D'Addario Prelude 1/16 Size Violin Strings are convincing even the most conservative orchestral teachers and players that all student strings are not created equal. Prelude Strings are precision crafted with a solid high-carbon steel core and polished, pure nickel windings. While this composition is similar to other quality student violin strings, the difference is the damping fluid that D'Addario inserts between the windings. The fluid reduces unwanted overtones, creating the kind of warm, rich sound you never though you could get from steel strings. Yet, students still get the full response with minimal effort-traditionally a virtue of solid core strings-as well as D'Addario Prelude Strings' longevity and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.