Introducing the New Pirastro Insula Violin Strings
The Pirastro Insula Violin Strings are the newest release from Pirastro, designed to combine the warmth and richness of traditional gut strings with the stability and performance of modern synthetic strings.
Featuring an innovative new synthetic core, Pirastro describes the Insula strings as offering a warm, expressive tone with rich overtones, strong projection and exceptional responsiveness. The new core technology has been developed to replicate the natural flexibility of gut strings, while providing the tuning stability and reliability that modern players have come to expect.
The set features a steel E string, an aluminium-wound A string, and silver-wound D and G strings.
Our very own Jarrod recently had the opportunity to put the new Insula strings to the test on his Helmut Illner A Model Violin. As someone who typically plays on bright, projective strings such as Larsen Il Cannone Silvers, Jarrod was particularly interested to see how the warmer character of the Insulas would compare.
Here's what he thought!
First Impressions: A Beautifully Warm Sound
Upon stringing the Insulas onto my instrument, I was immediately taken aback by the warmth of the sound. It was vastly different (although not at all unpleasant!) from the very bright sound of my usual Il Cannone Silvers.
The E string was particularly enjoyable, with a beautiful combination of warmth and clarity. Even after the bow left the string, it continued to resonate, filling the room with ease.
The lower register strings also produced a beautiful, warm tone, although I experienced a longer play-in time on the lower strings than I did with the A and E strings.
Dynamic Range and Response
The strings had a beautiful tone when playing pianissimo, and I found that the bow sank into the strings really well, allowing me to draw out a strong fortissimo, although it did take a little extra work.
This was to be expected, given that the Insulas were designed to emulate the characteristics of gut strings.
The Insulas offered a different playing experience, with a particularly beautiful depth of sound at softer dynamics.
String Tension and Playability
One thing I particularly appreciated was the lower tension of the Insulas compared to my Il Cannone Silvers. I found this made them feel more comfortable under my left hand.
I did feel that the lower tension sacrificed some clarity in the lower strings. However, they more than made up for this with the beautiful, deep tones they produced.
For players who enjoy a warmer sound and a more comfortable feel under the fingers, this is certainly something worth considering.
Tuning Stability and Play-In Time
The Insulas took a little longer than most modern strings to settle in terms of tuning stability and playing in, particularly in the lower register.
However, this was something I had anticipated from strings designed to emulate the characteristics of gut strings.
Once they had settled, they really did add a beautiful and unique tone to my instrument, with a much more even sound across all four strings.
Final Thoughts: Who Would I Recommend Them To?
Overall, I found my first experience with the Pirastro Insulas to be very positive.
Once the strings had played in, they produced a beautiful, warm and even sound across all registers, with plenty of resonance in the upper register that filled the room relatively easily.
I would highly recommend this string set to any player looking for strings that offer both warmth and clarity, particularly those who enjoy the rich tonal qualities of gut strings but want the benefits of modern synthetic materials.
I'm looking forward to spending more time playing on them myself!
Try Pirastro Insula for Yourself
Curious to hear how the new Pirastro Insula Violin Strings could sound on your instrument?
You can experience them for yourself through our String Library at Simply for Strings. Simply book a String Library appointment to trial the strings on your own instrument.
Or, if you're already convinced, the Pirastro Insula Violin Strings are available to purchase in-store and online at Simply for Strings.
