Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Aluminum/Steel Ball-End E

by Thomastik

Product Features

• Full Set includes All Ball-End Aluminum/Perlon A, Aluminum/Perlon D, Silver/Perlon G, and Ball-End Aluminum/Steel E
• 4/4 violin
• Medium guage

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000E1P9N8
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,603 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #29 in Musical Instruments > Instrument Accessories > Stringed Instrument Accessories > Violin Accessories > Strings

Product Description

Dominant series violin strings are one of the most widely-used synthetic strings. A highly flexible, multi-strand nylon core makes these comparable in sound and feel to natural gut. The E string is aluminum/steel or plain steel, ball or loop end.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good for students, but not much else., February 5, 2009

By 

Wolfgang Jaeger (Pleasant Grove, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Aluminum/Steel Ball-End E

The Dominant strings have been something of a standard for violins for a long time. They were the strings that came with my first few violins, they were the strings that were recommended to me for a very long time, and they are the ones that you will see in most music stores. But for about the same price there are many better alternatives.
The problem with these strings? Their tone isn't really all that great. They have a miserably long break-in time. They aren't that durable (I've had some break within a week of installing them on my violin). And they aren't really that cheap either.
If you are at all particular about what kind of string that you use, I would recommend any of the sets that Pirastro offers. The Wondertones are just about equal in price, but are a much finer example. For around $20 or so more you could buy the Evah Pirazzis (very strong, bright tone with great projection) or the Obligatos (very rich, dark tone).
In short, use the Dominant for your kid's violin (it doesn't make much difference to them anyway), but for everyone else look elsewhere.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Predictable All Around String, August 30, 2007

By 

Rachelle Ayala (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Aluminum/Steel Ball-End E

The Dominant strings sets the standard for synthetic violin strings, and is pretty predictable. They are fairly priced, so most instruments are strung with Dominants. When it is new, there is a slight metallic feel, but that goes away after it is stretched out. They last about 2-3 months, fairly bright, but with good overtones, and then gradually get duller. The E string is just ordinary, and many people substitute a different E string (such as Pirastro Gold). I like to substitute the Kaplan Solo E string or the Jargar Forte e.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simply wonderful, June 19, 2007

By 

M. Dixon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thomastik Dominant 4/4 Violin String Set - Medium Gauge - Aluminum/Steel Ball-End E

Professional strings at a student price. no matter how expensive your violin is, this creates such a beutiful rich sound!

Definately awsome. Great response, tone, set-in time, and durability.

**Update** 7/3/08
They last forever, unlike some more expesive strings, though I do reccomend changing them at least annualy. I no longer use these strings, because they producesed a rather flat sound on my violin. If you love the sound of your instrument now, use these. They play beautifully and will not change the tone of your (hopefully) beautiful violin. If you want a more rich sound; obligatos. Brilliant sound; Eva Pirazzis. Obligatos I find work best on my instrument ( I own a 2007 Ramanian instrument valued at about $2,000 ). So, go for these three: Dominants, Eva Pirazzis, or Obligatos. Good Luck!!