Astrea String 2431 4/4 Size Violin E String

I have used these Astrea strings for 22 years, and yes the A and E are eventually going to break if you play regularly every week on the violin like I do. I have been satisfied with the tone produced - it may need a bit of breaking in though - by breaking in that means the E string repeatedly becomes flat during the first 2 weeks use until it stabilises, so be very careful to only turn the peg very slightly indeed each time, after which no further alterations should be needed to be made. Sounds better in a room devoid of furniture and carpets, as this produces some sustain/echo. This first purchase from Amazon rather than the music shop was more convenient - however the E string was a little sharp (not in terms of the sound) but it cut into my index finger, this time. That was a first, something to do with the newness perhaps, or possibly my finger? So I hope the quality control people at the manufacturer Astrea are reading reviews or being informed for user feedback to check that out. This small cut just 2 or 3 mm at the point when my finger pressed onto the string, may have let some germs in from something I have touched as there is a raised are of skin in the middle of my left index finger, which followed and is reddened and my immune sytem is fighting to contain it currently! There's a dot of hard skin at the point where the cut was now it has healed. I don't think a photo would be appropriate! There's no inflammation on any other finger. I do recommend this manufacturer and this string to violinists, but I would hope the next E string I buy in the future doesn't cut into my finger next time, because it means you can't really play the violin for a couple of weeks. I wouldn't play with a protector/plaster on my finger. I've replaced the E string with Astrea a dozen times before, and there has never been any cutting before, so I hope it was just a one-off that this has happened due to the newness. The E string is very fine, hard when taught and metal after all. I give it 4 stars instead of 5, but I think I will be buying the same string in the future. It's not cutting in or making a line now. The string lasts around 3 to 4 years and I don't use an adjustable tuning screw at the tailpiece, although I have got one as the E string stays in tune after the breaking in period, and you don't want to alter it once you've got it even if a music recording or others are even slightly out of tune, as that can stretch the string! The G, D and A strings are less of a risk to alter the tune. N.B. "Optional!" This is more about tuning than the string itself. The most in tune recording I've ever heard to check the tuning of my violin is Elton John's 'Sacrifice' on CD. The slightest difference in tuning is very noticable, and any other recording that doesn't match it is out, although most recordings are reasonably the same. Regarding a few of this artists other songs, some are not out of tune but are transposed such as in Elton John's 'Island girl' for example. The funny thing is that on YouTube on Elton John VEVO channel the video of the song 'Sacrifice' that has something like 12 million views is out of tune or noticably transposed. That irronically makes me laugh as the CD version contains what must be the most perfectly in tune song that's ever been made!

Arrived quickly and is just what I needed for my daughter's 1/2 size violin. They are suitable for student violins. If you want to ensure the best sound I read that you may have to pay more for strings. I haven't tried it out yet, so I will update this in due course.

Delivery was very quick which was appreciated. It has held its tuning well.

great

Good quality violin string, with fast delivery, exactly as described and a fair price works well what can i say it does what it says on the pack!