NEW PRODUCTS

VIOLIN STRINGS

Gold standard

A new violin string set features the first ever gold D string

FEATURED PRODUCT

The origins of Larsen’s new Il Cannone Gold for violin – which includes the first ever gold-wound D string – began with ‘pure curiosity’, says product development manager Thomas Zwieg. ‘The initial idea, which came from Mr Larsen, wasn’t something commercial; it was just from curiosity. What is inside this golden sound?’ It took five years of experimentation with different treatments and gold alloys to achieve what Zwieg describes as a ‘powerful string with lots of body. It’s like opening a door when you play it. But it’s not just loud. You can play really pianissimo, too.’ The set’s D and G strings, both wound with a high-grade gold alloy, have a new flexible, synthetic core made especially to suit the heavy winding.

The aluminium-wound A string is similar to Il Cannone’s Direct & Focused set, while the carbon-steel E is the company’s new 0.28 gauge, released earlier this year. Each was chosen to complement the gold lower strings; the E to give ‘even more focus’ and the A to ‘bridge that gap with a clear sound and less body’, says Zwieg. And given the set’s ‘exclusive’ price: ‘We also give exclusive treatment.’ If the E or A strings do not match the instrument or player, he says, the company will send other types free of charge.

About exactly what makes the gold create such a ‘rich’ sound, Zwieg says: ‘Firstly it’s the heaviness. And owing to its properties, there is a density of energy. It is also the most noble of materials and never corrodes.’ He also claims that the strings have a uniquely high longevity. ‘We have been testing these strings with several violinists, with all saying they’ve never heard any like these. After starting with an initial, disappointing experiment that sounded very harsh, I’m so proud that we’ve really achieved this “golden sound”.’

Larsen Strings Il Cannone Gold violin strings from €350 email larsenstrings@larsenstrings.com web www.larsenstrings.com

TORCH

LIGHTEN UP

Schilbach’s new UV LED torch with a wavelength of 365nm and light intensity of 3W can be used for any lutherie work requiring illumination. It is designed to be compact; its exterior is built to protect the torch from damage, and the light beam can be focused. It is 92–98mm in length with a diameter of 25mm.

Schilbach UV LED torch €26.98 email shop@schilbach.net web www.shop-schilbach.net

CELLO CASE

NEW SHADES

BAM’s l’Étoile Hightech Slim cello case now comes in three new colours: light green, navy blue and raspberry. The 4.8kg, leatherfronted case includes two bow holders, a string pocket and scroll and neck straps. The shell is a triple-ply structure including ABS and Airex foam and features five latches.

BAM L’Étoile Hightech Slim cello case from £1,900 email bam.cases@bamcases.com web www.bamcases.com