Viola strings — history, materials, and how to choose

Quick guide

Who this is for

Luthiers and shop staff advising players, plus players choosing their next set. We explain trade terms (gauge, tension, core, vibrating string length) in plain language and give brand-safe examples.

A short history — gut → steel → synthetics

Gut (plain A; wound D/G/C) was the standard for centuries. Steel strings grew in popularity in the 20th century for stability and projection. The late 20th century brought synthetic cores (e.g., Perlon/composites), seeking gut-like colour with quicker settling and pitch stability.^{5, 6}

Materials, cores & windings — what changes tone/feel

Core types

• Gut: complex overtones and pliant feel; more sensitive to humidity; slower start; valued for colour and flexibility.
• Steel (solid/stranded): fastest start and strong projection; very stable pitch; some players prefer a more malleable feel than solid steel can give.
• Synthetics (Perlon/composites): modern default for many violists: gut-like colour with stable intonation and shorter break-in.^{5, 6}

Windings & plating

Common windings: aluminium (quick start, can corrode for acidic sweat), silver (smoother/warmer), tungsten (dense, for powerful slim G/C). Makers also tailor A-string designs (e.g., metal A with a short helix section vs a synthetic A) to balance start, warmth and longevity.^{1, 3}

Trade terms (for players)

• Gauge (thickness): light / medium / heavy. Lighter often feels freer; heavier can give more “grab” and punch but may dampen some violas.
• Tension (N or kg/lb): higher tension can feel louder under the ear but may reduce resonance if your viola prefers to “breathe”. Compare like-for-like sizes.^{1, 2, 4}
• Vibrating string length (VSL): the part of the string that actually vibrates (nut → bridge). For viola, VSL varies significantly between instruments; match the correct size/set specification.^{2, 4}

Tension & scale length — avoid apples vs pears

Units differ too: Larsen’s viola information sheet lists tensions in kg and lb and states a free vibrating length of 370 mm, while Warchal’s TIMBRE-for-viola page provides Newtons (N) and specifies VSL ≈ 37 cm with suitability guidance.^{1, 3}

Practical tip: When comparing sets, match the sizing system first (VSL vs body length), then compare tensions in the same units (convert kg↔N if needed). Otherwise the numbers can mislead.

How to choose (bench checklist)

1. Start from the instrument: If the viola is inherently dark/slow, try a set with quicker start and a slightly brighter A. If it’s bright, try a warmer core and lower-tension feel.⁵
2. Pick the right size: Confirm VSL at the bench (nut→bridge). If the brand uses back-length sizing, match the inch range correctly before reading tension charts.^{2, 4}
3. A-string choice matters: Metal A (sometimes with a helix section) can add clarity and “ping”; synthetic A usually blends and feels more pliant. Match to repertoire and player feel.³
4. Let them bed in: Expect short play-in; re-stand the bridge and re-tune several times early on.¹
5. Document outcomes: Note size system (VSL vs body length), gauge and A-choice in the customer record for quicker future changes.

Compare options (examples)

Warchal spotlight — thoughtful A options & clear specs

Warchal’s viola lines pair composite cores with practical choices on the A string: a synthetic A for blend and a metal A with a short helix section for clarity/elasticity. Their TIMBRE page gives tensions in Newtons and specifies VSL guidance, which makes bench comparisons more transparent when you convert units or compare across brands.³

Fitting & troubleshooting

Slow or scratchy starts

Check rosin/contact point; try a slightly quicker set or swap to a metal A with a small helix for a firmer start.³

Too tight / loss of resonance

Drop gauge or overall tension; confirm the set matches your viola’s VSL or body-length size to avoid over-tensioning.^{1, 2}

Premature D/A wear

For “acidic” sweat, avoid aluminium winds where possible; consider an alternative A construction for longer life.³

References

1. Larsen Strings — Viola information sheet (free vibrating length 370 mm; tensions in kg/lb).
2. Thomastik-Infeld — “Dominant Violin/Viola/Cello” technical sheet (viola VSL 37 cm; usable 37–39 cm; kg/lb).
3. Warchal — TIMBRE (viola) product page (VSL ≈ 37 cm suitability; tensions in Newtons; A-string options incl. short helix).
4. D’Addario — Kaplan Viola page (strings sized by instrument body/back length in inches).
5. Thomastik-Infeld — String Selection Guide (background on modern synthetics).
6. Warchal — Viola strings (range overview; set characteristics).
7. The Strad — “Stringtelligence: vibrating string length & string tension” (context for VSL vs tension).

Key claims (materials, sizing systems and brand-specific specs) are supported by the sources above; text is paraphrased for a musician-friendly guide.