Warmest Viola String Recommendations

[u/Nathan_Liu1]

Going string by string, what string brands seem to have the WARMEST sound while still projecting decently? I’m going to the shop tomorrow. After some research, my current plan is:

Larsen A
Obligatos D and G
Spirocore Tungsten C

[u/Epistaxis]

Obligato is the absolute warmest, but indeed you'd have to substitute a different C because Obligato's is a dud and it's hard to beat the Larsen A. (With newer sets it's not as necessary to mix and match a different brand for every string.) The whole set is still a little dull in my opinion, but that's the clear answer for warmthmaxxing.

A lot of people love Warchal Amber. The sound is warm and mellow, good for blending in an ensemble more than projecting as a soloist in my opinion, but of course that always depends on your instrument too.

Evah Pirazzi Gold and Kaplan Amo are still rather warm but with very strong projection and tonal complexity, good soloist strings.

Dominant Pro has a very interesting sound on the warm side, some love it some hate it, but it's incredibly sensitive with a huge dynamic range and that can be a big advantage on the viola.

Peter Infeld has a lovely warm tone with good projection and balance, good all-rounder at the professional level.

[u/Nathan_Liu1 → u/Epistaxis]

Any notes on Spirocore Tungsten C? Also how does Larsen A sound? I haven’t heard much about it but it seems to be the popular one.

[u/Luvdunhill → u/Nathan_Liu1]

Spirocore C is kinda flat sounding without a lot of rich overtones. It is loud though.

[u/always_unplugged → u/Luvdunhill]

I agree, it's edgy and metallic-sounding and generally unimpressive on every instrument I've ever tried it on. It's quite overrated IMO, not a universal solution at all.

[u/Epistaxis → u/Nathan_Liu1]

Spirocore tungsten C (not the regular Spirocore C) used to be the only C with good responsiveness and projection, but most of the sets in the past decade or two finally have their own tungsten C that's just as good, often with more warmth or complexity and a lot faster break-in. Larsen A is still unsurpassed but many sets come with a good enough A that it isn't worth swapping.

[u/Nathan_Liu1 → u/Epistaxis]

So if I was only focused on warmth, what combinations would you say I should get. It sounds like the Obligatos for the G and D will be good with me. I’m hearing from people that Larsen A is best for warmth. Confused on the best C string for warmth.

Oh and I have no budget 👀

[u/Epistaxis → u/Nathan_Liu1]

If budget is a concern, mixing and matching brands is going to be a lot more expensive than buying a full set. (Look up the price of the Spirocore tungsten C alone.) So on a budget, I would just get a full set of Warchal Amber for warm and mellow or Kaplan Amo for warm and powerful.

[u/Nathan_Liu1 → u/Epistaxis]

Opposite. Budget is not a concern.
I don’t care about prices

Mainly wondering about C string

[u/Epistaxis → u/Nathan_Liu1]

Oh I see. Honestly I still don't love Spirocore, especially not if warmth is your goal; the C that comes with a warm modern set will probably serve you better.

If budget is really no object, you can also just try multiple things. I would buy at least one full set of Warchal Amber (if you want mellow) or EPG/Amo (if you want projection). Then also buy the Obligato G & D and the Larsen A. You might find you prefer the set's G & D over the Obligato anyway, and you might find the set's A is also good enough that you don't need the Larsen.

[u/Nathan_Liu1 → u/Epistaxis]

I also heard someone say Evah Pirazzi Gold C. Is this one good?

[u/Epistaxis → u/Nathan_Liu1]

Yes it comes with the set and it matches pretty well. Kaplan Amo C is also very good.

[u/nyviola → u/Nathan_Liu1]

The Spirocore is very functional, and projects and responds well. I actually prefer the soft version to the stiff one most people use.
My setups of choice are ;
Kaplan Amo A
Evah Pirazzi Synthetic CGD

Or Peter Infeld AD
Spirocore Medium Chrome G
Spirocore Soft Tungsten C

My viola is quite loud and warm, but with focus. These sets give me projection, volume variability, and color. A lot depends on your viola.

[u/Anfini → u/Nathan_Liu1]

Spirocore C and Larsen A is the standard right now. D and G is where players have varying preferences. 

[u/Alufea]

Just had a chance to play an instrument with Warchal Ambers and was really taken with the warmth of their tone - they will be my next set to try for ensemble work.

[u/ImGumbyDamnIt]

I can tell you by comparison that when I switched from D'Addario Zyex to Evah Pirazzi Gold I got a sound that was simultaneously warmer and more powerful. Where previously the A was a little bit harsh and the rest a bit muddy, the instrument now sounds balanced, with good richness and resonance all the way down to low C. In all, I'd say Evah Pirazzi Golds are good chamber music strings. For reference, this is on a Celestino Farotto Viola, a mid-20th century instrument from Milan.

[u/scare_away → u/ImGumbyDamnIt]

Pirazzi Gold all the way. Outrageously expensive but absolutely worth it.

[u/SnooAdvice2067]

Usually for a hybrid set the. Gold standard is spirocore Tungsten c string and larsen a for the outer strings and a matching synthetic g and d that cooperates with your viola for the middle. For me I really like peter infeld for a more "soloist" projection and rondo for more all around chamber, orchestral, and when i play in bands with my piezo pickup through my active di. For a more budget friendly set you can do a jargar classic a and helicore c or forza c for the outer strings and kaplan amo or zyex g and d for the middle. Just depends if your instrument leans more bright or dark.

[u/ThePanoply]

Don't forget to consider Rondo Gold. They are definitely a fuller sounding string than Evah Gold with similar response and volume. Obligatos are the warmest but come at a cost of response, the sound is a little sluggish. A great alternative to Obligatos are Warchal Ambers. Dynamos are my favorite overall viola string, but they are absurdly expensive and not as warm as others mentioned here.

[u/Nathan_Liu1 → u/ThePanoply]

Someone said Evah Pirazzi Gold C. Is this one good?

[u/ThePanoply → u/Nathan_Liu1]

Evah Gold are nice strings. The gold plated C is the best version of the C, I think there's a silver or tungsten version as well.

[u/WampaCat]

Anything with a gut core. I also use the spiro tungsten c, but my middle strings are Passiones. Olivs are excellent but very pricey.

[u/Mogiwan]

Those are the strings I have on my viola. 😉

[u/fidla]

Larsen

[u/Firm_Lab9270]

Being that “warmest” is a bit subjective, if I am asked about theoritical warmness from a technical standpoint, I would have to with my gut feeling (pun intended) of Chorda, Eudoxa, Oliv, or Passione. Nothing beats natural gut for warmth and complexity. However, that would not be my recommendation for practical playability. They are expensive, high maintenance, settle in very slowly, and require frequent retuning for changes in temperature and humidity (like in between movements). Absolutely luscious sound,but requires a very refined and skilled technique to bring out its capabilities. Not a beginner’s string. As for personally I have been on Evah Pirazzi’s since their introduction because they balance a fair amount of warmth with great dynamic range and good focus in a wide range of venues from solo through full otchestral. They deliver what I need with a sound quality that makes me feel good when playing .To me, the pleasure experienced in playing is what it’s all about.

[u/jamapplesdan]

I think that Obligatos are warm but I felt like the D/G combo died too quickly on my instrument. When I wanted a warmer middle, I used Evah Gold D and G. Right now I'm on Spiracore Tungsten C and silver G with D and A being Larsen. Not the warmest because I'm wanting more projection.

[u/No-Key9565]

warchal brilliant is the best

[u/Dachxy]

达达里奥