Violin Strings
Please see Gene's personal web page for very detailed violin string recommendations. Here is a short version:
If you are a beginner and want decent-sounding strings on your rental or entry-level violin, I recommend Thomastik Alphayue, which is available for $20 a set. Unlike the cheap steel string sets, they are metal-wound nylon-core synthetics with forgiving playing characteristics and excellent tone. f your violin is overly bright and needs something a little darker/warmer sounding, then Warchal Karneol is a great choice, and is only $30 a set. For a bit more, Thomastik Spirit at $35 is similar to their Vision set, but not quite as long-lasting.
If you are an intermediate player and need something with more power, complexity, and longevity, then Thomastik Vision (original, not Titanium or Solo) is a great choice, and can be found for around $46 a set. They break-in very quickly! I
If you are an advanced/professional player and need a clear, responsive string without excessive sound texturing that would distort the tone of your violin, with a fast break-in time and a long performance life, then Thomastik Rondo is the best choice. It can only be purchased from an authorized retailer, which in this case means actual violin shops with luthiers working there, and is not available online. They're not cheap; similar in pricing to the other premium sets out there in the $90-$100 range. I get my sets from Morey's Music.
I don't recommend Thomastik Dominant anymore. They just take too long to break-in, and there are better options these days.
I don't recommend Pirastro Evah Pirazzi/Evah Pirazzi Gold. They "texture" the instrument's tone in a way I find unattractive.
If you are a beginner and want decent-sounding strings on your rental or entry-level violin, I recommend Thomastik Alphayue, which is available for $20 a set. Unlike the cheap steel string sets, they are metal-wound nylon-core synthetics with forgiving playing characteristics and excellent tone. f your violin is overly bright and needs something a little darker/warmer sounding, then Warchal Karneol is a great choice, and is only $30 a set. For a bit more, Thomastik Spirit at $35 is similar to their Vision set, but not quite as long-lasting.
If you are an intermediate player and need something with more power, complexity, and longevity, then Thomastik Vision (original, not Titanium or Solo) is a great choice, and can be found for around $46 a set. They break-in very quickly! I
If you are an advanced/professional player and need a clear, responsive string without excessive sound texturing that would distort the tone of your violin, with a fast break-in time and a long performance life, then Thomastik Rondo is the best choice. It can only be purchased from an authorized retailer, which in this case means actual violin shops with luthiers working there, and is not available online. They're not cheap; similar in pricing to the other premium sets out there in the $90-$100 range. I get my sets from Morey's Music.
I don't recommend Thomastik Dominant anymore. They just take too long to break-in, and there are better options these days.
I don't recommend Pirastro Evah Pirazzi/Evah Pirazzi Gold. They "texture" the instrument's tone in a way I find unattractive.