Pirastro Chorda Violin Strings Pirastro Chorda strings are for the player wanting historically authentic gut string tone and performance. Like most gut-core strings, Chorda are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Even the moisture and heat of your hands and bow friction can alter the pitch of the string. Low tension strings such as Chorda have a tendency to twist under the bow, as compared to other string types. This twisting action effectively reduces response time, as it winds up at the beginning of the bow stroke before the string starts to vibrate. Thicker strings have greater propensity to twist. Players learn to anticipate the response. The Optional Copper wound G is an even older design than the Silver Plated wound G. The Chordaflex G is a synthetic core alternative for instruments that simply need more tension to respond sufficiently. Consider ordering the Pirastro String Oil to maintain plain gut strings. Some instruments, especially those with a high arch, need time to breathe after switching from higher tension strings. Often a new soundpost is needed as the shape of the arch of the top of the violin may change with lower tension strings. 4/4 Violin To order an item click on the underlined part of its description. Medium Gauges are listed in Bold Type E Plain Gut 11.25, 11.5, 11.75 $9.80 A Plain Gut 14.25, 14.5, 14.75 $10.50 D Plain Gut 19.25, 19.5, 19.75, $12.90 G Silver Plated Wound 15.5, 16, 16.5 $18.26 Set Medium Gauges $51.47 G Copper Plated 15.5, 16, 16.5 $18.47 G Cordaflex $63.45 Chorda strings are best used as a set, although we have seen some players substituting a Eudoxa non-stiff G. Significant stretching will occur immediately after installation. Install these strings several days before you plan to perform on them. To accellerate the break-in period you can purchase the Pirastro String stretcher by special order. This device allows the player to stretch the strings before installation, so they are more stable once installed. Medium gauges are listed in bold type. If you have not tried these strings before on your current instrument, medium is recommended. After trying medium gauge strings, you will know if a thinner or thicker string is appropriate. Chorda strings have a traditional end, which is not compatible with tailpieces that have built-in tuners. A traditional wood tailpiece, or the new Wittner Ultra with no fine tuners, is necessary for installation of these strings. Players that use Chorda often find it convenient to have a second instrument set up just for this purpose. The application of Chorda is limited to Baroque or other early music, but not many musicians play only this type of music.