Helicore Orch Extended E sounds awful

bmanbill · #1 04-03-2007, 10:40 PM

Just put a set of Helicore medium tension Orchestra strings on my bass. Top three are sounding broken in and pretty darn good after a few hours of playing time. But the C string sounds metallic, ultra bright and generally like crap - even after quite a bit of pounding both arco and pizz. I'm thinking of returning it to D'Addario. Anyone have experience with this problem or with the company? I think I got a bad Spirocore once like 20 years ago, but this is wacky.

neilG · #2 04-04-2007, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmanbill

Just put a set of Helicore medium tension Orchestra strings on my bass. Top three are sounding broken in and pretty darn good after a few hours of playing time. But the C string sounds metallic, ultra bright and generally like crap - even after quite a bit of pounding both arco and pizz. I'm thinking of returning it to D'Addario. Anyone have experience with this problem or with the company? I think I got a bad Spirocore once like 20 years ago, but this is wacky.

Although I've heard this string sound good on some basses, on mine it chased all the cats out of the neighborhood. IMO, you need a really mellow bass for this string to work.

kontrabass · #3 04-04-2007, 08:13 AM

Strings often need two to three weeks to really mellow out. You really need to give it some time.

bmanbill · #4 04-04-2007, 09:30 AM

Thanks. I've actually had the C on for close to a month. I got a message from D'Addario that they will replace the string if I send them the one I have. Only-- will it even help?

**Francois Blais** · #5 04-04-2007, 12:13 PM

If you want really good orchestral strings, I suggest you stick with Pirastros or the new Belcanto from Thomastik.

If you want something for hybrid work, the Corellis are a nice choice, so are the TI Superflexibles.

JoeyNaeger · #6 04-04-2007, 05:09 PM

The permenant extended C is a really popular orchestra string.

kontrabass · #7 04-04-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmanbill

Thanks. I've actually had the C on for close to a month. I got a message from D'Addario that they will replace the string if I send them the one I have. Only-- will it even help?

I didn't realize you had it on for a month. Helicores in particular tend to greatly vary...they work wonderfully on some basses, but not on others.

I'd give the the new string D'Addario is going to send you a shot. If in a week or two you have the same experience, you can always sell it here. It's bound to work on someone else's bass.

If you haven't given other strings a shot and you're an orchestral musician, then go with Francois' suggestions.

bmanbill · #8 04-04-2007, 09:40 PM

Thanks again to all. I'm mainly a jazz guy and have Spirocore Weichs on my "good" bass. I also do quite a bit of theatre work so the bass with the bad C string has to work under quasi-legit circumstances. I thought the Helicores would be a better choice than the old spiros that were on the bass but the jury is still out.

I tried the Hybrids and couldn't stand how they felt or sounded. I didn't much care for the Corellis either.

I'll give this string a couple more days then I'm going to exchange it and see what happens. I don't have another pit stint til the first week of May.

**Francois Blais** · #9 04-05-2007, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmanbill

I didn't much care for the Corellis either.

Then the Superflexibles could be an interesting alternative.
The Belcanto E is not yet available in extended lenght I think.

Heifetzbass · #10 04-05-2007, 09:22 AM

Another vote for the permanent C. IMHO, the best extension string out there.

Brian

stefaniw80401 · #11 04-05-2007, 08:33 PM

I play 80/20 arco/pizz and I thought the Pirastro extended E sounded too raw and gravely/grainy on my bass. I replaced it with a spiro mittel which works better I think. Plus it pizz'es really well.

dpc · #12 04-06-2007, 11:29 AM

I had the same experience with the last Helicore extended E that I put on. It never broke in and sounded metallic and generally awful with the bow. I left it on for a few months in hopes that it would mellow but no change.
The Helicore long E that I had on before sounded great however and broke in almost right away like the rest of the set. So I wonder if it is a quality control thing or they changed something in the materials.

I tried the Permament and it was bright as well (I hear they need some time to break in) I am using a Jargar light gauge at it sounds and responds great with the bow. The sound is dark and clear. The pizz is too thudy though. But it kind of works with the Helicores.It is not a light gauge string, It is actually pretty beefy. I tried a Jargar medium long E and it was so thick I could barely get it to vibrate.

I am using Belcantos now and they are great for orchestra and not bad for show work.The pizz sound has a real fundamental and rings great for long quatrer notes but forget about eigths.
I did an after hours jazz set and the first tune was Oleo .......ouch

stefaniw80401 · #13 04-07-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpc

I am using Belcantos now and they are great for orchestra and not bad for show work.The pizz sound has a real fundamental and rings great for long quatrer notes but forget about eigths.

Waddaya mean? Are 1/8 notes just too short amount of time for the note to develop -- and all you get is thump and no tone?