D'addario to EP

Dave Irwin · #1 03-28-2010, 03:46 PM

Has anyone has experience with both Helicore Orchestra and Evah's reg and or Weich?
I've seen the comments on the EP regular being high tension but would this be true compared to the Helicore?
How about the Weich compared to Spirocore Weich? Spiro's are a little too thin for me.

Thx,
Dave

TroyK · #2 03-28-2010, 03:58 PM

I can compare EP Weichs to Spirocores. They are closer in gauge to the mittels Spiros than the Sprio Weichs. Very different kind of string, though.

Which D'Addarios were you using?

m. parker · #3 03-28-2010, 04:04 PM

how does the tension compare for spiro weichs to EP weichs. I have spiros on now and i feel like the E is too flimsy, could use more tension, and the A maybe a tiny bit as well. I think I'm going to switch to the EPs but I was thinking about putting a medium gauge for the E and maybe the A to get more tension.... but how do these compare to the spiros? and is there a big difference in tension and sound from the meds to the weichs?

Dave Irwin · #4 03-28-2010, 04:51 PM

I have the Helicore Orchestra. That's really the comparison I'm looking for to determine if the Evah medium or weich is the right choice.

Thanks,
Dave

TroyK · #5 03-28-2010, 06:44 PM

EP Weichs are noticeably heavier gauge than Spirocore Weichs. I would start there before mixing a set.

I think that Helicore Orchestras come in more than one gauge, but I remember the medium being fairly wiry. Evah Pirazzis are a very different kind of string, I think they'd be tough to compare. Don't worry about the weich gauge being floppy or thin, though. They aren't.

Dave Irwin · #6 03-28-2010, 07:53 PM

They are the medium. Can you clarify what you mean by wiry? Understanding they are a different kind of string, I guess the comparison I'm looking for is the relative effort to play the two EP's compared to the D'Addario set.

Thanks for the replies.

Hector Wolff · #7 03-28-2010, 08:22 PM

I have played both the Heliocore Orch Mediums an the Regular Evahs - the Evahs to me are softer - lower tension.

shadygrove · #8 03-28-2010, 10:21 PM

I'm also using Helicore Orchestra medium and am leaning toward EP weich which I understand are less tension than the EP regular. I thought there was a thread started on EP weich right after they came out that contained a lot of comparisons to the EP regular and Spiros. I ran a search and can't find it and also don't see it in the new "megathread section

TroyK · #9 03-29-2010, 02:31 PM

I hate to steer you to those mega threads, but if you're this concerned about it, you might want to read a bunch of the conflicting opinions on it. Most people would not describe either gauge of EP as "low tension". The weichs are lighter, obviously, but are more comparable to regular gauge strings than other companies (or other Pirastro) light gauge strings. It's been a long time since I had medium Helicore Orchestrals, but they are certainly thinner in gauge than either EP set. I don't remember feeling that they were particularly high tension strings, but I do remember the G really cutting into my fingers, especially up in thumb position. I think the EPs will feel softer somehow, but I don't think that necessarily translates to tension. There is a gauge and tension sticky. I don't know if it is updated with the EP tensions, but I'm sure that data has hit the boards somewhere if you search.

But, it will come down to your experience. I do have a Regular and Weich set of EPs and would sell or trade the regulars. I'd like to try the weichs one more time before I let them go.

Just to answer you question a little differently, I've been playing Spirocore Weichs for a few years. The EP Regulars are WAY higher tension, which neither my bass nor I care for. The EP Weichs feel, as I said, closer to Spirocore Mittels.

Dave Irwin · #10 03-29-2010, 04:44 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I decided to pull the trigger on a set of EP regulars.
I'm really into the big thud/puff more so than a sustained growl.

Troy, I'm sorry I didn't see your post about selling your EP's before I bought mine.

BTW, I went through all the megathreads too

TroyK · #11 03-29-2010, 05:56 PM

Takes a while to get through those things, huh? And, you'll find lots of contradictions because people have different experiences and perceptions. I used Regulars for about 8 months and could never settle on how I felt about them. Loved them at times and was kind of indifferent at others, but in the end thought I was working too hard.

Let us know how you like them.

shadygrove · #12 03-29-2010, 07:45 PM

Thanks Troy ...that helps. I'm currently playing about 95% pizz and 5% arco, but practice a lot with the bow and expect the arco % to increase as my skill level improves. Considering it's a ply bass I don't expect any strings are going to give it great arco tone and am more concerned about playability and better pizz tone than I'm getting from the Helicore Orch. mediums. A little more meat on the G could be a good thing.

Spiro weich are tempting for the durability and lower tension, but I'm going to go with EP weich this time around as I want something closer to Spiro mittel size and tension but darker and more arco friendly for a relative beginner with the bow.

TroyK · #13 03-29-2010, 07:55 PM

Hey Marysville, WA in the house. I'm playing in Snohomish this weekend, we should make it a TBDB hang. John Lilly lives up that way too.

You're making a good choice. Let us know how you like them.

Anyone reading, I do have a EP Reg set ready to hit the classifieds. PM me if you want to pre-empt it.

SeayBass · #14 03-29-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Irwin

I have the Helicore Orchestra. That's really the comparison I'm looking for to determine if the Evah medium or weich is the right choice.

Thanks,
Dave

MEDIUM. Weichs are looser, and not particularly loud, especially in arco performance (acoustic)

Dave Irwin · #15 04-03-2010, 05:12 AM

Got em Thursday and gig'd with them last night. The accoustic sound is perfect for what I was looking for. The band I play with most is Western Swing with some Bluegrass.
The strings do have a little more tension than the Helicores but at the same time, they are easier on my fingers as noted in the thread.

I'm struggling with the amplified sound cause it seems like the only freq range I can amplify is the low and the G string is weak.

I wouldn't read too much into that yet though cause I'm having some problems with the pickup. I'll update in the megathread or maybe in the amps/mics section depending on the outcome.

Thanks for all the replies

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Hey Marysville, WA in the house. I'm playing in Snohomish this weekend, we should make it a TBDB hang. John Lilly lives up that way too.

You're making a good choice. Let us know how you like them.

Anyone reading, I do have a EP Reg set ready to hit the classifieds. PM me if you want to pre-empt it.