next — reduces bridge creep.
3. Use pegs until stable; bring fine tuners into range afterwards.
4. Graphite grooves; neat winds toward the pegbox wall.

Troubleshooting

Bridge pulling 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

• The tension charts for all Warchal strings are listed below.
• Shop Warchal at AR Distribution · Open a trade account