Warchal Brilliant Cello A String - Hyronalium Winding - Synthetic Core - Medium

I decided on this string (with the Warchal D) because I wanted to try out synthetic core A and D strings for cello but I wanted them to have similar tension to steel core strings (unlike dominants, for instance); and the price isn't bad at all.Playing cello is so enjoyable with these strings. They give me all the brilliance of Evahs or Larsens without the shrill. One reason steel core is so popular is because it tends to help a cello project in a concert hall, but that's not always every cellist's need. I mostly play in smaller rooms, or in situations where I'm mic'ed, so I had no need for the extra projection (though, Warchal claims these have great projection--I don't doubt it because they seem to carry throughout the house just as intensely). It's a million times easier to get a clean, silky tone from these than any steel core string I've tried, especially in the highest registers. These strings remove the juvenile nature of modern cello tone and replace it with depth.I highly recommend these strings over the best of the best other strings for D and A, especially if you don't regularly play concertos with orchestra. (I use the commonly string Spiro-tungsten C and G with these. The Warchal D and A sympathetic vibrations seem to darken the somewhat brash tone of these bottom strings quite nicely.)

I have been an amateur cellist playing the same intermediate student cello for almost 40 years. In the 80's I used Jargar strings - like just about everybody at that time, for a while going to Dominants on the bottom strings. In the 90's I switched to Larsen on top (and Prim on bottom, but that is a different discussion).But I never liked the sound of the A string on my Cello. In various orchestras I would use quite extended positions on the D to avoid the raw edge was difficult to tame on the A. The Larsen seemed better at this than the Jargar on my instrument, but I never was satisfied. I wanted a rich sound - and had a quite difficult time getting it.As an adult instead of a student who tries what the teacher says, I did some research recently since I was in the market for new strings, and saw some quite positive reviews on Warchal cello strings. The price was certainly right - much cheaper than most other strings I would consider.And so after hemming and hawing for too long, I came home frustrated with my old strings after playing in a pit orchestra and ordered the Warchal A and D. A week later they came in the mail. Unfortunately the A string came with visible kinks in it. So I took advantage of the return policy to return it, and reordered it.Try #2 had the vendor sent the wrong product. So, again, return, get a credit, and reorder. And again, wait a bit over a week...Order #3 came with no visible defects, and so I put it on my cello. Three days later, I heard a twang across the house. The string broke right at the ball in the fine tuner. The vendor said this did not qualify for a refund, but I reordered anyway.Order #4 finally came and is on my cello - and has been for about two months now. But it took about a month to get this satisfactory A string, and with eating the cost of the breakage has not been that much of a "value" over the competition. Point fingers wherever you want - but it was not a simple process to get a reliable product, and that has to be considered in the review.So, how does it sound? Initially is is crap - but as a synthetic core it needs to stretch out first. But after a few days I found that gives it a bit larger tonal range, and indeed gives the best sound I have experienced with my instrument on the A string. I have heard about people having to make technical adjustments in going from steel to synthetic core, but it was not really a problem for me. Just listen and adjust your contact point and bow speed accordingly. Sure, I got a few awkward squawks when pushing what it could do when practicing, but big deal... All in all, there seems to be a bit more complexity to the sound, in a good way, but it still blends fine with the steel strings I have on the bottom, and does still have a big sound for when I play out in a pit.As a synthetic core, it did take about 4 days to stretch before the pitch really was that stable, and even now when the weather changes, it changes more then the steel core strings I have on the same instrument. And since the core stretches more, you will use your pegs more than with steel when tuning.It is a lower tension string - and fatter than steel. This actually means that it is more comfortable for me to play, and also made adjusting the bridge easier. In theory this means that the pitch will change more with bow pressure than high tension strings - and with a tuner I can see it happening. That said, this effect seems smaller than how I was wrestling with my old strings that had gone false.The Warchal strings do seem a bit harder to clean the rosin off of than the other strings I have on my cello, but it hasn't been a problem for me so far. I have heard in other reviews saying how they don't last as long as some other options, and really can't speak to that. It is still going strong, but I have only been using it two months and don't play as much as professionals or conservatory students.All in all, I am glad I tried it. It is a useful tool to consider. But at the very least, I know that I would have to have considerable lead time on the order before I need it. I like where it as brought me. But getting there was a problem - and we will see how long it lasts.

I am a professional cellist who has played for 49 years.These are the best strings(better) to hit the market since Pirastro Permanent .But since they are made in Slovakia not Germany thy are half the price.If you like Larsen strings there is no hope for you,keep on using your 'cello killers'.All it takes is a Larsen or Jargar A string to KILL A CELLOS SOUND !!!WORD,the Cello DR.Celloman

I'm loving this A string! It has character, nice overtones, a sweet tone and a nice response! At this point, I feel like this may be my go-to string in the future.

I liked the tone and responsiveness of the string, but the winding started to unravel at the nut after less than a month of use. The durability is just not there. I don't want to replace my A string monthly.

Quality sound ,brilliant is what it is

Good synthetic-core string for cello. Higher tension and quicker response than Thomastik-Dominants, and fuller tone.