A-Larsen Il Cannone Soloist Direct & Focused Violin String

Larsen Il Cannone A Soloist Direct & Focused is a professional individual A string for 4/4 violin by Danish manufacturer Larsen Strings. It is designed for players seeking brilliant clarity, a focused tone, powerful projection and an immediate response under the bow.

The string combines a specially developed synthetic multi-filament core with precision-rolled aluminium flat-wire winding. The Soloist version has a nominal tension of 6.0 kg and forms part of the Il Cannone Direct & Focused Soloist string set.

Sound and playing characteristics

The Il Cannone Direct & Focused range expands the tonal possibilities of the original Il Cannone family. Larsen describes Direct & Focused as clearer, cleaner, brighter and more direct than the original strings, which have a warmer and darker character.

The Soloist version offers additional focus, clarity and strong sound projection. The A string brings these qualities to the violin's middle register and helps maintain definition when moving between E, A and D.

Its immediate bow response can be valuable for virtuosic passages, active articulation, rapid changes of bowing and melodic phrases requiring clearly defined attacks.

According to Larsen, Direct & Focused provides somewhat greater resistance under the bow and fingers than the original Il Cannone family. This may suit musicians who prefer a more pronounced tactile response when shaping articulation and dynamics.

Powerful projection does not necessarily mean a harsh or excessively metallic sound. The actual tonal result depends on the violin, its setup, the bow and playing technique.

New synthetic core and aluminium winding

For Direct & Focused, Larsen developed a new synthetic multi-filament core and refined the winding process. This construction was designed to deliver the range's characteristic clarity, overtone richness and response.

The A string uses precision-rolled aluminium flat-wire winding. The winding provides the necessary mass and playing diameter, while the synthetic core contributes to the string's elastic and vibrational properties.

Aluminium winding is used for A, while D and G have pure silver winding. The E string is made from special unwound carbon steel.

During development, Larsen tested Direct & Focused with professional musicians on both modern and historic violins, including old Italian instruments.

Comparison with other Il Cannone A strings

Soloist Direct & Focused and Soloist Warm & Broad have similar nominal tensions, but their constructions and tonal priorities differ. The most suitable choice depends on whether the violin would benefit from more clarity and focus or a warmer, fuller A-string sound.

Use in the Direct & Focused Soloist set

This string is included in the complete Larsen Il Cannone Direct & Focused Soloist four-string set together with E Soloist, D Direct & Focused Soloist and G Direct & Focused Soloist.

It can be purchased separately to replace a worn A string or to adjust the tonal balance of an existing string setup. The instrument's response to string tension and construction should be considered when making individual combinations.

Unlike E strings that may offer ball or loop mounting options, this A string features a ball end.

Technical specifications

Installation and maintenance

Before installation, ensure that the nut and bridge grooves are smooth and suitable for the string. Sharp edges can damage the aluminium winding.

Replace one string at a time to help preserve bridge position. Bring the new string gradually up to pitch and ensure that it winds correctly around the peg.

After playing, remove rosin dust and residue with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning products and aggressive solvents.

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