Chinese Strings

Paul Warburton · #1 12-13-2003, 07:38 AM

Having played several laminated basses imported by Howard Core, or as he spells it "Kohr" on the label. I've purchases two of these, which i've mentioned and kind of reviewed on another thread.
Can anyone tell me about the strings that they come with? From pics i've seen of Christophers, the thread colors indicate that they might come with these strings as well. I know you can order the better carved models of these basses with your choice of strings, but i'm talking about the laminates.
And John, what about Shens? Do the less expensive models come with strings made in China?
My question, I guess is, is anyone besides me really impressed with these strings? I think they're one of the best all-around arco/pizz strings i've ever played on. I guess it's a little early to tell whether they're going to hold up for any length of time.
Does anybody know what the hell i'm talking about here?

mxr255 · #2 12-13-2003, 08:08 PM

I have not played any Chinese bass strings, but I have had a chance to play Cello, Viola, and Violin strings and I have been over all very impressed esp. for the money. I would LOVE to find a cheap Chinese bass string to offer customers who do not want to spend as much money. Some bass players (believe it or not) tend to be cheap. If you find out let us know. Good post!

Matt

mje · #3 12-15-2003, 07:41 AM

The strings I've seen that come on Chinese basses are... well, they don't sound very good. As my nephew trades up instruments to the next size the first thing we do is put on a set of Helicore Orchestras.

Mike Goodbar · #4 12-15-2003, 07:59 AM

The stock strings that came on my Christopher were not bad at all (and I'm assuming that they were Chinese strings, though Christopher does set basses up with Helicores if you ask). They certainly sounded good enough for me to enjoy the bass enough to make me want to buy it! They were a bit bright for my taste, but they bowed well.

In fact, I might have left them on for a while with no complaints if I hadn't brought a set of Obligatos along for the luthier to install.

Paul Warburton · #5 12-16-2003, 07:19 AM

If any of you guys hate the Chinese strings that came with your Chinese bass......Send them to me!