“I have been playing violin for six months, on a rented Gliga 3 with Pirastro Tonica strings. Last month, I realised my beginner bow and fingering technique wasn't wholly responsible for the inability to sound clear notes in third position on the G string, because the set of D'addario Ascente strings (free with subscription to AUSTA) brought these notes out more clearly. However, the Ascente' strings were a bit dull and superficial, compared to the richer Tonica sound. So after reading member discussions on violinist.com about string combinations, and their advice to others about a rough G string, I decided to try Dominant strings. They were rated as very popular. And it has worked. These Dominant strings enable me to achieve sweeter, smoother notes, and I no longer need to dig on the G string to get the higher notes, or without needing to play right next to the fingerboard. Also, the A string cracks less, and my bow doesn't judder so much. My violin teacher, Sarah Scheermiejer, smiled to hear I'd swapped to Dominant strings, and said she had played on Dominants for most of her student career. I plan to keep using my Dominants when I return the Gliga 3 (the contract has ended) and find a violin of my own.”
