Originals Flex vs Belcanto

MilesC · #1 03-24-2008, 07:17 PM

Which are the overall better string? Me and my stand parter got into an agrument about this. I have the Flexs, which have been the traditional top choice, but he insists that his Belcantos are better...

CPike · #2 03-24-2008, 09:08 PM

There's no final absolute answer to that. All strings sound different on different basses, with different players, different bows, different rosin, different everything. I know some players who think Belcantos are the "be-all-end-all" of bass strings - and I've sat next to these guys and think they sound empty and lame. I'm a longtime orig flex user who tried Belcantos last year and ditched them after a month. See the megathread around pages 20 or 21 for my diatribe. If you love the orig. flex feel and sound, then stick with them no matter what anyone tells you. If you are curious about the Belcantos and have the $ to experiment, then try them - they may work for you. You might find a used set from someone here on talkbass - I've seen them in the classifieds occasionally. If you do try them, DON'T decide on them after the first few days - give them at least a few weeks to break in before you decide.

And don't ever let another player tell you his/her strings are better than yours - that's just a pointless argument to engage in.

Chris

neilG · #3 03-24-2008, 10:55 PM

I'm kind of leaning toward CPike's opinion on this one. I've had mine on for a week and a half now (still waiting for the back-ordered E extendo). They ARE sort of easy to play, but you have to be careful not to overpower them. You can lay into Flex's but you'll "stall" the BelCanto's if you're not careful. At least that's how I describe the feeling. I'm pretty sure the G and D are going bye-bye but the jury is out on the A and E (if it ever gets here).

As I tell my students, with strings you get loud, mellow and easy to play: pick two.

G-force · #4 03-25-2008, 02:31 PM

I realy liked BC's when I first got them. I have tried them on two great basses. So of course that helps.
I must admit I think they are kind of lame..They are the ultimate audition string. This meaning the string that offends no one and has no character . This is such a turn for Thomastik who in the past have been know for such great strings of character.

If I needed to change strings quickly I would go for BC.

Bottom line.
flexis sound better but suck on the bow,
BC great bowing but have no flavor. I would dare to call them very PC strings.

Sol · #5 03-25-2008, 05:02 PM

Perhaps a look at the "Orchestral String choices..." thread, among others, would be enlightening.

CPike · #6 03-25-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-force

They are the ultimate audition string. This meaning the string that offends no one and has no character.

Bottom line.
flexis sound better but suck on the bow,
BC great bowing but have no flavor. I would dare to call them very PC strings.

Offends no one, ha ha I like that. They are indeed the ultimate "instant gratification" string - very seductive (like the dark side...) but ultimately will lead to pain and suffering my young padawan... ahem I digress...

Be careful when you use "bottom line" to preface a subjective opinion. Flexos bow incredibly easy on my bass and many others I've played. Other basses sound or feel awful with flex. Bottom line: on my bass it's a B. Guess that would be bottom space, huh. More digression...

Chris

PaulCannon · #7 03-25-2008, 10:28 PM

I like my Bel Cantos, but I'm considering trying what Charlie Nilles does and put original flexocores on the G and D and keep the A and extended-E BC's.

G-force · #8 03-26-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPike

Be careful when you use "bottom line" to preface a subjective opinion. Flexos bow incredibly easy on my bass and many others I've played. Other basses sound or feel awful with flex. Bottom line: on my bass it's a B. Guess that would be bottom space, huh. More digression...

Chris

Of course. I mean bottom line pour moi !

Ok I do love hyberbole. Flexis don't stink on the bow. But as someone once said when the great switch from guts strings to steel strings came " the steel strings let any shmoe play the bass"

anonymous12251111 · #9 03-26-2008, 03:50 PM

G-Force, do you use Eudoxa's in the oslo phil? I'd be curious to know what your section likes to use, including yourself of course.