Hello, strad. I'm not a fiddler, but I'm curious. What are octave strings? Can they actually drop the pitch a full octave? If so that's amazing.

Do you know of anywhere to hear octave strings on the web?
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In my opinion, the clip of Bella is a good example of the problem. I can't understand a word she is singing.

Also, her voice is hard and thin. This makes a good contrast with her husky fiddle, but who wants to sing every note hard and thin?