Original Flexocore E and A with Flexocore D and G, or other popular Classical combos

[pat1151]

Hey, I was doing a little bit of research on these forums, and I noticed that people were saying that the Original Flexocore's have a big warm sound on the E and A strings, and the Flexo 92's have warm D and G Strings.

Due to the price of bass strings, I wanted to ask your opinions about this combination of strings. would it work well? I play only Classical Music (Orchestra, Solo and a little bit of chamber, very little though). Jazz Pizz is not a factor in this decision for me.

Also I'd like to hear your favorite combinations of strings so I can see more possibilities before i spend the money.

Thanks alot!

[KSB - Ken Smith]

The Orig. to my ear are punchier but in time get mushy on the bottom. They are also way way thicker than the 92s. A similar diameter string to the Orig. is the 92 stark flex. They have the same dark smooth tone as the reg 92s but a little added thick punch due to the extra tension. These are my favorites and cost less as well.

[Johnny L]

Originally Posted by pat1151

I'd like to hear your favorite combinations of strings so I can see more possibilities before i spend the money.

Yeah this is always a fun topic!

One of the most popular orchestral combinations is the Orig. Flexocore string for G, D, and A, and a Helicore Orchestra for the E string. If you ever see Robertson's bass collection pass by on a tour, a lot of them will be strung up this way.

My personal favorite combo, though, is the ruby flexocore for G and D and Helicore hybrid for A and E. I'm appreciating the Corelli experience right now, but I will likely go back to that combination one of these days. I really like the Helicore hybrid pizz tone.

[nicklloyd]

Around these parts... Permanent E, with Orig. Flexocore A, D, G. If you like a little more "give" (less resistance) under the bow, use Flexocore A, D, G.

[pat1151]

You mentioned that the original flexo's are a thicker guage than the Flexo 92's. Is this difference bad enough to make one not buy this combination?

[Johnny L]

The medium Flexocores to me feel lighter than the Original Flexocores...but the heavy Flexocores seem to be heavier according to Ken Smith here.

I personally have never tried the heavy Flexocores and confess that I'm afraid of them as I am heavy Spirocores. I just don't have fat strong hands, and I sound bad when I tire in struggling to stop the strings. When I look at pics of Ken Smith playing his upright(s) from his website, he looks like a thick, strong-handed guy to me.

But bass takes strength and endurance to play regardless and we've all gotta start somewhere.

[Francois Blais]

The setup is very important.
With heavier strings, you can/must lower the action, but the FB must be top shape.
Heavier strings have a fuller tone.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Johnny L

The medium Flexocores to me feel lighter than the Original Flexocores...but the heavy Flexocores seem to be heavier according to Ken Smith here.

I personally have never tried the heavy Flexocores and confess that I'm afraid of them as I am heavy Spirocores. I just don't have fat strong hands, and I sound bad when I tire in struggling to stop the strings. When I look at pics of Ken Smith playing his upright(s) from his website, he looks like a thick, strong-handed guy to me.

But bass takes strength and endurance to play regardless and we've all gotta start somewhere.

Well, about the strings (lol), the Thick/stark Flexes are ALMOST as thick as the orig brand flex. Yes, that's right. The Orig. are slightly thicker than the Starks.

The fact is that most Basses have a weak E as compared to the other strings. The Helicore is poplar for I have no clue. It sounds like mud. If you want a musical note, the use the Stark Flex with the reg flex set to save your non strong-handed fingers.. Ok Gals...

[Johnny L]

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

If you want a musical note, the use the Stark Flex with the reg flex set to save your non strong-handed fingers.. Ok Gals...

I'd rather take my chances with the Helicore brand as for me I can hear the pitches better, but I'm sure the stark Flex sound is gorgeous.

If I used a stark string, I'm afraid it would make my balls swell up too much and explode my bass...and I can't handle a repair bill right now!

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Johnny L

I'd rather take my chances with the Helicore brand as for me I can hear the pitches better, but I'm sure the stark Flex sound is gorgeous.

If I used a stark string, I'm afraid it would make my balls swell up too much and explode my bass...and I can't handle a repair bill right now!

The Orig Flex E is bigger than the 92 flex stark. The Helicore is probably even thicker. Find out the gauge if you can.

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

The Orig Flex E is bigger than the 92 flex stark. The Helicore is probably even thicker. Find out the gauge if you can.

I can measure the three gauges tonight.
However I'm almost sure the Helicore is the thinnest of the three.
Will come back with the measurements later.

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by francois

I can measure the three gauges tonight.
However I'm almost sure the Helicore is the thinnest of the three.
Will come back with the measurements later.

Results:

Original Flexocor E: 0.109 "
Heavy Helicore orchestral E: 0.107"
Stark Flexocor '92 E: 0.105"
Light Helicore orchestral E: 0.101"

Sorry, I don't have a medium orchestral Helicore E anymore!

[Jake]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I like the Original Flexocors with the Helicore E, but am thinking about trying the 92's.

[pat1151]

thank you from over here aswell, I ended up ordering a full set of Original Flexo's to start off and replace as necessary in the future. This is my first set of strings (i've been using the factory strings for a year and a half now!) I'm really exited to hear my bass with the new strings.

Thanks alot

[Jake]

I have used the Original Flexocors for a long time and liked them a lot. However, I'm planning to switch to the stark regulars after hearing a lot of good things about them.