Original Flatchrome info...and a search

T-Bal · #1 06-19-2009, 07:56 AM

Part one:
I'm interested in information from anyone who has used this string. It's been established here that the OFC is the same as Original Flexocore, and that has been refuted elsewhere. That debate aside, I'd like to hear from any users. I'm mostly interested in the D string, but info on all of the strings in the set is welcome. Since this is the most expensive steel string I know of, I'd like to know whether it's worth the investment, even for one string!

Part two:
My specific current situation (subject to change TOMORROW!) is this: I am going for a true hybrid setup - good enough for serious arco pursuits and jazz performance. I have a Flex 92 G, Jazzer E&A, and looking for the right D string. At this point the Flex G is just right. Some of the D's I have tried:

Flex 92 (too dark, thuddy pizz)
Original Flex (even more so)
Spiro weich (good pizz, a little grainy and nasal arco)
Superflexible (thuddy pizz and raspy arco)
Permanent (don't recall, but it didn't thrill me)
Flatchromesteel (might be the one, but it's thin and dies quickly)

I guess what I'm looking for is a slightly thicker, beefier, longer lasting Flatchromesteel! Does it exist? Varicor? (Original Flatchrome?!?!?)

**Francois Blais** · #2 06-19-2009, 09:11 AM

The difference between the Original Flexocors and Original Flatchromes is in the width of the outer wrap.
The tone of the OFC is supposed to be a tad clearer than the OF.
I don't hear the difference with pizz.
(and I don't play arco)

The Varicor D is a good idea, IMHO!
(however, make sure the nut and bridge grooves are well lubricated with graphite, as I've had some loose core problems with Varicors in the past.

Another D suggestions:
Helicore Hybrid medium
Presto Balance orchestral
(Quinn has them here.
They're called Steel core there.
The orchestrals are the two sets at the left. (light and medium gauge)

T-Bal · #3 06-19-2009, 11:30 AM

Thanks, Francois! Is the OFC thicker or thinner than the Original Flex? And is it thicker than FCS? (Gauges of the OFC are not on Jake's chart)

**Francois Blais** · #4 06-19-2009, 01:12 PM

The OF and OFC thickness are virtually the same.
They're much thicker than FCS however, mostly the bottom strings.
The top ones are probably similar, but I don't have measurements right now.

T-Bal · #5 06-19-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

The difference between the Original Flexocors and Original Flatchromes is in the width of the outer wrap.

Sorry, I mistook this for gauge. I see now that what you are speaking of has no bearing on gauge. Just for the record, one former member (you know who) has written that the Original Flex are "much thicker". Not trying to start anything, just want to sort out this conflicting info. Somebody measure these puppies and add the data to Jake's chart!

Would it be so hard for Pirastro to make these numbers available?

bassrome · #6 06-20-2009, 07:38 AM

Original Flat-Chromes have the same core sound as the Original Flex but have added upper partials that make them a little brighter and clearer sounding. I like OF on bright basses and OFC on dark basses. Another alternative is Flexocor Heavy Gauge (Stark) but they're a little brasher sounding. A good choice for the E.

Jack

**Francois Blais** · #7 06-20-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

Sorry, I mistook this for gauge. I see now that what you are speaking of has no bearing on gauge. Just for the record, one former member (you know who) has written that the Original Flex are "much thicker". Not trying to start anything, just want to sort out this conflicting info. Somebody measure these puppies and add the data to Jake's chart!

Well, maybe Ken was talking about the old Flexocors, before the introduction of the Flex '92.

Here's measurements (in mm):

Original Flexocors: 1.32 1.62 2.24 2.78
Original Flats: 1.32 1.60 2.20 2.77

As you see, they're viartually the same.

As for Jake's chart, I tried to help by editing it recently, and he was not happy because his fancy formatiing was lost, so no thanks.

And he can't edit it himself because the post is too old. (this is a forum software configuration option I can't change)
I think he should keep his things on hiw own server, and just put a link to it here.
That way he would have complete control of the contents.

Jake deVilliers · #8 06-20-2009, 09:17 AM

Francois, I wasn't upset with what YOU did, I was frustrated with the way the site treated my charts.

After spending hours getting things all lined up perfectly, the site just scattered my words and numbers all over! Please go ahead and edit it as necessary.

T-Bal · #9 06-20-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassrome

Original Flat-Chromes have the same core sound as the Original Flex but have added upper partials that make them a little brighter and clearer sounding.

Good to know, thanks. I assume you refer to arco response, but maybe pizz as well?

Quote:

Original Flexocors: 1.32 1.62 2.24 2.78
Original Flats: 1.32 1.60 2.20 2.77

I see. So if those are in mm, are all those measurements on Jake's chart in inches? (for ex, Original Flex G is .050, etc.)

Jake deVilliers · #10 06-20-2009, 10:04 PM

I'm sorry tee ball, thousandths of an inch are my native measuring units. I have a metric micrometer too but it doesn't speak to me the same way.

CPike · #11 06-20-2009, 10:51 PM

+1 on the slightly brighter comment. I tried the OFCs once a few years ago, diverging from my usual orig flex. The feel under the hand is identical, as was the bowing response. They died prematurely, after about 6 or 7 months - I am used to getting nearly 18 months of good play out of the orig flexos before they start pooping out. A friend (also an orig flex user) had a similar experience.

Chris

T-Bal · #12 06-21-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

I'm sorry tee ball, thousandths of an inch are my native measuring units. I have a metric micrometer too but it doesn't speak to me the same way.

It's all good! Just making sure I am comparing apples to apples.

I had a FCS D from a while back that I put on today. This might quell my curiosity for the OFC for a while. Is the FCS significantly brighter than the OFC, or just a little? Thanks to everyone for all the input!

**Francois Blais** · #13 06-21-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

It's all good! Just making sure I am comparing apples to apples.

I had a FCS D from a while back that I put on today. This might quell my curiosity for the OFC for a while. Is the FCS significantly brighter than the OFC, or just a little? Thanks to everyone for all the input!

To get the numbers in inches, just divide the metric number by 25.4, so:

Original Flexocors: .052 .064 .088 .109
Original Flats: .052 .063 .087 .109

The FCS have nothing in common with the OFC.
They're very bright and have a good sustain.
The E string is another story though...

Phil Rowan · #14 06-21-2009, 09:06 AM

FCS regulars are (IME) pretty darn bright. I had a full set on my Lang hybrid a few years back but they didn't last too long.. on my bass they were a little too bright and they just didn't provide enough low end at all. I also used OFC D and G for a bit, and was much happier with those.. much less bright than the FCS (but still a brighter string) and had a much warmer, fuller sound.. a lot more fundamental and low end than the reg FCS.

I'm pretty happy w/ my current set up (Flex Stark G, D, A & Heli. Orch. Heavy E).

**Francois Blais** · #15 06-21-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Francois, I wasn't upset with what YOU did, I was frustrated with the way the site treated my charts.

After spending hours getting things all lined up perfectly, the site just scattered my words and numbers all over! Please go ahead and edit it as necessary.

String gauges

Hope this is okay with you!

Best regards,
François

Jake deVilliers · #16 06-21-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

String gauges

Hope this is okay with you!

Best regards,
François

Oh yeah, its all lined up nicely!

Merci Francois

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #17 06-21-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

String gauges

Hope this is okay with you!

Nicely played, sir.

T-Bal · #18 06-22-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Rowan

FCS regulars are (IME) pretty darn bright. I had a full set on my Lang hybrid a few years back but they didn't last too long.. on my bass they were a little too bright and they just didn't provide enough low end at all. I also used OFC D and G for a bit, and was much happier with those.. much less bright than the FCS (but still a brighter string) and had a much warmer, fuller sound.. a lot more fundamental and low end than the reg FCS.

Did you find that the OFC died quickly as well?

Thanks for the info!

Phil Rowan · #19 07-01-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

Did you find that the OFC died quickly as well?

Thanks for the info!

Hey,

Sorry, I should have been a bit more specific.. when I said "didn't last too long" about the reg. FCS, I didn't mean it in that they went dead easily. They (FCS) didn't last too long on my bass because their sound just didn't really do it for me. They were on there for maybe 2 months. I think I switched from OFC to Evahs after a few months of using them, so I can't really speak much about the length of their life. They sounded fine when I took them off though.. just weren't what I was going for at that time.. but as I stated earlier, they were much fuller and warmer (and darker) sounding than the FCS.