Thomastik-infeld Dominant Viola Strings Set No. 141 for 15 - 16 1/2 Comparable in sound to gut, without gut's disadvantage These strings have a highly flexible, multi-strand nylon core and cater to artists who feel uncomfortable with steel strings. The resounding success of the Dominant string owes a lot to its similarity in tone and response to gut strings, without gut's inherent drawbacks. The sound of the Dominant string is full and mellow, yet rich in overtones. Its radiance, its ability to project sound without being metallic, comes to the fore both in arco and pizzicato.