Larsen Il Cannone Gold D Soloist – Violin D String

Larsen Il Cannone Gold D Soloist is a professional individual D string for 4/4 violin, developed by Danish manufacturer Larsen Strings. It combines an advanced synthetic multi-filament core with a winding made from 10-karat gold alloy. The string has a tension of 5.1 kg and is included in the Il Cannone Gold set.

It represents an unusual development in modern violin string design. Larsen introduced it as the world's first gold-wound violin D string, created specifically to work alongside the matching Il Cannone Gold G string.

Sound and playing characteristics

The D string is an essential part of a violin's tonal balance, connecting the bright and expressive A register with the deeper, more resonant G string. The relationship between neighbouring strings is therefore just as important as the character of the D string itself.

Il Cannone Gold was developed for a powerful, clear and strongly projecting tone with a wide dynamic range and rich expressive colours. Larsen describes the series as combining strength, brilliance, tonal richness and sensitivity to bow movement.

The gold-wound D string is intended for demanding concert performance. It supports resonance in the middle and lower registers while offering defined articulation and the ability to move between delicate and energetic playing. Actual results depend on the violin's acoustics and setup.

10K gold winding and synthetic core

The string uses a modern synthetic multi-filament core developed by Larsen. This construction combines elasticity, tuning stability and sensitivity to different bowing techniques.

The winding is made from a specially selected 10-karat gold alloy. The 10K designation means that gold accounts for 10 parts out of 24, approximately 41.7% of the alloy by mass. Larsen does not publish the complete composition of the remaining metals.

The use of gold alloy affects the physical properties of the winding, including its mass and mechanical behaviour. Larsen associates this construction with a distinctive sound and exceptional durability.

The gold is not simply a surface coating, but the winding is not the entire string: the core remains synthetic.

Designed to complement the G string

Larsen places particular emphasis on the relationship between the Il Cannone Gold D and G strings. They were developed together to provide a consistent tonal character and responsive playing experience across the violin's middle and lower registers.

The D string may be purchased individually as a replacement for the original Il Cannone Gold set. It can also be used in a customised string combination, although pairing it with the matching Gold G is the intended configuration.

Technical specifications

Durability and care

Extended tonal and playing life was one of the main development objectives of Il Cannone Gold. Larsen highlights the durability of the gold-wound D and G strings, although actual service life varies with playing intensity, individual technique and maintenance.

After playing, remove rosin and other residue using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or jewellery polishing products, as they are not intended for musical strings and may damage the winding.

Larsen also notes that the Gold D and G strings may develop further tonal flexibility and focus after several days of playing.

Please note: this product contains one individual D string for 4/4 violin. The complete Il Cannone Gold E–A–D–G set and the matching G string are sold separately.