What viola size is the Kaplan Vivo Long Scale set designed for?

This set is designed for long-scale violas with a body length of 16 inches and above. Using them on smaller instruments may result in improper tension and poor tonal response.

What is the core material of the Kaplan Vivo A string?

The A string features a solid steel core. This design choice ensures maximum clarity and brilliance in the instrument's upper register.

What core material is used for the D, G, and C strings?

The lower three strings utilize synthetic cores. These are engineered to provide a warm, robust tone that emulates the feel of gut strings with modern reliability.

What are the winding materials used in this set?

The strings are wound with silver and titanium. These materials provide a comfortable tactile experience and ensure long-lasting durability for the core.

How does the medium tension affect the sound?

The medium gauge tension is designed to project generous bass frequencies. It allows the player to achieve loud volumes and a full-bodied sound across all registers.

Are these strings suitable for professional use?

Yes, they are specifically marketed to developed and professional musicians. They offer the versatility and reliability required for high-level performance and orchestral work.

How does the Kaplan Vivo compare to D'Addario Zyex strings?

While both use synthetic cores, the Kaplan Vivo is focused on a robust and expressive range with higher volume potential. Zyex strings are typically known for their gut-like warmth and stability under varying weather conditions.

What is the typical price for the Kaplan Vivo Viola set?

The typical retail price for this specific set is approximately £85. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Do these strings have a ball end or loop end?

This specific Kaplan Vivo set typically features ball ends to accommodate standard viola tailpieces. This ensures a secure fit and ease of installation.

How long do these strings take to settle in?

Because of their synthetic and steel core construction, they generally settle in faster than traditional gut strings. Players can expect tonal stability within a few days of regular playing.

Can these strings be used on a cello or violin?

No, these strings are specifically gauged and measured for a long-scale viola. Using them on other instruments like a cello or violin will result in incorrect tension and potential damage to the instrument.

What is the primary benefit of the titanium winding?

Titanium is used for its strength and resistance to corrosion. It provides a smooth surface for the player's fingers while protecting the synthetic core from sweat and oils, extending the life of the string.

Gear article

D'Addario Kaplan Vivo Viola String Set

The D'Addario Kaplan Vivo is a professional-grade viola string set designed for long-scale instruments, featuring a hybrid construction of steel and synthetic cores. It is engineered to provide a robust, expressive tone with significant projection for advanced musicians.

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Background and Design

D'Addario developed the Kaplan Vivo series to meet the demands of professional and developed violists who require a balance of power and nuance. The set is specifically tailored for long-scale violas (typically 16 inches and over), ensuring that the string tension and length are optimised for larger instruments. The design philosophy focuses on reliability and versatility, allowing the player to transition between delicate passages and high-volume performance without losing tonal integrity.

Technical Specifications

The Kaplan Vivo set employs a hybrid core strategy to maximise the strengths of different materials. The A string is constructed with a solid steel core, which provides the necessary stiffness for clarity in the upper registers. Conversely, the D, G, and C strings utilise advanced synthetic cores. These synthetic cores are designed to mimic the warmth of traditional gut strings while offering the stability and fast break-in time of modern materials. The set is finished with silver and titanium windings, which provide a smooth, comfortable feel under the fingers and protect the inner cores from perspiration and environmental wear.

Tonal Character and Projection

Characterised by a robust and expressive sound profile, the Kaplan Vivo strings are voiced for clarity and power. The medium gauge tension is specifically calibrated to project generous bass frequencies, providing the 'C' string with a deep, resonant foundation. The overall tonal palette is warm yet clear, offering a wide expressive range that remains stable even at louder volumes. This makes them particularly effective for soloists or orchestral players who need to cut through a dense ensemble mix.

Comparison and Suitability

Within the D'Addario catalogue, these strings offer a more traditional 'vivo' (lively) character compared to the warmth of the Zyex series or the brilliant focus of the Helicore range. While the Helicore strings utilize a multi-strand steel core for a quicker response, the Kaplan Vivo's synthetic core provides a more complex harmonic texture. These strings are best suited for advanced students and professional musicians who play long-scale violas and prefer a string that responds well to varied bow pressure and speed.

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Frequently asked questions

What viola size is the Kaplan Vivo Long Scale set designed for?: This set is designed for long-scale violas with a body length of 16 inches and above. Using them on smaller instruments may result in improper tension and poor tonal response.
What is the core material of the Kaplan Vivo A string?: The A string features a solid steel core. This design choice ensures maximum clarity and brilliance in the instrument's upper register.
What core material is used for the D, G, and C strings?: The lower three strings utilize synthetic cores. These are engineered to provide a warm, robust tone that emulates the feel of gut strings with modern reliability.
What are the winding materials used in this set?: The strings are wound with silver and titanium. These materials provide a comfortable tactile experience and ensure long-lasting durability for the core.
How does the medium tension affect the sound?: The medium gauge tension is designed to project generous bass frequencies. It allows the player to achieve loud volumes and a full-bodied sound across all registers.
Are these strings suitable for professional use?: Yes, they are specifically marketed to developed and professional musicians. They offer the versatility and reliability required for high-level performance and orchestral work.
How does the Kaplan Vivo compare to D'Addario Zyex strings?: While both use synthetic cores, the Kaplan Vivo is focused on a robust and expressive range with higher volume potential. Zyex strings are typically known for their gut-like warmth and stability under varying weather conditions.
What is the typical price for the Kaplan Vivo Viola set?: The typical retail price for this specific set is approximately £85. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Do these strings have a ball end or loop end?: This specific Kaplan Vivo set typically features ball ends to accommodate standard viola tailpieces. This ensures a secure fit and ease of installation.
How long do these strings take to settle in?: Because of their synthetic and steel core construction, they generally settle in faster than traditional gut strings. Players can expect tonal stability within a few days of regular playing.
Can these strings be used on a cello or violin?: No, these strings are specifically gauged and measured for a long-scale viola. Using them on other instruments like a cello or violin will result in incorrect tension and potential damage to the instrument.
What is the primary benefit of the titanium winding?: Titanium is used for its strength and resistance to corrosion. It provides a smooth surface for the player's fingers while protecting the synthetic core from sweat and oils, extending the life of the string.