The Timbre string set is the best that we have made so far, utilising all of our knowledge and experience. It combines gut-like sound and response with the extra projection and stability that synthetic strings can deliver.

What qualities will Timbre bring to your violin?

Why we decided to sell Timbre only via luthiers?

String break-in time of only 12 minutes.

Tensions and materials table.

What qualities will Timbre bring to your violin?

- The G string offers the greater range of overtones that we admire in old Italian instruments. It gives you both depth and brilliance at the same time. This is why it is suitable for almost every violin.

- The D string projects well and responds clearly at every dynamic. Hydronalium is not used in the outer winding which means that there isn't a problem with corrosion caused by perspiration. The set is well balanced and there is no drop in projection on the D string.

- You can choose from two different A strings. The synthetic A gives improved tone and response. The metal version combines the best qualities of the Warchal metal A string line, namely the Russian A and Avantgarde. There is a short helix in the bowed area similar that found in Warchal helix E strings.

- The E string utilises Warchal's legendary helix invention that makes the tone warmer and prevents whistling. The tension is precisely balanced to provide both playability as well as projection.

The Warchal Timbre set is distributed only by a select network of luthiers and repairers. (The limited promotional series is available online here.)

There are several reasons why we decided to sell Timbre only via luthiers:

Timbre is the best product that we have designed so far. We would like to be sure that it will be installed properly. If you aren't sure about your set-up or how to install strings without damaging them, you can utilise the complimentary installation service.

Instead of searching for strings online we suggest that you spend a few minutes in a violin making workshop. Even the environment and smell is inspiring. You'll find helpful advice about choosing strings to suit your tonal and playing preferences and your instrument can be checked briefly at the same time.

Timbre strings delivered to luthiers have never been coiled so you can enjoy them at their optimum quality.

If your luthier or repairer doesn't stock Warchal Timbre strings then please let them know that ordering from us is simple. More information can be found on lep.warchal.com

String break-in time of only 12 minutes.

Though we have tried our best to give you a short string break-in time, we also need your help to enable the strings to reach their ultimate sound quality. After fitting Timbre strings we suggest that you play for 10 minutes using moderate dynamics. You may need to retune your strings several (six to eight) times during this time.

Check that the bridge angle is correct and adjust it carefully if needed, retuning afterwards.

If you find that the sound of the W-Core strings (G, D and A strings) is warm but perhaps a little dull, or lacking in power and brilliance, then this can easily be rectified in a few seconds.

Play four full strokes of the bow on each string close to the bridge using a fortissimo dynamics. Ideally you should use a slightly slanting but not tilted bowing angle as shown in the diagram.

The ideal bow speed when doing this is about 2-3 seconds for each full stroke. Use a bold fortissimo that is louder and perhaps harsher than you might use when performing on stage. It only takes a few seconds. Retune again.

You're now able to enjoy almost all of the sound quality of the Warchal Timbre strings. You will need to retune slightly over the course of the next few hours. Full tone quality is reached within about three hours of playing.

To keep your Timbre strings responding at their best make sure that you regularly clean your strings of any rosin build up. Don't use any liquid cleaners to clean Warchal strings. Cleaning regularly with a microfibre cloth is all that is needed. If you find that the rosin dust has become fused to the string then use a plastic card such as a credit card to scratch it off gently.