About a month ago we did a spotlight review on the Amber Forte E string. The Forte E string has a higher tension compared to the one that comes packaged with the full set. Today we are going to take a look at the set of Amber strings by Warchal. The strings come packaged in a standard envelope, with a protective plastic slip on the inside for extra protection against corrosion. The packaging has printed on it a request that you return any used or broken strings so they may be recycled properly. Through returning them you will also receive credit for future purchases through the Warchal shop. The strings are beautifully wound. The ball ends of most Warchal strings have a trademark black band at the bottom of the silk wrapping, while the Amber set is the first to have brown. The spiral on the three lower strings is a reflective silver and is very precisely done. Appearance is not usually something I pay close attention to in strings, but the silk wrapping of the Amber set is the best I have seen. Manufacture notes:
Feel
The strings have a very smooth finish with barely any "string sound" when shifting. The E-string does not pose an issue while playing despite the built in spiral. Once the string is tightened the spiral straightens out to where it can barely be felt (See the video at the top of the page to observe how the E-string works). Since the spiral only reaches a few inches past the bridge (around two octaves above the open string) the fingers would rarely ever reach it. The strings are quite flexible. The exact tension of the strings is not published at the moment, but they are definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. The E string is comfortable to press down. E strings are often quite thin which can cause problems playing in higher positions, but the flexibility of the Amber E diminished this common issue. Tone The Amber set has a warm tone. The strings do not have the complexity of gut strings, but they are closer in richness than most other synthetic-core strings on the market today. These seem to fit in the ballpark of Obligato (Pirastro), or Infeld Red (Thomastik-Infled). I have added the set to the string comparison chart in the introductions page. The strings are not as dark as Obligatos, but are full of rich overtones. The strings took a couple days to fully settle in. When first installed they were a bit brighter, although nothing like the metallic sound some low-tension synthetic strings have when settling in. The E, A, and D project very well throughout the length of the string. The G was very full in lower positions, but above fifth position the tone begins to diminish. Conclusion These strings are great for anyone looking for a warmer set of strings, but don't want to worry about the intonation and durability issues that come with gut strings. They feel very comfortable to play. The strings are quite smooth and sliding around is effortless. The tone is very rich, but weaker in the higher positions of the G-string. If you like Obligato, Infeld Red, or Dominant strings this would be a good set to check out.
5 Comments
8/29/2014 05:07:12 am
the Amber "E" is excellent. But your comments about gut(I assume unwound) are inaccurate. It is true that they do not last as long. However, it is NOT TRUE that they go out of tune. This myth has perpetuated and it is simply not true. Heifetz used gut strings and he tuned LESS OFTEN. I have the same experience and have made tests. I can send you an article I wrote concerning this very subject.
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ViolinStringReview
8/29/2014 06:35:32 am
Thank you for the input. We would love to read the results of your tests. Please feel free to submit them through the email linked on the top right of the site.
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Andre Wehe
4/3/2015 09:24:55 am
They sound similar to gut, but they do not play like gut. This is for the better or worse; choice of preference. However because of this the sound I produce is not the same as on gut strings. Maybe a master violinist can accommodate for it; I cannot not. Nevertheless they sound great. I also like Warchal Brillant strings (despite their name they are not bright, but have more ring). Is hard to decide between these sets. I like them both.
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Joshua
4/8/2016 12:28:41 am
Does anyone know if the Warchal Brilliant G string would blend well with this set? If not, which G string wouldn't choke when playing in high positions? I prefer Warchal strings. I like to mix strings together. Looking forward to your reply.
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Shawn (ViolinStringReview)
4/8/2016 08:00:01 am
The Amber G will blend the best. As far as playing in higher positions it might just be how they reacted on my violin.
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