As the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for." Well, this is certainly true when it comes to D'Addario Prelude violin strings, which are only $17 because they are low end strings. I bought Prelude strings because they are supposedly recommended for beginners. But, in my opinion, if you are a beginner, you should actually avoid D'Addario Prelude strings because they are not very musical. It's difficult to get good sound out of them compared to Evah Pirazzi Pirastro (green package), which I purchased from Concord Music. I tend to think that Pirastro strings would still sound better than a new set Prelude strings even after 1-2 years. While violin teachers have their recommendations, the bottom line is that students should not struggle with low end strings. Professionals can get good sound out of inexpensive strings like Prelude, so it's easy for them to recommend el-cheapo strings and take the position that they are good enough. I beg to differ. Instead, buy strings that inspire. As for me, Prelude strings are not inspirational and certainly not good enough. So, instead of buying low end strings like Prelude that are not very musical, I decided to bring it up ten notches (at least) and bough a set of Evah Priazzi Pirastro strings. I'm glad I did. I understand that some really like Prelude strings, but compared to what? Until one plays on a set of high end strings, particularly as a beginner, you won't know what you're missing.
