40/60 pizz arco string

Matt12 · #1 12-07-2006, 01:22 PM

Hey I've been looking around the forums and I've decided to invest in some new strings. I currently have Heliocore orchestrals on and they are rather old. I play both jazz and classical at college, so I was looking for a hybrid string, but I really dont want another set of heliocores. I looked at obligatos for a while, but they seem to fall apart to easily and I just don't want to take the chance. I also played on a set of dominants and I wasn't hugely interested.

So here are my options. I have heard a lot of good stuff about Belcantos, but I've heard they are definitely not a jazz string. I also thought about permanents, but I really just cant decide. Which would probably be a better hybrid string?

**Francois Blais** · #2 12-07-2006, 01:27 PM

Other hybrid strings of interest:
Corellis
Pirastro Flatchromesteels
Thomastik Superflexibles
There are many threads about them in the forum.

**Basschair** · #3 12-07-2006, 01:33 PM

Definitely Flat Chromesteels. I'd use a Spiro weich or mittel for the E, but that's just me. The FCS E isn't necessarily bad, I just like a little extra oomph.

Chasarms · #4 12-07-2006, 01:39 PM

FCS are a bright singing arco string. Kind of celloish. If your bass is naturally thin on bottom end, you may not like them. If it tends to be a little dark and boomy, you'll probably like them a lot.

Pizz, they are spirocore-like IME.

They last well, are tough and play fairly easily. I have used two sets of them. I really like the strings.

TroyK · #5 12-07-2006, 03:28 PM

I used Permenants for years and liked them a lot for both jazz and my occasional pedestrian arco outings. Good string.

TroyK · #6 12-07-2006, 04:36 PM

You might also try Flexicores. Not really a pizz or hybrid string, but people do use them for jazz. It is a VERY nice set of strings. If you had told me you were using Helicore Hybrids, I probably wouldn't suggest them, but since you're coming from another orchestra string, maybe you'll like them.

damonsmith · #7 12-07-2006, 07:00 PM

Spirocores.

Chasarms · #8 12-07-2006, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damonsmith

Spirocores.

It is my opinion that that FCS offers a comparable pizz tone to the spirocore and a superior arco response.

In short, you can bow spiros, but there are easier means to an end.

damonsmith · #9 12-08-2006, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasarms

It is my opinion that that FCS offers a comparable pizz tone to the spirocore and a superior arco response.

In short, you can bow spiros, but there are easier means to an end.

-I always say the same thing here, but Spiros have the most life in them of any string I have tried. They also have a far greater variety of arco sounds in them including a pure singing sound, than any thing I have heard.
It takes some work to be able to control their rich sound spectram but well worth it.
I use them and work with the bow most of the time, weichs have been working well for me the last few years.
No string is going to practice the bass for you!

Marcus Johnson · #10 12-08-2006, 03:39 AM

I've come to agree with Damon's position of late. It does take some work, but there is a lot of sonic info to be had with Spiros if you have the patience to work with them. We know that they're a great pizz string, but the vocal quality of the arco is really nice if you can get a handle on 'em.

Dave Whitla · #11 12-08-2006, 08:33 AM

If you're doing more pizz than arco, and can afford them, Velvet compas 180s are really good, IMO. I've been trying out a few kinds of string since I had problems with the evenness of Helicore (orch heavy). The Velvets had the best pizz sound of any string I've used, and were pretty good bowed. They are VERY sensitive to being installed correctly, however- you have to follow the instructions carefully and not wind the metal winding onto the tuning peg. This can be a real pain if you have an extension.

After years of not being able to afford to try many different types of strings, I've finally (sort of accidentally) ended up doing a bunch of string trials. At the moment I have Bel Cantos on, which I also like very much although they don't make an extended E, which is irritating (still searching on that front). Also tried Obligatos with reasonable success but didn't like the E. I installed them on my EUB and really like them!

Next on the block is a set of Innovations. Whether I end up back on the Velvets remains to be seen, but for 60/40 pizz arco I'd definately recommend them.

Matt12 · #12 12-08-2006, 01:13 PM

Thanks for the help guys. Right now I'm still leaning toward belcantos, but I am definitely going to look into corellis and FCS. I really want a string that is easy to bow, I can work with the pizz if its a weaker.

KSB - Ken Smith · #13 12-08-2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt12

Thanks for the help guys. Right now I'm still leaning toward belcantos, but I am definitely going to look into corellis and FCS. I really want a string that is easy to bow, I can work with the pizz if its a weaker.

Depending on your Bass, Flexocor 92s with the stark E or Original Flatchromes..

On my Basses these sound great for Pizz and almost unbeatable for Bowing. On my stronger tops (Basses in great condition) I usually use Flexocor Starks all the way and for Pizz, its like a cannon firing without that buzzy less-fundamental note type sound. Pure note coming out with these strings.

Don't get me wrong here, I do like the sound of spiro reds BUT, they don't bow as well usually and the actual sound has less fundamental note than a Flexocor or OFC string.