What is unique about the violin?

What type of violin/viola strings should I use?

• I made this violin myself and it's longer than the average violin. I'd rather not shorten the violin- I'll just use viola strings and tune them up to violin pitch before i do that. But yeah, I'm wondering what type of strings would be best to use on it? I've got to have some that are longer than normal, and they have to be of a relatively thin gauge so that it'll be under less tension since I'm not sure if it's strong enough to hold regular gauge strings. Should I just go with some viola strings, or would that mean instant death? I'm definitely going to try viola tuning before i go up to violin and check out the stress on it, but i want to give it every chance I can for it to live! So yeah, bow recommendations would be great too- this is the first violin I'll have ever really owned. I'm thinking a synthetic core string would be best also- but I really don't know. I'll also need a pickup at some point, but i think that can wait until I see if it works first, but recommendations for affordable pickups would be much appreciated as well. :)

• Answer:

  You would definitely break strings by tuning them a 5th higher than intended. You could use the standard A D & G string for viola and buy an E string for what is called a 5 string Viola. Not knowing how much bigger your over-sized violin is you may be able to use a regular E string from a violin Measure what you need and talk with the music store. Check Ebay for violin pickups just to give you an idea of what is available.