String & Traditionals

The largest store of musical goods in Lithuania – TAMSTA offers a wide range of string instruments and their accessories. 

Violins, violas, cello, double basses, strings, stringed instrument cases, rosins, superintendents, stryaks, accessories for stringed instruments and their parts. The most popular names of the producers are Hora, Leonardo, Loretto, Petz, Prima, Proel, Suzuki, Daddario .

String instruments are one of the oldest and most versatile categories of musical instruments, where sound is produced by vibrating strings that are plucked, bowed, or struck. They are used in a wide variety of musical genres, from classical orchestras to modern bands. Below, I'll describe the main types of string instruments and their characteristics.

1. Violin

The violin is one of the most popular and widely used string instruments, known for its bright, expressive sound. It typically has four strings tuned in G, D, A, E. Violins are played with a bow (archet) that draws across the strings or plucked with the fingers (a technique called pizzicato).

Key Features:

Size and Shape: The violin is a small instrument with a curved body and narrow waist, making it highly portable and capable of producing a sharp, clear tone.

Playing Technique: The violin is played with a bow or plucked with fingers. The bowing technique requires great precision and control, as does the pizzicato technique.

Usage: Violins are prominent in classical music but are also used in genres like folk, jazz, and even rock. They can be part of orchestras or used as solo instruments.

2. Viola

The viola is slightly larger than the violin, with a deeper, warmer sound. It has four strings, tuned to C, G, D, A, which are a fifth lower than the violin.

Key Features:

Size and Sound: The viola is larger than the violin, producing a rich, mellow tone. The deeper sound makes it a critical part of the string section in orchestras.

Playing Technique: Like the violin, the viola is played with a bow or plucked. Due to its larger size, it requires more physical strength to play.

Usage: The viola plays a key role in orchestras, often filling in the middle range between the violin and cello. It is also used in solo performances and chamber music.

3. Cello

The cello is a large string instrument that provides a deep, resonant tone, and it is known for its rich, emotional sound. It has four strings tuned to C, G, D, A, and is played while seated, with the instrument positioned between the player's knees.

Key Features:

Size and Sound: The cello is much larger than the violin or viola, and its sound is much lower and fuller. It has a powerful, emotive tone that can convey a wide range of expressions.

Playing Technique: The cello is played with a bow or plucked. It requires careful posture and control due to its size and weight. The instrument allows for a wide dynamic range, from soft, lyrical passages to powerful, dramatic moments.

Usage: The cello is often used in orchestral and chamber music, but it is also a popular solo instrument, recognized for its ability to evoke deep emotional responses.

4. Double Bass (Contrabass)

The double bass, also known as the contrabass, is the largest string instrument in the orchestra, known for its deep, booming sound. It has four strings tuned to E, A, D, G.

Key Features:

Size and Sound: The double bass is enormous, producing very low frequencies that give it a powerful presence in an orchestra or band. Its deep tone supports the harmonic foundation in most musical ensembles.

Playing Technique: The double bass is played either with a bow or plucked (pizzicato). The instrument requires significant physical strength, especially when playing in higher registers or faster tempos.

Usage: It plays a foundational role in orchestras and jazz bands, often providing the rhythmic and harmonic backbone. It is also used in rockabilly and bluegrass music.