If there is a magical source for all things musical, Vienna could be it. In addition to being the hometown of a remarkable number of famous classical composers - Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, Strauss, etc. - Vienna is also home to one of the best, and well-known, manufacturer of strings: Thomastik-Infeld.
Today, we're featuring Thomastik-Infeld Alphayue cello strings. These versatile, synthetic core strings are balanced and responsive enough for beginner/intermediate students, and their rich, warm tones are good enough to please advanced and professional string players as well. Are you a multi string player? You'll appreciate Alphayue's strings for viola and violin as well.
Enjoy the Rich Aural Benefits of Alphayue Strings For Your Cello
Alphayue strings (referred to as Alpha strings by those in the business) were created for the violin just a few years ago. Their success was immediate, and Thomastik-Infeld responded by replicating additional sets of high-quality strings for both viola and cello. The designers' intention was to produce user-friendly strings that provide the durability available from steel core strings, while emitting the colorful, broad, and rich tones inherent in professional-grade gut core strings.
Some of the benefits of Alphayue strings include:
Playing advanced-quality strings at an entry level price
In addition to the inconsistency associated with gut core strings – which are much more vulnerable to changes in temperature and humidity and require consistent repeat tuning – gut core strings are also pricey. Thomastik-Infeld made affordability a goal when creating the Alphayue strings for cello, a feature that students, their parents and/or younger professionals appreciate.
The ability to provide advanced-quality sound at an entry-level price is also advantageous for schools and/or community orchestra conductors who try to provide students and/or volunteer musicians with some of the basic instrument accessories – including strings.
Durability and longevity under normal wear-and-tear circumstances
Until the advent of these game-changing strings, steel strings were the go-to option for beginning and intermediate students – as well as musicians who could only afford precious gut core strings for key performances - due to their durability and affordability. Alphayue strings offer an equivalent level of durability and longevity as steel core strings, including the ability to weather fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and this can feel like winning the musical lottery if you've only had access to steel core strings in the past.
Rich and colorful tones
While there's something to be said about the consistency of steel core strings when it comes to sound, there's a distinct lack of variety of expression. Plus, the notoriously shrill A-string and dull C- and G-strings can begin to grate as you move from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced, and crave a more pleasing and nuanced sound quality. That isn't inspiring for anyone – musician or audience member.
When you make the switch to the synthetic core Alphayue strings, you'll be amazed at the rich and colorful tones you'll be able to produce – as long as you're adhering to proper cello technique, of course. Regardless of whether you're playing a deeply resonant sonata, or a light and airy dance tune, your Alphayue strings will follow your fingering lead and create the rich tones you're looking for – be they dark or bright.
Tuning Stability
Alphayue strings allow for easy tuning. These beginner strings have the ability to play up to your full sound potential, while enjoying the peace of mind provided by tuning stability. That’s a major bonus. Read our blog, When is it Time to Change Your Strings, to learn more about the red flags indicating it's time to replace your current Alphayue strings with a new set.
Improved comfort for hardworking fingertips
The fingers take a beating, particularly when you're playing faster and more complicated phrases and compositions. Cellists who make the switch to Alphayue strings immediately notice the difference.
The combination of synthetic materials, and customized Hydronalium winding that creates a slightly wider string, make for a gentler playing experience. The more comfortable you are, the easier it is to make it through intense practice sessions, rehearsals and/or demanding concert schedules.
Are you ready for a string that plays professional-grade sound, is more durable, and available at budget-friendly prices? Give Alphayue strings for cello a try and we suspect you'll have found a match made in musical heaven.
Sponsored by Thomastik-Infeld
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