Larsen Il Cannone Silver A is a professional individual A string for 4/4 violin, developed by Danish manufacturer Larsen Strings. It features an advanced synthetic multi-filament core wound with precision-rolled aluminium flat wire. String tension is 6.0 kg.
The string belongs to the Il Cannone Silver range, designed for brilliance, overtone-rich resonance, powerful projection and fast bow response. It provides a tonal connection between the bright upper register of the steel E strings and the deeper sound of the silver-wound D and G strings.
Sound and playing characteristics
The A string plays a central role in the violin's tonal balance. It connects the brilliance of the E string to the deeper, fuller register of the D string. For professional playing, a smooth transition in tone and bow response between neighbouring strings is particularly important.
Il Cannone Silver was designed for a clear, resonant and strongly projecting sound with rich upper overtones. Larsen emphasises fast response, high bow resistance, a broad dynamic range and a flexible feel under the fingers.
Within the complete set, the A string helps connect the brilliant upper register with the resonant lower strings. This is especially valuable in melodic passages moving between E, A and D, as well as music requiring a combination of delicate articulation and energetic bow strokes.
The actual sound depends on the violin's construction and setup. Players selecting strings individually should consider both the tonal concept of the series and the response of their particular instrument to its tension.
Important distinction: despite the name Il Cannone Silver, the A string is aluminium-wound, not silver-wound. Larsen uses 99.85% pure silver winding on the D and G strings only. These are deliberately different constructions within the same set.
Synthetic core and aluminium winding
The string uses a modern synthetic multi-filament core. Larsen employs the same type of innovative synthetic core across the A, D and G strings of the Silver range, selecting the winding material to suit the requirements of each string.
The A string is wound with precision-rolled aluminium flat wire. This construction provides the necessary mass and playing diameter while retaining the flexibility and response characteristics of its core.
Compared with a solid-steel A string, the synthetic multi-filament construction has different elastic properties and a different playing feel. It forms an integral part of the coordinated Il Cannone Silver design rather than being merely a generic aluminium-wound A string.
Use within the Il Cannone Silver set
This is the original A string included in the complete Larsen Il Cannone Silver package, which contains five strings: two alternative E strings (Silver and Caprice), plus A, D and G.
The E options allow the violinist to tailor upper-register response. Silver E offers a bold, open character, while Caprice E delivers more focused brilliance with higher tension. The A string remains the same with either E-string configuration.
Purchasing the A string individually makes it possible to replace a worn string without buying another complete set. It can also be used in customised combinations, taking into account string tension and the individual violin's tonal balance.
Technical specifications
| Manufacturer |
Larsen Strings |
| Series |
Il Cannone Silver |
| GEWA article number |
631.473.003 |
| Instrument |
4/4 violin |
| String |
A, second string |
| Core |
Synthetic multi-filament |
| Winding |
Precision-rolled aluminium flat wire |
| Tension |
6.0 kg / 13.2 lbs |
| Reference vibrating length |
325 mm |
| String end |
Ball End |
| Included in set |
Larsen Il Cannone Silver, 5-string set |
| Made in |
Denmark |
| Quantity |
1 individual A string |
Installation and maintenance
Before installation, check that the nut and bridge grooves are smooth and suitable for the string diameter. Sharp edges can damage the aluminium winding and shorten its service life.
Bring the string gradually up to pitch while checking bridge alignment. After playing, remove rosin dust and residue using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and aggressive solvents.
Please note: this product contains one individual A string for 4/4 violin. The complete Il Cannone Silver package, including two alternative E strings, is sold separately.