The Violin Channel recently spoke with virtuoso violinist Josef Špaček and Dr. Thomas Zwieg, Vice President of Product Development at Larsen Strings, to gain insight into the new Larsen Il Cannone Silver violin string set.

 

Josef Špaček, can you tell us about your collaboration with Larsen Strings?

My nearly two-decade collaboration with Larsen Strings has been a deeply rewarding journey. It began when I met Laurits Larsen as a teenager, and he introduced me to his strings. Since then, Laurits has been an incredible mentor, supporter, and friend. From my first experience with the Tzigane set, I was captivated by their clarity, warmth, and responsiveness.

Working with Larsen feels like a true partnership in pursuit of musical excellence. Their team is dedicated to innovation, consistently seeking musicians’ input to refine their craft. I’ve had the privilege of testing various string sets, from early designs to the new Il Cannone Silver, each unlocking new dimensions of my 1732 “LeBrun; Bouthillard” Guarneri del Gesù’s voice.

Larsen strings consistently enhance my instrument’s nuances and character, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to test and collaborate with such a forward-thinking company.

 

What do you enjoy most about performing on the new Larsen Il Cannone Silver strings?

Performing on the Il Cannone Silver strings is a joy. Their remarkable projection and vibrant, silvery tone fill even the largest halls effortlessly.

The resonance across all four strings is beautifully balanced - rich, responsive, and refined. The E and A strings sing with exceptional clarity and power, perfect for soloistic passages. When playing chords, the strings blend seamlessly, producing a cascade of overtones that feels almost orchestral.

Their quick response under the bow allows nuanced control over dynamics and color, letting me express myself freely.

 

How do they differ from other strings you have performed on before?

The Il Cannone Silver strings stand out for their bold, silvery tone and exceptional overtone resonance. Compared to other Larsen sets I’ve used, like the Virtuoso or Tzigane, the Silver set offers unmatched clarity and brilliance, especially in the upper register. The two E string options - Silver E for power and Caprice E for sparkling brilliance - provide fantastic versatility, allowing violinists to choose their preferred sound. Notably, the E strings resist whistling, and the G string minimizes “wolf” notes high up.

Over the years, I’ve tried other brands but always returned to Larsen for their reliability, especially in humid summer conditions when sweaty hands can make shifting tricky. Larsen strings allow smooth movement across the fingerboard regardless of the weather. Another advantage is their quick settling time - new strings stabilize rapidly, making them performance-ready even on the day they’re put on. Plus, they leave no marks on my fingers, which is a small but appreciated detail.

 

How do you take care of your strings?

Maintaining my strings is essential for consistent sound and longevity. After each practice or performance, I wipe them down with a soft cloth to remove rosin dust and sweat, focusing on the bridge area where buildup is heaviest.

Occasionally, I use a damp cloth for the fingerboard or a touch of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel for stubborn residue, always ensuring my hands are clean before playing.  I regularly inspect the strings for wear and replace them based on usage, which can vary significantly depending on the intensity of the repertoire and individual playing style.

Generally, the Il Cannone Silver strings have excellent longevity, retaining their brilliance and responsiveness over time, which ensures they perform at their peak for every concert.

 

Dr. Thomas Zwieg, can you tell us about the new Il Cannone Silver violin string set and its main characteristics?

The new Il Cannone Silver strings are our final add-on to the Il Cannone strings family. They are the link between the Gold set and the Il Cannone Soloist & Direct & Focused sets. As their main characteristic, they possess a silvery and pure sound.

 

How is it similar and how does it differ from other sets in the Il Cannone Family?

The Il Cannone Silver strings share the same dynamic response and playing characteristics as the other Il Cannone strings, yet distinguish themselves with the brightest upper register in the entire family.

As a player, you will perceive particularly silvery overtones across the strings, which are brilliant and bright but retain depth and colours. Their lower register is bolder than the Il Cannone Direct and Focused line, but less dark than the Il Cannone Soloist. This adds additional layers to choose from while playing.

The set includes two different E-strings, one with medium tension and one with higher soloist tension. The latter will add even more focus and projection to the set.

 

For which players, violins, and halls are the strings best suited for?

The strings are developed for the demanding, professional player. In terms of instrument compatibility, they are versatile and will suit most violins. They are especially effective on instruments that benefit from added brilliance and focus. However, on violins with an already pronounced brightness in the upper register, they may prove too intense. In such cases, a warmer set from the Il Cannone family may offer a more balanced match.

Ultimately, these strings are for musicians who seek a commanding presence on stage - whether in orchestral, chamber, or solo repertoire - without sacrificing nuance or subtlety

 

What are you most proud of in the development of those strings?

We’re especially proud that the testing musicians immediately felt that the name “Silver” truly captured the character of the sound. That confirmation, coming directly from the artists themselves, was both affirming and deeply rewarding.

At Larsen Strings, we work with some of the finest musicians across the world - our Larsen Artists - whose insight, artistry, and honesty are invaluable to the development of every new string. While we employ the most advanced production technology and source only the highest-quality materials available, the true voice of the string is ultimately shaped by the hands and ears of the musicians who bring it to life.

It’s an honour to collaborate so closely with such dedicated artists. Their feedback doesn’t just influence the design - it defines it. Each prototype undergoes extensive testing in real performance settings, allowing us to refine even the most subtle nuances. This partnership between craftsmanship and artistry is at the heart of what we do, and the Il Cannone Silver is a shining example of that collaboration.

 

For more on the strings and to purchase Il Cannone Silver, click here.