You’ve been playing a string instrument for a while now, and you’re getting pretty good – the days your family cower in fear at the sounds of your un-rosined bow are long gone. String accessories will level up your performance – they’re the logical next step.

Here are some essential accessories for string players!

Cases

Accidents happen, and protecting your string instrument from any knocks is paramount. From the smallest violin to double bass, you want portability, durability, and security.

A nifty lightweight option for the violin is the Gewa BIO A Oblong Violin Case, which is constructed from organic flax fibres. These have been hardened, creating a sturdy shell that’s resistant to any knocks and bumps.

Inside, there’s plush black velvet and padded suspension for extra protection against any scratches. There’s also a removable sheet music compartment and an internal pocket for rosin and a shoulder rest.

For a more funky twist on the classic cello case, look no further than the BAM Cube Hightech Slim Cello Case, Limited Edition. This is a breeze to carry thanks to the ABS shell and backpack straps.

With room for two bows and strings and a removable accessory pouch, you can bring everything you need with you. BAM are well known for both form and function, with a wide range of cases for strings.

With one of these, you’ll be well prepared for any worst-case scenarios!

Bows

One of the more essential accessories for a string instrument, in our humble opinion, is the bow.

As you refine your technique, the bow becomes an integral part of your performance.

Coming in a range of materials, you don’t have to be constrained to the traditional wooden bow.

Codabow pioneered the use of carbon fibre in bows as a response to the scarcity of Pernambuco.

They produce bows for a range of strings. Available for violins, violas and cellos, the Diamond series bows have a diamond graphite weave, encouraging good technique whilst offering the agility and tonal characteristics of a wooden bow.

Strings

Nothing makes your instrument sound ropey like a bad string. Choosing a new set can be overwhelming if you aren’t sure where to start, but don’t tie yourself in knots – we’re here to help!

The D’Addario Helicore range is a great option for a first upgrade.

Easy to use, the D’Addario Helicore Violin Strings settle quickly and produce a clear sound with great projection. A multi-stranded steel core ensures they’re responsive and flexible. With options including various tensions and ones for other string instruments, the Helicores are a great all-rounder!

Another brilliant choice is the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Violin String Set. Available for a range of instruments, not just the violin, these strings feature a synthetic core and create a powerful yet warm sound. Incredibly responsive, the tuning stability makes them perfect for playing for long periods of time.

Remember, it’s always best to have spare strings to hand in case something goes wrong!

Shoulder rests

Shoulder rests are designed for violins and violas – when attempting to use them with cellos and double basses, results may vary!

Made to provide stability and comfort, a good shoulder rest means you can play for longer without pain or fatigue.

Some shoulder rests can adapt to fit your body, increasing support.

The Bon Musica Violin Shoulder Rest does this using a pliable base plate and height adjusters. It can also be adjusted to fit your violin, which means it works with any model.

If you’re looking to add resonance to your performance, there are also wooden shoulder rests on the market such as the Kun Bravo Viola Shoulder Rest.

You won’t encounter the issue of your sound being dulled, and you can ensure it’s always in the same position.

Rosin

Rosin is crucial for a string instrument. Without rosin, we’re back at a screeching, screaming, shrieking square one. Shouldn’t you use the best option for something so important?

Leatherwood are renowned for their rosins, and the Leatherwood ecoRosin for Cellos is 100% vegan and biodegradable, and it doesn’t compromise on quality.

Also available for violins and violas, this rosin helps you to achieve a rich, resonant sound with a clean bite strength on the strings.

An alternative is the Hill Premium Cello Rosin (which also has formulas for violins, violas, and double basses).

Handmade and hand-mixed, this rosin provides an increased grip with a warm and controlled sound profile.

Rosin ensures that you can get the best out of your instrument and bow, and definitely can’t be overlooked.

Find out more

Upgrading accessories can be difficult, but we hope we’ve given you a place to start. You can also check out our full range of string accessories below!