String Instruments

If you're looking for a specific string instrument, then look no further, since this department covers them all. You'll not only find everything from guitars and ukuleles to violins and double basses, but all of the bits and pieces that comes with them, like strings, cases, gig bags and maintenance gear.

The Full String Instrument Range

Folk, blues and Americana instruments like the ukulele, mandolin and banjo have been lined up alongside violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. And all of that comes on top of our massive collection of guitars and basses. Basically, if you're looking for your first string instrument or the next step up, you're in the right place.

Good Vibrations

Any string instrument produces sound when one or more of the strings are plucked, bowed or strummed to vibrate them, and it's the specific frequency at which the string vibrates that produces a specific note. Another name for the string instrument family is 'chordophones', which can be split into three different groups: plucked, bowed or string instruments with a keyboard.

Finger-Picking & Strumming with a Plectrum

Plucked instruments are string instruments that are played by plucking the strings with your fingers or with a plectrum. A plectrum is a small and flat piece of some hard or slightly flexible material. The most well-known plucked instruments are the guitar and bass. The ukulele, mandolin and banjo are other popular examples of plucked instruments - whether you're speaking to an experienced musician or a complete beginner.

Bowed Instruments: The Violin, Viola, Cello & Double Bass

Bowed instruments are string instruments that are played with a bow. By drawing the bow hair across the strings, friction is created and vibrates the strings to produce sound. The most famous members of the bowed instrument family are the violin, the viola, the cello and the double bass, and in the case of bowed instruments, the bigger the instrument, the lower the tuning.

String Instruments with a Keyboard: The Piano

Instruments like the piano, grand piano and harpsichord aren't just members of the percussion family of instruments, but are part of the family of string instruments. This is because when any key of a piano and any piano-like instrument is pressed, a hammer is triggered and hits strings inside the instrument which vibrates to produce a note.

Frequently Asked Questions About String Instruments

What's another name for string instruments?

Any instrument that's fitted with strings is almost always considered a string instrument. String instruments are also known as chordophone instruments which are then simply divided into compound and unclassified chordophones.

What musical instruments have four strings?

The most well-known plucked string instruments that have four strings are the bass guitar and ukulele. Then you have the violin and viola, and the cello and double bass.

How does a string instrument make sound?

Any string instrument produces sound when one or more of the strings are plucked, bowed or strummed to vibrate them, and it's the specific frequency at which the string vibrates that produces a specific note. Most string instruments also have a hollow body which acts as a resonance chamber, so as the string vibrates so does the air inside the chamber, amplifying the sound. This is why most acoustic string instruments have one or more soundholes.

How do you play a string instrument?

The way that a specific string instrument is played depends on the type of instrument you're looking at. Plucked instruments like a guitar can be played by literally plucking the strings with your fingers or a plectrum. Bowed instruments like a violin are played by drawing a bow across the strings. String instruments with a keyboard are played by pressing one or more keys.

What accessories will I need with my string instrument?

Accessories like a bag, case, strap, music stand and other bits and pieces will complete your string instrument pack. Don't forget to change your strings every now and then and to always keep a spare set of strings handy just in case. It's also a good idea to have some maintenance gear in your kit bag so you keep your instrument clean, happy and healthy.