AboutTodd Sullivan Expertise Hello, I am a NYC violinist performing for Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, opera, and sundry theatre/pop tours. I would be happy to answer your questions about anything related to being a performer in the music business. I play both violin and viola professionally, so questions on playing either instrument are welcome. The only thing I am not well informed on is information concerning instruments/bows...those questions are best left to luthiers.
Experience Professional experience includes a variety of on/off Broadway tours and shows, numerous orchestras, tours with Ray Charles and Ann Murray orchestras, leader of the 20-piece Todd Sullivan Orchestra.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Fine Arts (violin) with honors from Carnegie Mellon University (1999)
Question Having returned to playing (three years ago) after a 57 year break, I wanted to purchase some new strings (nothing usual there). However, with the 'A' string I was was offered the choice of a 'THICK' or 'THIN' string - I don't recall coming across this differentiation before. This was in the Pirastro range. Would I be correct in assuming that the 'THICK' string offers a warmer tone?
Tony
Answer Strings need to be matched to the instrument, as that dictates what kind of performance the string will give you. Generally, a thicker than normal string will require more tension in order to bring it up to pitch, resulting in more volume and sometimes a fuller sound but with a slower response. A thinner string requires less tension and will give a faster response, but with less volume and a thinner, slightly more focused sound. You will need to choose your gauge of string according to the violin you play - a violin may need a thicker string to give it more "punch" or power, or more fullness of sound; while other instruments, those thick strings will choke the sound and make it unresponsive and dull. On the other hand, a thinner string might help an instrument with a dull, unfocused, fuzzy sound but might sound shrill and thin on others.
Most players will use a medium gauge string, but if you have a nice instrument and want to find the best setup, try a variety of strings and gauges (there are often three or more different thicknesses) to find the one that is best for your instrument.
