Best orchestral strings - April 2026

Scaled to fit 4/4 size cello with a playing length of 27 1/2 inches (700mm), these medium tension strings are optimized to the needs of a majority of players. This A string is nickel wound.

Prelude cello strings are manufactured using a solid steel core. Unaffected by temperature and humidity changes, they have excellent bow response. Prelude strings have the warmest sound available in an affordable, solid steel core string design. Prelude is the educator's preferred choice for student strings due to their unique blend of warm tone, durability, and value.

D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known worldwide for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario continues to develop and manufacture exceptional strings and accessories for violin, viola, cello and double bass, incorporating innovative, environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.

Scaled to fit 3/4 size bass with a playing length of 41 3/4 inches (1060mm), these medium tension strings are optimized for a majority of players.

Helicore Orchestral bass strings are multi-stranded steel core strings that produce a warm tone quality with excellent bow response. The core design makes for strings that are very easy to play under the left hand. Damping is optimized for arco use, but they also work well for pizzicato applications where a very warm, less-sustaining sound is desired.

D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known worldwide for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario continues to develop and manufacture exceptional strings and accessories for violin, viola, cello and double bass, incorporating innovative, environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.