There are four types of core materials found in violin, viola, cello, and bass strings: gut, synthetic, steel and rope core. While string brands vary a great deal regardless of core material, the four types do exhibit unique and distinct characteristics both in sound and in handling. Knowing these can be very useful when choosing which strings to use.
Gut
Gut strings generally produce the darkest, richest sound. Since gut is a natural fiber, it will react to changes in the temperature and humidity. When the humidity level is high, gut absorbs moisture and swells. This causes the wire winding around the string to stretch. When the humidity returns to normal, the gut will shrink, but the more rigid winding does not. This leaves pockets of air between the core and the winding of the string. For this reason, gut strings are not as consistent and may break easier than other core type strings. They may also “buzz” or have “false” tones. Gut strings have the slowest response time of all strings. Fine tuners are discouraged.
Synthetic
Synthetic (nylon) core strings were developed to sound as similar to gut as possible without the inconsistencies of a natural fiber. They are stronger than gut strings and are not as susceptible to changes in humidity. The sound of a synthetic string is generally brighter and not as rich as a gut string. Synthetic strings have a faster response time than gut. Fine tuners are discouraged.
Steel
Steel core strings are brighter in tone than gut or synthetic strings. They consist of a single strand of steel, and generally respond more quickly than gut or synthetic strings. They are not affected by climate changes and will generally last a long time. Steel strings are more durable and may be used with fine tuners.
Rope
Rope core strings sound even brighter than steel. The core consists of many thin strands of steel. Rope core strings have the fastest response time of all strings and can be used with fine tuners. They are not affected by climate changes.
