Question

[bassplayer57]

What kind of string has a purple thread wrap near the tailpiece? These strings were with the bass, and I would like to know what kind they are.

[Jake deVilliers]

Could be Dominants if they're a lighter purple. What colour/s are the wraps at the scroll end?

[Francois Blais]

Could also be Pirastro Original Flexocor if the peg ends colors are:
E: green
A: black
D: red
G: brown
There's a purple part at the peg end too, and the tone color ID silk is the last half.

[Phalex]

GHS Brite Flats have purple silk.

[TroyK]

Originally Posted by Phalex

GHS Brite Flats have purple silk.

Uh, yeah...you're lost. This is AAA Paint and Supplies, not the auto club.

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by TroyK

Uh, yeah...you're lost. This is AAA Paint and Supplies, not the auto club.

You are correct sir!

My bad.

[bassplayer57]

Originally Posted by francois

Could also be Pirastro Original Flexocor if the peg ends colors are:
E: green
A: black
D: red
G: brown
There's a purple part at the peg end too, and the tone color ID silk is the last half.

That's what they look like!!
Thanks!

[bassplayer57]

What do you guys think of the flexocore original??

[Francois Blais]

It's an orchestral string, but can played pizz if you like a dark, boomy bottom without much sustain.
The G string sounds clear or even bright when it's new.
I use the G, with the supplied rubber tone filter to dampen it.

[pat1151]

They are great for orchestral playing (a little on the harsh side for solo playing) and not so great for jazz playing in my experience. Also... I found these to be high tension strings which unfortunatly didn't speak too well on my bass. I switched to D'addario Helicore Orchestra strings and they work alot better on my bass (an inexpensive plywood bass)

[JazzCat_88]

I'm using those strings on my bass. Pirastro Flexocore. Like Francios says, it is dark and boomy without much sustain. Fast jazz and its alright. Slow ballads and it sucks. No audiable sustain when playing with other instruments. Great for bowing.
However I must ask: What is the problem with my A string? It sounds thumpy like someone knocking on an empty box. I had this same problem when I was using Helicores.
Thanks.

[nickbass]

Depends a bit on the bass as well. My dark old Mittenwald has a very long natural sustain so my Flexocor starks seem to be fine for pizz as well as for bowing.

[Francois Blais]

Guys, don't confuse Flexocors with Original Flexocors (purple silk), which is what bassplayer57 is asking about.

Amir: the Helicore A is weak, so it's not a good comparison item.
The regular Flexocor A could maybe give you better results.
Are you playing arco only or a mix of arco and jazz pizz?

[nickbass]

Yes, sorry I get confused about them. On inspection I have flexocor 92 (ie regular) starks on G D and A and a long E flexocor original on the C extension, only because I couldn't get hold of a matching stark 92 for the long E. Don't think they make them. It's true that this E, the flexocor original, is pretty dead for pizz even on my long sustaining bass. What would give me more pizz sustain and also match the thickness and tension of the G D and A starks? I still need a good bowing sound. Thanks for your advice..

[bassplayer57]

Originally Posted by francois

Guys, don't confuse Flexocors with Original Flexocors (purple silk), which is what bassplayer57 is asking about.

Amir: the Helicore A is weak, so it's not a good comparison item.
The regular Flexocor A could maybe give you better results.
Are you playing arco only or a mix of arco and jazz pizz?

What is the difference between the two??

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by nickbass

Yes, sorry I get confused about them. On inspection I have flexocor 92 (ie regular) starks on G D and A and a long E flexocor original on the C extension, only because I couldn't get hold of a matching stark 92 for the long E. Don't think they make them. It's true that this E, the flexocor original, is pretty dead for pizz even on my long sustaining bass. What would give me more pizz sustain and also match the thickness and tension of the G D and A starks? I still need a good bowing sound. Thanks for your advice..

Mmm.
Is the Kolstein Varicore avaible in extended E?
Could be a nice alternative!

Or maybe an orchestral Helicore?

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by bassplayer57

What is the difference between the two??

In 1992, Pirastro made some changes/addition to its catalog.

The Flexocors were renamed Original Flexocors and a new one was introduced, under the Flexocor name. (hence the so-called '92 nickname)
The '92s are available in three gauges, plus solo-tuning.
The Originals only in medium gauge.
They have purple wrap.
The '92s have ruby red wrap.

The Original's bottom strings are thick and boomy.
They give a strong fundamental without much overtones or sustain.
The top strings are more singing, in particular the G.

The '92s bottom strings are thinner and clearer sounding than the Originals.
The top strings are darker than the Originals though.


A few decades ago they have the Eudoxa steel string, which was renamed Original FlatChromesteel.
This string is almost the same thing as the Original Flexocor.
It's available in medium and solo gauges.

They introduced the FlatChromeSteel, which is completely different.
It's a thin string, with good sustain and a clear tone, and meant as a hybrid string, for arco and pizz playings.


I know, it's very confusing!
Pirastro should have used new names for their new strings!
I think they're pretty aware of these mistakes today.

Best regards,
François

[bassplayer57]

Really! the names are very confusifying! (I don't think that's a word. LOL!)