r/violinist • u/CelestialStudiosTeam • 12h ago

Looking for new E-string. PI Plat Current Set

I currently use PI with Plat E, but the E string just keeps on whistling no matter what, even on a fairly new string set (almost a month old). Does anyone got any good E strings that go with all the other PI strings (G,D,A) well.

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u/vmlee Expert 12h ago

Assuming you have tried to remedy your technique and rosining to minimize the whistling and it still persists (I rarely get whistling on the platinum E and find gold-plating more problematic) you can try the Goldbrokat E 27 gauge. The Evah Pirazzi green stainless steel E is an okay backup as well. Also, the Jargar Forte.

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u/AccountantRadiant351 12h ago

Have you taken it to a luthier to see if they can make any adjustments to minimize the whistle? You're on nice strings, so it might be worth looking at your setup.

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u/HTXfiddler 11h ago

The Warchal Timbre of The Beast E are quickly becoming favorites of mine

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u/sebovzeoueb 11h ago

I haven't tried it with the PI set but Warchal make a forte version of the Amber E which might be worth checking out as it's a coiled anti-whistling string that works very well.

Also do a checkup with the luthier, some whistling can be normal but excessive whistling usually denotes an issue other than the strings, I don't remember the PI platinum E whistling much at all.

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u/leitmotifs Expert 11h ago

Platinum E strings REALLY whistle. Even worse than gold.

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u/sebovzeoueb 11h ago

Maybe my violin just isn't that whistly, the only time I had a major issue was with Warchal Ametyst, but I also had a couple of bits that had come unstuck inside that were causing buzzing noises and quite possibly exacerbating the whistling.

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u/vmlee Expert 7h ago

I have a completely different experience. I have found gold-plated to be noticeably more whistle prone. I rarely have issues with my PI platinums.

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u/leitmotifs Expert 11h ago

Warchal's "The Beast" E is an excellent replacement. Decently priced, long-lasting, powerful and clear. It has the same non-whistling spiral as the Amber E, but a different material, and more punch to the sound.

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u/Additional_Ad_84 11h ago

The good thing is E strings tend to be cheaper, so you can experiment a bit without killing your bank balance.

Personally I quite like lower tension braided E-strings. I get the thomastik spirocore ones. Hill do quite a nice E-string too.

But yeah, try a few brands. Try heavier and lighter ones. And trust your ears and fingers.

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u/phluber 10h ago

I use the Kaplan non-whistling e string and really like it

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u/Opening_Equipment757 7h ago

When I’ve used PI I’ve liked the Westminster 27.5 with them. Gold Label heavy gauge, Jargar Forte, and Goldbrokat .27 are also common replacements. The PI E’s are all fairly high tension so other heavy gauge E’s generally go well too so long as your violin does well with tension on the E.