Gear article
Larsen Il Cannone Violin String Set (Direct and Focused)
The Larsen Il Cannone Violin String Set is a premium orchestral accessory designed to provide violinists with an open, colourful, and projected sound. Engineered for high performance, the set features a carbon steel E string and silver-wound lower strings to deliver a focused and rich tonal character.

Overview
The Larsen Il Cannone Violin String Set represents the pinnacle of string engineering from the Danish manufacturer Larsen Strings. Named in homage to Niccolò Paganini's legendary violin, 'Il Cannone', this set is designed to offer a powerful, projected sound. The set is configured to provide a direct and focused response, ensuring that the instrument's natural voice is amplified without losing clarity or warmth. With a moderate tension profile, the strings are intended to be accessible to a wide range of players, from developing students to professional soloists.
Material Composition
Each string in the Il Cannone set is meticulously crafted using specific materials to optimise its frequency response:
- E String: Constructed from high-grade carbon steel, ensuring a clear, brilliant, and focused upper register.
- A String: Features a core wound with precision-rolled aluminium flat wire, designed to bridge the gap between the brilliance of the E and the richness of the lower strings with a warm, balanced tone.
- D & G Strings: Both strings are wound with pure silver. This choice of material adds significant depth, richness, and resonance to the lower register of the violin.

Performance and Sound Character
The primary sonic characteristic of the Il Cannone set is its 'Direct and Focused' nature. It produces an open and colourful sound that is highly projected, making it suitable for concert hall performance. The moderate tension facilitates a high degree of playability, offering a quick response to bow strokes. This allows the player to achieve a wide dynamic range and a rich palette of tonal colours, ensuring the music feels alive and expressive.
Market Position and Comparison
Positioned at a price point of approximately GBP 82, these strings are a premium investment compared to entry-level options like the D'Addario Helicore or Zyex series. While synthetic core strings like the D'Addario Zyex offer stability, the Il Cannone set focuses on professional-grade projection and tonal complexity. Within the Larsen range, these strings offer a more focused alternative to their standard violin sets, specifically engineered for players who require their instrument to 'cut through' in ensemble or solo settings.
Related gear
£11.40 ($14)Larsen Strings
Larsen Violin E String Gold Plated Ball/Loop End Heavy
£15.40 ($20)Daddario
DAddario Helicore Violin D String 1/4 Size Medium
£19.00 ($24)Thomastik
Thomastik Spirocore Viola G String Chrome Wound 4/4 Size Light
£14.15 ($18)Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball 2921 Regular Slinky M-Steel Set 10-46
£14.99 ($19)Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball 3826 Tim Henson Signture Slinky Nickel Guitar Strings Set 9.5-46
£13.60 ($17)Daddario
DAddario Zyex Violin Aluminum D String 4/4 Size Medium
£7.99 ($10)Dunlop
Dunlop Ukulele Concert Pro-4 String Set
£34.60 ($44)Larsen Strings
Larsen Cello D String 1/8 Size Medium
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary sound characteristic of Larsen Il Cannone strings?
- The Il Cannone set is known for producing an open, colourful, and rich projected sound. Specifically, this version is designed to be direct and focused, allowing for clear articulation.
- What material is used for the Il Cannone E string?
- The E string is manufactured from carbon steel. This material choice ensures a tone that is exceptionally clear and focused.
- How is the A string constructed in this set?
- The A string is wound with precision-rolled aluminium flat wire. This construction provides a warm and balanced sound that transitions smoothly between the E and D strings.
- What materials are used for the lower D and G strings?
- The D and G strings are wound with pure silver. Silver winding is utilised to add depth, richness, and a more resonant quality to the violin's lower register.
- What is the tension level of the Larsen Il Cannone set?
- These strings feature a moderate tension. This is intended to provide a balance between ease of playability and a responsive feel for the performer.
- Who are these strings suitable for?
- The manufacturer describes them as suitable for players of all levels. Their high-end projection makes them particularly attractive to advanced and professional violinists.
- What is the typical price range for a full set?
- The typical price for a full set of Larsen Il Cannone Violin strings is approximately GBP 82. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
- How does the sound projection of these strings compare to others?
- The Il Cannone set is specifically engineered for enhanced projection. It is designed to make the music 'come alive' with a powerful and open tonal quality.
- Does Larsen offer strings for other instruments besides violin?
- Yes, Larsen Strings produces a variety of products, including the Cello D String (1/8 size) and various Viola strings like the Spirocore series (often distributed alongside or compared to Larsen products).
- Is the E string available in different end types?
- While this set is standard, Larsen does produce variants such as gold-plated E strings with ball or loop ends in different tensions like 'Heavy' for specific player needs.
- How does the Il Cannone set compare to D'Addario Zyex strings?
- While D'Addario Zyex strings are a common alternative, the Larsen Il Cannone is a premium set that uses materials like carbon steel and pure silver winding to achieve a more professional, projected sound.
- What makes the D string in this set unique?
- Unlike basic strings that may use aluminium, the Il Cannone D string uses pure silver winding. This results in a much richer and deeper tone than standard student-grade strings.
