Silver vs Gold Violin G String: Can you hear the difference? | Violin Lounge TV #376
Looking for a great sounding G string for your violin?
I demonstrate and compare the Thomastik Dominant, Pirastro Evah Pirastro Gold Silver and Gold G strings. What’s your favorite?
I always spent $ 64 on just my violin G string and I wondered about cheaper alternatives.
That’s why I decided to compare my gold G string to the silver G string by the same brand and type: Pirastro Evah Pirastro Gold. It shows the difference between a silver and gold G string.
Also I compared it to another silver G string: the popular Thomastik Dominant.
Looking to improve your playing on the G string? Here’s my tutorial on how to reach all the notes, get a big sound and lush vibrato on the G string.
Watch my comparison between the Thomastik Dominant vs Fiddlerman string sets right here.
For those who requested about the Czardas I played: Here’s a full tutorial with sheet music download.
Guide to buying violin strings
If you’d like to read a lot more about violin strings, what they’re made of and see a lot more string reviews, check out this violin string buying guide.
Let me know in the comments if you could hear the difference and what’s your favorite!
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I liked the gold immediately, then the silver . When you played the Dominants, it was a different sound completely. On hearing the video a second time, I would probably buy the silver Evah’s.
Yes, I’m still doubting myself.
I liked the sound of the Gold G string on your violin. It was fuller, richer and more powerful. The Silver was brighter, and felt easier to produce tone on, but the sound is more ‘on the surface’ and lacks depth. From my experiments with those strings, I decided that which string or even which set of stings you use depends not only on the violin but also on the set up – the bridge and sound post and perhaps even the tail piece.
At the moment I use Evah Pirazzi Perpetual strings with with the metal (chrome on steel core) A string.
Oh yes, strings are just a small piece of the puzzle.
The gold wounded muffled like you were in the basement not clear and distinct. The silver had a very clear sound and would be the one that I would purchase. The Dominants had a much less desirable sound.
I thought the gold was much more complex than the other strings. The silver lacked some depth but was clearly better than the dominant. It would depend who was playing it, what the violin was like and even the music genre being played.
Yes, they both have something I like.
Yes, however, there are things I like about gold as well…
I liked the gold the best. Nice and warm.
Yes, I actually still doubt between the two.
Listening on my iPad, which may not be the best way to hear the differences in the strings, I found the gold Evah sounds fuller on the upper part of the G string.
Yes, they respond quite well there. I’m still doubting…
I liked the gold and silver both.
The gold is warm and soft. Would sound nice with bright, happy pieces.
The silver has a crisp, clear sound. It also sounds sad, like it would cry at the drop of a hat.
For the price range the Dominant is in, it does it’s job. It sounds nice.
When I shop for replacement strings I’ll definitely consider the Evah Pirastro silver and/or gold.
Thanks Zlata, I really enjoy your videos! Keep up the good work!
Great to read that, Joy!
The Gold is by far the best
Full sound, overtones, and powerful presence.
I suspect also it has a bigger dynamic range and easier to play.
Thanks! The silver plays a bit easier, but I like them both.
I immediately noticed the gold produced a clearer crisper sound, and was also sounded to me , more responsive. It also seemed to have a user range of dynamics. I am so interested to see that some responders found the silver string clearer! On balance I found the gold slightly better, but probably less “easy on the ear” . So many factors interact, I agree with others that it depends on all of them.
Yes, I’m still doubting between them and it’s very interesting to see what different people hear differently.
I’m not a professional violinist but my vote would be on the silver if your piece needs more clear and immediate distinction; the warmer gold is nice and would be a good choice for some pieces but perhaps needing to change strings frequently – cost is a consideration. I like Dominant brand but the G on that brand is not my choice as I found I had to work very hard for a good sound and also needed to replace that string more frequently than the other Dominant strings of the same set.
Thanks for your note, Lusa, that’s exactly how I feel.
Hello Zlata,
Well done another fine and very interesting video.
The P Gold did sound a little broad and not so focussed but then the P Silver sounded more focussed. Perhaps the speed and width of vibrato needs to adapt to the string, what do you think ?
Now as you know I have a German 1886 Strad (I know its just the model but the date is still correct at least!).
I have a Jargar Silver G and the pulling power is awsome but only playing up to 3rd position; next year will try 5th position (Whistler Book). Also a Jargar E complemented with Pirastro Flexocor Permanent D and A.
At last I have found an almost perfect mix of strings for my violin and present ability
Enjoy a well earned rest with your beautiful family.
Thank you, Stewart, yes, I think the playing can adapt to make the string sound optimal.
I think both Evah Pirazzi ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ G strings are beautiful in their own rights. The Golden G string is more rounded than the Silver, but lacks the clarity that the Silver delivers. As an all purpose G string, I would favour the Silver G 🙂