ThomastikInfeld Spirocore Viola String Set - Full Size - Medium Gauge

BACKGROUND FOR THE PURCHASE: I am teaching myself viola, for now. I am a current senior citizen cello student, so not completely new to string instruments. I bought these strings because my viola is not high grade and the strings are not good quality. They are good enough for me to know I love the viola. They sounded pretty good, but the “C” string and “G” strings did not have much oomph, especially the “C”. I researched and found that steel core gives a bright sound. I decided to try these and give my viola a bright sound since my cello is mellow.I put the Spirocores on earlier today. I love the “C” and “G” strings. The “D” and “A” strings are not good. The “A” is the worse of the two. I gave this set 5 stars anyway because the C and G strings, for me, are lovely. I am sure all four would sound even better on a better quality viola. Mine was only $65, with a bow, case, rosin and extra set of the cheapo strings.I noticed, in my amateur status, that I have to work to get any sound out of the D and A strings. I now know what people mean when they say that. There is a big difference between the ease of the C and G strings, and the difficulty with the A and D strings. That was actually fascinating to me. Again, maybe a better bow and/or viola would eliminate this, so five stars because the C and G are beautiful and maybe the issues with the A and D are due to the bow and viola.I am getting a nice clear bright sound from the C and G strings. I am happy I am going with a bright sound set of strings for my viola. They are giving a really good crisp bright sound.I have ordered a set of Jargar strings because in researching viola strings, the Spirocore for C and G, and Jargar for the A and D is a popular combination. I will replace the Spirocore A and D strings with the Jargar. Since just ordering the A and D strings separately was almost the price of a Jargar set, I went with the set and will have the extra Jargar and the extra Spirocore (the A and D I am substituting with Jargar) as extras.

We purchased these on September 22, 2021 and put them on September 25, 2021. They were sounding good, but just last week my sons C-String unraveled on him in the middle of a rehearsal. It’s only been a little over two months… these strings should last at least eight months with his playing schedule. Plus to make matters worse, he is right in the middle of auditioning for colleges. These strings were recommended by a former teacher. Needless to say we will not be repurchasing. Hopefully the manufacturer can make right.