Customer Reviews

D'Addario Zyex 4/4 Violin Set Medium Gauge

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently changed all my violin strings to Zyex, and I can say nothing but good things about them. They set quickly, and have a rich, slightly dark sound. They are loud and have very quick bow response.
The only possible negative thing I can say about these strings is that they take slightly more pressure to play in 3rd or 4th position, but as I have only been playing the violin for four years, it could be that there is some mistake in my technique.
I am a classical player, but I would recommend these strings for any type of music.

I have used the Zyex as my standard set for the past 8 years. Wonderful set of strings. Break in time is fairly quick. They last forever (4-6 months easy of heavy use). Every violin responds differently to various sets of strings but I have found the zyex to be the most compatible with the violins I have and used. The tones are rich and vibrant. Slightly on the deeper/warmer side, which I like. The G is plenty powerful and the strings are very forgiving if you are on a off day. I have gone through the entire Pirastro series, the Thomastiks, Corelli, other D'Addario etc. and this is definately my standard. I plan on giving the Larsen's a try next but the only strings I have found comprable are the Eva Pirazzi and Obligatos (which are twice the price) for my main instrument.

This is the second time I've bought these after making the decision to only ever by these strings, and after reflecting on how happy I was with them, was inspired to come rant about them here in the form of writing.

Miserable history of string use:
I started with Classical violin and now predominantly play traditional Irish music, originally with D'Addario Helicore (fairly balanced, easy response) as my default string. One year I got fancy and decided I'd be a sucker and purchase the overly priced Pirastro Evah Pirazzis solely for the cool image design of the ladies face and rolling locks against the green background. Well, even though I saved the cool design string pouch, I ditched the Pirazzi strings. Even though they had a vibrant sound that may pay off with a mega high end instrument in a classical setting, they were not warm in tone or have any interesting depth (and as others often note the E string was kind of tin-y). Searching for warmth I tried Pirastro's other over priced product, the Obligatos. These also were nothing to write home to mom about.

The happy ending:
Finally I tried the Zyex, based on the reviews here which pointed to their rich tone, and my initial positive experience with D'Addario--and wow! Way better than the strings I tried that were three times the cost.
-The response off the bow is lovely
-The break in time is almost non-existent- I put them on before a band practice, and felt like normal
after an hour of jamming
-Again, the warmth of the tone- I find myself playing better just to sap out the rich tone that I am not used
to being exposed to

Great strings!