D'Addario J914 XSM Viola Strings

Warmest Steel-Core C String for Extra Short Scale Violas

The D'Addario Prelude Viola Single C String, Extra Short Scale, Medium Tension is purpose-built for the smallest violas in a school or rental fleet, fitting instruments with a body length of 12 inches (305 mm) or smaller. Its solid steel core is paired with a nickel winding on the C string, producing what D'Addario describes as the warmest sound available in an affordable steel-core design. Because the core is unaffected by temperature and humidity changes, the string holds its pitch through classroom climate swings and seasonal moves between rehearsal spaces. The ball-end fitting makes installation straightforward on standard viola tailpieces, and each string ships in a uniquely designed sealed pouch that protects against corrosion during storage.

Technical Specifications

• String Name: C
• Number of Strings: 1 (single replacement string)
• Scale: Extra Short Scale, 305 mm (12 in) playing length
• Tension: Medium
• Core: Solid Steel Core
• Winding: Nickel wound
• Ending: Ball End
• Compatible With: Viola (extra short scale, body 12 in / 305 mm and smaller)
• Model Number: J914 XSM
• Country of Manufacture: USA (New York production facility)

Who It's For

This single replacement string is the right choice for educators, rental fleets, and parents who need a reliable C string for the smallest violas in their care. It suits beginning and intermediate students working on classical, fiddle, jazz, and alternative styles, where a warm, easy-to-bow response helps new players hear pitch and articulation clearly. Because the solid steel core is unaffected by temperature and humidity, the string is well suited to school music programs where instruments travel between classrooms, rehearsal halls, and home practice. The medium tension is optimized for the needs of a majority of players, making it a safe default when a single replacement is needed without rebalancing the full set. Designed, engineered, and manufactured at D'Addario's New York facility, it carries the same construction as the rest of the Prelude viola family.