This is an interesting read. I've been thinking about getting into some orchestral/classical playing, so I will take note of this stuff. Not that I'll be auditioning for a professional orchestra any time soon.
I wonder if the myriad of string choices we have today is a contributer to this problem. Granted, I did not grow up when the only option was gut, but I would imagine that things would have been simpler back then. Even between different brands of strings, the sonic differences would be pretty indistinguishable, I reckon. Of course, nowadays, you have basses that can be set up in such a way so they pretty much sound like cellos. I don't know if that's good or bad, I just know that's how it is. I wonder how much knowledge of our instrument the people that are devising these auditions have. Perhaps they are ignorant of these facts you've presented, Calvin.
Either way, I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you. I have read that Pirastro is making Evah Weichs. Maybe that's the ticket.
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