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How to Find the Perfect Strings for You and Your Instrument
If you play a string instrument, you know that the strings you use can make a big difference in how your instrument sounds and feels. But how can you find the combination of strings that makes your instrument sound its best?
Which type of core material produces the type of sound you're going for, as well as the best response? What are the benefits of the different kinds of wraps? What gauge or tension makes your instrument speak best? What mix of string brands will result in the most balanced sound across all the strings?
It can be a time-consuming and expensive process to try each string that's out there. So I thought I'd ask a couple experts what they recommend.
In today's episode you'll hear from a string manufacturer (Markus Lawrenson from D'Addario) and a luthier (Jesse Maschmeyer), who will share time and money-saving tips and insights on how to find the right strings for your level, your playing style, the demands of the kind of playing/performing you do, and of course, your instrument.
If you've been wanting to get a little more out of your instrument, this episode will give you a few new ideas to try!
Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here:
How to Find the Perfect Strings for You and Your Instrument
-Noa
Previous guests in action
You may remember listening to podcast episodes with violinist Catherine Cho (On Developing Great Rhythm) and violinist/Body Mapping educator Jennifer Johnson (On Learning to Play More Effortlessly). If you're a violin teacher or grad student/post-grad violinist, and would like to work with them in person, they will be among the faculty at the biennial Starling-Delay Symposium that takes place at Juilliard in a couple weeks (May 23-27).
You can learn more about the event and submit your application here.
Want to participate in a study?
If you are a music major or professional musician, and at least 18 or older, you may be interested in participating in a study on emotional intelligence and performance anxiety that's being conducted at the Centre for Performance Science by PhD candidate Ugne Peistaraite, a student of last month's podcast guest Aaron Williamon.
You can learn more about the study here.
Deep thought o' the week, AI edition
"Sometimes, I think that if a cello string could talk, it would just keep whispering, 'Please, no more Bach, I can't take it anymore.'"
-ChatGPT
The Bulletproof Musician
If you struggle with nerves and inconsistent performances, know that you’re not alone! Join 45,000+ musicians and receive weekly research-based practice tips that will help you get more out of your daily practice and perform more like yourself when it counts.
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