Unfortunately I have always found that there is a direct correlation between price and quality in fiddle strings.

The ones that have been far and away the best are...what the hell are they called? With the crude psychedelic graphic design, and different coloured wrappings--they cost $40-50 Cdn but sound good for a couple of years. Right now I'm using D'Addario Preludes, about 5 months old, for $30 I really don't recommend them. Never sounded as good as the other ones.

Thomastiks are acceptable, but they're about like the D'Addarios.

Considering the cost of fiddles these days, using inferior strings to save a few bucks is liking driving a new car on bald tires. The good strings, you can replace them after a year or two and give them away to someone for whom they'll be a big improvement if they are used to cheap crappy ones.

Just my 3 cents Canadian (2 cents US)

W-O