Violin String Insights with Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers

Can you tell us about your violin, the 1741 ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri del Gesu? Tell us about its sound and natural tonal qualities.

The Ex-Vieuxtemps Guarneri del Gesu, 1741, has an incredible palette of colors that are rich, deep, and resonant. The E string has cathedral-like overtones; the G string is powerful, super dark, velvety chocolate. Its condition and health are remarkable. The instrument was coveted by violin legends like Henri Vieuxtemps (who wanted to be buried with it), Eugene Ysaÿe (who carried it behind Vieuxtemps’ hearse) and Yehudi Menuhin, who toured with it in the 1970s. Menuhin wrote that if he had to choose to salvage his violin or the Vieuxtemps from a fire, without a doubt, he would save the Vieuxtemps over his own instrument, which was the Stradivarius Soil, currently played by Itzhak Perlman.

It's an understatement to say that it’s an absolute dream to perform on it and I feel like it’s an old trusted friend I can completely rely on.

How do you pick your strings? Can you walk us through your process? What specific elements do you want from your strings?

Because each string is uniquely different and the choice is personal, violinists must assess which strings work best for their instrument and their playing approach. I look for strings that allow me to create a wide range of colors and timbres, to sculpt or gently coax these qualities from the instrument. I have tried many different strings and found a focused projection, tactile responsiveness, and liquidity from the Larsen Il Cannone and Il Cannone Gold strings with the Vieuxtemps.

Can you tell us about the new Larsen Strings D Gold string that you use in combination with the Il Cannone soloist strings?

The new Larsen Il Cannone Gold D string withstands more force and has more power, leaving the violin and violinist happy!

What is your general advice for readers about pairing their violins with different types of strings? What should they be listening for?

One should never feel guilty pairing different strings for their needs! Listen to the beauty and soul of the note when finding the right strings, as they are your helpful accomplices in creating a beautiful sound universe.

How often do you change your strings?

As I am constantly touring, there is heavy usage from travel, varying weather, practice, rehearsals, outdoor concerts, indoor performances, and recordings. So, once a month.

How do you take care of your strings?

I wipe away all the rosin from the exterior of the Vieuxtemps, including the strings and bridge with a microfiber and cotton cloth, as rosin, dirt, and perspiration diminish the sound of any instrument. I love it when the violin gets professionally cleaned by Reed Yeboah Fine Violins too.