The teacher recommends synthetic strings, but your budget recommends the less-expensive steel. What's a parent to do? These affordable new synthetic-core strings fill a gap in the string market. Overture keeps quality up and prices down by combining high-quality German materials with low-cost Chinese manufacturing. The Synthelon-core strings produce a simple but smooth-sounding tone at a price that won't break the bank or hurt your ears. Each set comes with two E strings: solid for a brilliant tone, or aluminum-wound for a warmer sound.

• Size: Full and fractional to 1/16
• Materials: Synthelon synthetic core with aluminum-wound A and D strings, silver-wound G
• Price: $14 to $28 per set, depending on size
• Available from Shar Music at sharmusic.com