Kaplan Vivo - D'Addario - ViolinStringReview.com

Kaplan - Vivo (D'Addario)

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Synthetic core (Zyex)

Tensions in lbs:
Light Medium Heavy
E - 16.8 17.5 18.6
A - 11.8 12.5 13.2
D - 9.7 10.5 11.2
G - 9.7 10.5 11.2

What the manufacturer says:

Kaplan violin strings offer professional-level players an unprecedented combination of beauty and power in two options, Kaplan Vivo and Kaplan Amo. Kaplan Vivo delivers brilliance, clarity and robust feel for darker instruments, while Kaplan Amo provides warmth, richness and flexibility for brighter instruments. Both sets settle quickly, ehibiting a rich tonal color palatte and superb bow response.

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Average

Bright (Tone)

Neutral/Rich (Complexity)

Loud/Very Loud (Projection)

Reviews

Shawn Boucke - Site Director (11/15/14)

Read the full spotlight review here

Bright (Tone)

Neutral (Complexity)

Very Loud (Projection)

D'Addario's Kaplan Vivo is not for the timid player. These strings will project to the back of any hall without a problem. They may be perfect for those who have a darker instrument already and need to brighten it up a bit. They do hold enough richness and complexity to be a powerful player in the niche market of higher tensioned synthetic strings.

J. Linde (5/19/16)

Very Bright (Tone)

Clean (Tone)

Very Loud (Projection)

I just put these strings on my violin and I'm in love. After reading other reviews, I decided to try these strings and I'm glad that I did. I would say that I'm an advanced player, and these strings really impressed me. I wasn't able to use the E, as I require a loop E, but the other strings are very loud and bright. I might try the other type of Kaplan next, the amor, but i would definitely buy this set if you want a bright, loud, and clean sound.

W. Farooqi (2/2/16)

Bright (Tone)

Clean (Tone)

Very Loud (Projection)

I love these strings. The brightness compliments the darkness of my instrument and really helps it sing. The strings are comfortable to play on. These strings are very focused and while they lack the complexity on their own, it's pairs well with the richness my instrument has. The lowered end is not muddy at all, and the higher end of the these strings is clear and present without any shrills. These strings really do ring out for you.

The one bad thing I can say about these, is that they are tad too loud. I read this about these strings, and I thought 'how bad could it be?'. It's manageable but I would be wary of pairing this with a bright instrument. I would consider the Amo for that.

P. Moore (1/29/15)

Bright (Tone)

Neutral (Complexity)

Very Loud (Projection)

I think these are great strings, very impressed. The Amo was a bit muddy on my violin, but the Vivo has great response and power and a complex sound. The E is very sweet and flexible...but maybe a bit thin for higher positions. But one can always play around with different Es.