New Thomastik-Infeld ‘Alphayue’ Viola & Cello strings

Launched at NAMM 2018 in January by the Austrian string brand, Alphayue viola and cello strings are a new addition to the established and hugely popular Alphayue violin strings, released in 2015.

Designed with new and student players in mind, the combination of their sophisticated design and advanced materials sets a new standard in quality and performance at this affordable price point that vastly improves the sound of even the most basic student instruments.

ALPHAYUE for Cello:

“When looking for ideal strings for a cello, common issues are shrill A strings and dark, dull G & C cello strings.” says Bernhard Rieger, in charge of developing cello strings at Thomastik-Infeld Vienna.

The customized Hydronalium winding makes the Alphayue cello A string thicker, leading to a very gentle feeling on your fingers as well as immediate playability. This combination of materials also delivers a distinctive warm sound with well-aimed focus offering new possibilities previously impossible to achieve at this level.

The experience of joy in playing is the essence of Alphayue - defined by beautiful balance across all strings, instant response and effortless modulation. The strings quickly perk up to their full sound potential and impress with great tuning stability. Unaffected by temperature, humidity changes and perspiration – they are also long lasting!

ALPHAYUE for Viola:

A high-tech synthetic core married with renowned Thomastik-Infeld quality delivers a rich, sophisticated sound palette impossible to achieve with steel core strings. The strings are wound with Monel. Thomastik-Infeld’s head of engineering explains, “Over 17 years ago Thomastik-Infeld introduced the use of Monel in string development. Monel is a natural alloy, impervious to perspiration and suited for artists with a nickel allergy.”

With their lower tension, Alphayue Viola strings are more left-hand friendly and place less stress on instruments than other strings.

Full size and ¾ viola sets retail for £46.00 with full size and ¾ cello sets available at £73.20 RRP. Single strings are also available from £10.15.