Violin Westminister E String (Ball)

Westminster Violin E String (Medium 26) — Commanding Projection with a Warm Core

Ideal for: Players who want a professional violin E string that sings on top—clear, stable, and powerful—yet keeps a pleasantly warm edge that blends with most A/D/G sets. Many players treat Westminster as a “universal E,” pairing it with Thomastik, Pirastro, Larsen, D’Addario, and other popular lower strings.

Tone & feel
The plain steel, unwound Westminster E in medium gauge (26) delivers focused clarity, strong projection, and a broader/warmer colour than many bright tin-plated E’s. Expect a sweet, singing upper register that remains assertive without turning shrill—great for cutting through in solos while still blending in orchestra. It’s commonly described as darker than the average E, with a broad, strong tone and quick response.

Build & options

• Material: Plain (unwound) steel for immediate response and rock-solid tuning stability.

• Gauge: This listing is Medium (26).

• Ends: Ball or loop to fit standard or Hill-style fine tuners.

• Size: 4/4.

• Origin/Brand: Made in the USA; Westminster by Kagan & Gaines.

Why it works
Because it’s unwound steel, the Westminster E starts speaking immediately, handles aggressive dynamics, and keeps pitch stable through temperature/humidity swings. Its tonal balance—assertive yet warm—helps it slot naturally above a wide range of synthetic-core A/D/G sets, which is why so many violins accept it without fuss as a violin string replacement. It’s a reliable go-to when you want more projection without harshness.

Playability & feel
Medium (26) offers a balanced left-hand feel—firm enough for secure shifts and high-position work. Under the bow it provides quick grab and clear articulation across the dynamic range; many players also report it’s not overly prone to whistling compared with very bright E’s (results vary by setup).

Technical specifications

• String: E-String (single)

• Core: Plain steel (unwound)

• Winding: None

• Gauge/Tension: Medium (26)

• End Type: Ball or Loop (choose to match your fine tuner)

• Size: 4/4

• Made in: USA

• Brand/Manufacturer: Westminster by Kagan & Gaines

Who is this for?

• Soloists and concertmasters needing a powerful, projecting top that keeps a rich core.

• Orchestral and chamber players on naturally bright instruments who want an E that’s a touch darker than average, to blend without losing clarity.

• Fiddlers and crossover players who want tuning stability and quick bow response for articulate ornaments.

Quick FAQs

• What does “26 (medium)” mean?
  Westminster offers three gauges—Light (25), Medium (26), Heavy (27.5). Medium #26 is the balanced, all-around choice; lighter feels a bit sweeter/easier, heavier offers more resistance and raw punch.

• Ball end or loop end—what’s right for me?
  Choose ball end for most standard E fine tuners; choose loop end for Hill-style tuners. Tonally the string is the same—the difference is the attachment hardware.

• Is it 4/4 only?
  Yes—Westminster E singles are offered for 4/4 violins.

• Does it whistle?
  Any E can whistle on some setups, but many players report Westminster isn’t overly prone to it. Good setup and bow control are still key.

Bottom line
If you’re after a violin E string with brilliant projection, quick response, and a warm, complex core, the Westminster E (Medium 26) is a proven, professional choice that blends easily with most sets and keeps your treble register clear, stable, and expressive—on stage, in the pit, or in the studio.