A - Larsen Il Cannone Medium Warm & Broad Violin String

Larsen Il Cannone A Medium Warm & Broad is a professional individual A string for 4/4 violin, developed by Danish manufacturer Larsen Strings. It is an alternative to the standard Il Cannone A string, created for violinists seeking a warmer, broader and richer tone in the middle register.

The string features a synthetic multi-filament core with precision-rolled aluminium flat-wire winding. The Medium version offers moderate tension while retaining the responsive, expressive and projecting character of the Il Cannone family.

Why choose Warm & Broad?

During the development of Il Cannone, Larsen tested different A-string constructions in collaboration with professional violinists. The resulting Warm & Broad variant became a permanent alternative to the standard A string.

The purpose is to give players more control over the tonal character of the A register without changing the remaining strings. The standard A emphasises a direct, focused sound, whereas Warm & Broad offers a more expansive and warmer tonal palette.

This can be especially valuable on violins where the A string sounds noticeably brighter or harder than the neighbouring D string. Changing the A string alone may improve the perceived tonal transition between the middle and lower registers.

Sound and bow response

The Larsen Il Cannone family is known for its powerful, colourful and overtone-rich tone, strong projection and immediate bow response. The manufacturer also highlights a reassuring resistance under the bow and a broad dynamic range.

The Warm & Broad A shifts the tonal balance towards warmth, depth and a more rounded sound. This can be particularly attractive for sustained melodic lines, cantabile playing and chamber music, where tonal continuity and expressive colour are important.

Despite its warmer character, the string retains the dynamic qualities of the Il Cannone range. Warmth does not necessarily mean a muted response: the aim is to combine tonal body with clear articulation.

Actual performance depends on the violin's acoustic properties, bridge and soundpost setup, the other installed strings and the player's technique. The difference between standard A and Warm & Broad may be more pronounced on some instruments than on others.

Warm & Broad versus standard A Medium

Identical nominal tension does not mean identical sound. Acoustic behaviour also depends on the core construction, mass distribution, winding and elastic properties of the materials.

Core and winding construction

The string is built around a synthetic multi-filament core. This construction has different elasticity and vibrational characteristics from a solid-steel string.

Its winding is made from precision-rolled aluminium flat wire, providing the required mass and playing diameter while retaining the flexible properties of the core.

Larsen uses aluminium winding for the Il Cannone A strings, while the D and G strings are wound with pure silver. Different materials are selected to suit the acoustic requirements of each register.

The string is supplied with a ball end for standard violin tailpiece installation.

Compatibility with Il Cannone sets

This is the A string used in the complete Il Cannone Medium with Warm & Broad A set. It is combined with the carbon-steel Medium E and the silver-wound Medium D and G strings.

Purchasing the A string individually allows a worn string to be replaced without buying a complete set. It also makes it possible to try a warmer A-string tone on an existing Il Cannone Medium setup.

Warm & Broad is available in Medium and Soloist versions. This particular item is the Medium version, not Soloist.

Technical specifications

Installation and care

Before fitting, check that the nut and bridge grooves are smooth. Aluminium winding can be damaged by sharp edges or rough surfaces.

Replace one string at a time to help maintain bridge position. Bring the new string gradually up to pitch and remove rosin dust after playing with a soft, dry cloth.

Avoid abrasive cleaners and aggressive solvents. Replace the string if the winding shows significant damage.

Please note: this product contains one individual Il Cannone A Medium Warm & Broad string for 4/4 violin. It is not the Soloist Warm & Broad version, the Direct & Focused A string or a complete set.