Kaplan Golden Spiral Solo Violin String, E

Pros: Cheap enough but, boy, what an E string for your money! Recommended to me by most recent professor, who is a pro level classical soloist: I've used it under both ideal and adverse playing conditions; playing classical, folk, rock, jazz and anything in between. Even in humid or changeable environments, I get satisfaction from the Golden Spiral 'Solo' violin string's amazing playability and responsiveness. Under optimal conditions, you're soaring and a way, with all the control and expression your skill might deserve. It holds up really well over time, retaining its superb intonation and warmth, even as the brilliance, which practically all new strings naturally have to begin with, gradually starts to fade almost imperceptibly, over time. Even then, it continues to be responsive and retains the lion's share of its volume, body and character, always singing truly. If subjecting this string to less forgiving conditions, I recommend a simple cleaning down, once in while or as regularly as required, with a piece of shammy (chamois) or other preferred cloth. From experience - it's great for (responsible)gigging in a muddy field, on any size stage, busking on the street, playing at home or maybe in a church: it's the best string that I've put on any violin I've played so far, for both acoustic and electric performances. It's also the easiest E string to play artificial harmonics on, that I've tried! It perfectly complements the Pirazzi standard G, D and A strings.

Cons: Can't think of any cons - this is my E string of choice.

Other: The only time I needed to really change one of these e-strings, was after about 2 years. I change them more regularly now, because gradually the brightness fades, as with all strings. But these strings have rarely, if ever, broken on me. To be fair, even when they're faded and old, they still sound and work really well! Just a little dubbier, a little more mellow. I recently treated myself to a completely different string to this: a really expensive E string; a flagship model, in a premier range. I shan't name it. It sounded fine, but snapped clean, whilst playing a big tune at a big outdoor gig - about 2 weeks after I'd fitted it. I assumed it was bad luck, at the time. I was on stage at a festival, half way through a song. I didn't have a spare, but I had a loop-end Gold Spiral (which isn't even the correct type for my tailpiece, which has native fine-adjusters - but it was all I could find and you can't keep a crowd waiting). I just fitted that and continued to rip up the rest of the set satisfactorily, I'd say. Oh yeah, one other thing, these string settle in REALLY QUICKLY!! Now, about one month on, that Gold Spiral string is still on my violin, even after a few more outdoor gigs, a few more indoor gigs, loads of jamming and recording and generally being cruelly kind to my neighbours' ears, practicing Bach. But, I'd be surprised if it wasn't still playing nicely, even 5 more months from now: I've been using this brand for a couple of years now and I think I'll keep coming back. And that other, expensive string, which I treated myself to? I put the other one I'd rashly treated myself to, on the other violin, which doesn't get subjected to half as much bashment as the other, and that one snapped only about one week later..! Hmm.. I recommend the Gold Spiral 'Solo' over any E string, for any style.

Pros: I have used the Kaplan non whistling E string for years, but was keen to find a string with a better sound. I am a Scottish fiddler/teacher so I spend a lot of time playing pipe tunes that are heavy on the E. I took a chance with this string and it doesn’t disappoint. Clear, lovely tone and no whistling. This is now my E string of choice. I use Infeld red on my other strings and this string works really well with them.

Cons: None

Pros: A great E String. It just sings along nicely and doesn't over present itself, I see no reason not to stick with this one for a while. Great quality up there with the best. Hard to get it to whistle if at all, works well for double stops and sings along on its own. The tone to me seems less bright for a steel E than others I've tried , but It's not dull or too dark which I appreciate

Cons: Nothing

Pros: helps dampen a harsh sound, doesn't squeak or whistle usually. Fair price.

Cons: None

Pros: The price!

Cons: Nothing as yet.

Other: I've been fiddling for about 30 years. Never progressed beyond a basic level. Played guitar in pubs, clubs and hotels (and sang) and did a few sets on fiddle as part of my act. Now retired from full time work I'm trying to improve my traditional Irish repertoire. I've started using Dominants and learned that it's fashionable to use a different e string as Dominants are accused of having a very shrill e. Can't say I'd noticed anything shrill about mine, but when fitting a new set recently, I stupidly put the A and the e on the wrong pegs. When putting them right I kinked the e which even though I straightened it out, broke when tuning up to pitch. So I thought "Follow the band," and bought the Kaplan Gold. ( 2 actually, as I have 2 fiddles.) I have to say it sounds fine so far - if anything maybe a little restrained, but then again, maybe that's because the Dominant e actually was a bit shrill?