Helicore Orchestra Medium--twangy D string?

**Jeremy Allen** · #1 08-30-2006, 04:04 PM

Have any of you users of Helicore Orchestra strings (particularly, the medium gauge) had problems with a very twangy, banjo-like D string? I bought a set two years ago and the other three strings were dark, warm, easy to bow, and thumpy when plucked, but the D stuck out like a sore thumb--a bright, harsh sound reminiscent of new Spirocores. I stopped using that string quickly. Then, this week, a bought I set of the same strings at the same local store, with exactly the same D string issue!

Does it just take some time to chill out, or does this sound like a defective string? On the whole, these are good strings; once upon a time I thought they were too stiff and thumpy, but after using Dominants for a long time I now find Helicores Orchestras to be very comfortable for pizz, and a dream under the bow. (Dominants are far superior, but I was in a hurry and I can't get them on short notice here.)

rprowse · #2 09-01-2006, 03:32 AM

In my experience Weich D's do that too, until they settle down. I have solo doms on at present and they seem good at normal and solo tuning... I keep them in solo tuning at pres.
Funnily enough, the A string was a bit twangy, but it settled after 2 weeks. I love bowing these strings.
Richard

bpclark · #3 09-01-2006, 07:20 AM

I had the same problem except with a twangy E on a set of Helicore Heavy. The string had a lot of zing and it drove me nuts. It did finally settle down, but it took some time.

FWIW, the last time I visited my friendly neighborhood luthier, he voiced to me some disappointment about the Helicore. He seemed to notice that recently, the quality wasn't as consistent as it used to be.

nicklloyd · #4 09-02-2006, 12:52 AM

Helicore had a bad batch of Helicore D in '05 and '04. Just return the D to whoever you purchased it from and get another one.

sibass89 · #5 09-02-2006, 08:09 AM

Also, my experience with Helicores, is that they take longer to break in than the average string. But returning it would probably be better.

joel kelsey · #6 09-02-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johono5

Have any of you users of Helicore Orchestra strings (particularly, the medium gauge) had problems with a very twangy, banjo-like D string? I bought a set two years ago and the other three strings were dark, warm, easy to bow, and thumpy when plucked, but the D stuck out like a sore thumb--a bright, harsh sound reminiscent of new Spirocores. I stopped using that string quickly. Then, this week, a bought I set of the same strings at the same local store, with exactly the same D string issue!

Professor Cadillac,
I have owned many sets of Helicore medium orchestra strings (all before 04 and 05) and I never had a problem with any of the strings being too bright. If anything, I always felt that the strings were great for about three months and then went dead. I tried the pizz strings and they were very bright and better to bow on (in my opinion) than spirocores but I had a problem with breaking A strings. Overall, I have had bad experiences with helicores and now I stay away from them. I also had to yell at some jackass at d'addario to get a replacement A string after he was at "lunch" all day. The replacement A broke within two weeks, so I went back to spirocores. And I never bowed again......................

I would send the whole set back.

**Jeremy Allen** · #7 09-02-2006, 12:48 PM

OK, if this "Professor Cadillac" thing sticks I'm going to kick Morgan's a** (isn't he the one who came up with it?). Or move to Bedford.

Meanwhile, I had heard about the bad batch of D strings, and I think it goes to show that the local shop (T.I.S. Music, more of a bookstore than a bass store) hasn't sold enough Helicores in the past two years to get through their original supply. In addition to the D issue, both the G and the D have a very uneven finish--there are rough patches at various places on both of them. Not a well-made string.

joel kelsey · #8 09-02-2006, 02:16 PM

I was going to call you Cadillac, but Professor Cadillac is much more official. Will I be able to call you Dr. Cadillac anytime soon? Also, if I had bought your bass, would your TB username have come with it? Get rid of the helicores! You deserve better. So does your bass.

**Francois Blais** · #9 09-03-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicklloyd

Helicore had a bad batch of Helicore D in '05 and '04. Just return the D to whoever you purchased it from and get another one.

Just speaking for myself, but the Hybrid D I got is in the new packaging, so it's not old stock.

jasonheath · #10 09-07-2006, 09:42 AM

It seems to me that Helicore has ad a lot of quality control issues over the years. I broke three Helicore (!) A strings in 1998-2000 playing with the bow. Two were Helicore Hybrids and one was a Helicore Orchestra. Also, while easy to play on, for me they don't have the depth of sound of a Pirastro Permanent or Obligato.