Are there violin strings made from materials other than the metals(is it aluminnum?)commonly used these days?

Question

I am a violin amateur. At times my fingers get painful because of the contact between my fingers and the string esp doing the vibrato, also shifting. I assume all the professional violinists gradually get used to this discomfort. I watched a documentary on violin recently which reported the early violins had strings made of some totally different material though they were not as good as the ones we use today. But I am wondering if there are alternatives on the market for violinists. Maybe of a softer texture?? Please share your knowledge on the subject
THANK YOU

I still want something to be durable and able to produce accurate sound. Not the really old - fashioned stuff. So, basically a GOOD alternative for the commonly used string

Answer 1

Do you know what kind of strings are on there now? If they're plain steel, you'll feel a softer texture by switching to a synthethic-core string like Thomastik Dominant, or Pirastro Tonica.

They still make gut strings, which are the softest - Pirastro Oliv is one kind you can buy. But I've known only one person ever who used gut, and she was constantly retuning her strings. Gut strings in general don't stay in tune very well, and they take a long time to break in (a week or so).

Most people play the synthetic core, and by most I mean like, 99%, maybe. If you don't play often enough, your fingers will hurt but after a couple of days of solid practicing, you'll develop calluses and they won't hurt anymore.

Answer 2

I'm a bassist bro, but i think i can help you out here.
What you're feeling is not because of the strings, but its more probably your fingers haven't formed callouses yet.

Chill, don't worry, callouses on your fingertips come with time, patience and lots of practice.
Callouses are thickened skin that form under pressure. So just keep practicing everyday. Press down on the strings harder and longer.
BUT, if your wrist or arm feels tired or begins to hurt, take a five minute break. Its okay if your finger tips hurt, it brings callouses around. but if the finger itself hurts, take a break. You might end up hurting yourself if you don't.
good luck with your violin dude

Answer 3

There is a type of string that is flat wound. I think it was called Thomastik Dominant. It might be kinder on your fingers.

Answer 4

there are all kinds of plastic, plus the original catgut. being a dbl.bass (upright) player, i prefer the steel half round-wound strings for pizzicato, and general use. catgut and sheepgut tend to eat up callouses faster i've found.

Answer 5

I heard that it's made of horse tail hair and it make the sting expensive.

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

cat gut!