Tonica

Features

• Tonica strings have a core made from nylon.
• They produce a lively well-rounded sound, perfectly balanced across all four strings.
• Responding instantly to any bowing style, they reward both player and listener with an open and direct sound.
• With substantially reduced background 'hiss', players can sustain a more even tone helping to achieve smoother string crossings.
• With a highly responsive left hand feel, Tonica strings remain very easy to play all the way up to the highest positions.

• Projection and brilliance have been upgraded.
• However, this excess does not mean that the Tonica has lost its warmth.
• Playing pianissimo has considerably improved.
• All bow strokes are possible resulting in smooth crossings from one note to another.
• Easy right hand articulation and tone attack.
• Due to their medium string tension Tonica strings are suitable for all instruments.
• Insensitive to variations in temperature and humidity

Set

• A- and D-aluminum, G-silver, C-tungsten-silver

Gauges

• medium

Sizes

• Tonica strings are available in 4/4 and 3/4-1/2 as well as for:
• 40cm (15.75") and 43cm (16.93'') vibrating string length.

Packaging

• envelope

Viola Tonica® „New Formula!“

Over the years Pirastro has developed new concepts and ways of constructing strings. We have made important advances in string technology and gained new expertise.

During this development phase we introduced popular brands such as the Obligato, Evah Pirazzi, Evah Pirazzi Gold, and Passione. Using all of our new knowledge and advanced techniques we decided to re-design a nylon core string set. As a result we are proud to announce that we have improved the overall tone and playability of the Tonica® viola set.

What has changed?

Playability

• Easier and faster bow response.
• Considerable improvement in playing pianissimo.
• Smooth crossings from one note to another using any bow stroke.
• Easier right hand articulation and tone attack.

 

Sound Characteristic

• The New Formula Tonica® now has a livelier, more open, and round sound with less side noises.
• Improved projection and brilliance without sacrificing the original formula‘s warmth.
• Greatly improved overall set harmony.

New Formula set composition

The C string of the original Tonica® set was silver wound which resulted in a very warm and soft sound which created a lack of brilliance in the overall set harmony.

The C of our New Formula Tonica set is now wound with a tungsten-silver combination resulting in an improved set harmony, projection, and brilliance. 

Former Viola Tonica® Strings	New Viola Tonica® Strings
4221 A Aluminum	4221 A Aluminum
4222 D Aluminum	4222 D Aluminum
4223 G Silver	4223 G Silver
4224 C Silver	4229 C Tungsten-Silver
4220 Set medium	4220 Set medium

What about the color code? How do I know
whether I play the old or new Tonica® version?

We will mark the Tonica® envelops with “New Formula!” to indicate that the violist has the new version. Please refer to the picture of the envelope. Once the Tonica® is installed on the viola the luthier or player can recognize the new version by looking at the color code winding at the
tailpiece end. Please refer to the picture below with the former version at the top: The last bit of the red thread facing towards the bridge is now approx. 10 mm whereas before it was only 3 mm. This change will be permanent.

Fractional sized Tonica® and Tonica® for 40cm
and 43cm vibrating string length?

Same as for the full sized string sets the 3/4 - 1/2 sized and 40cm (15.75") and 43cm (16.93") ones have also been enhanced.