Rope Core vs. Sprial Core Strings

Bassman316 · #1 08-13-2009, 11:43 AM

Hello all

First off, my apologies if this topic has been covered before. I've been all over the stickies and did some searching around to no avail. Since soon my first DB will be arriving, I've been doing a lot more reading up on what's what in the double bass forums. One thing I've noticed is a lot of talk a bout rope core strings and spiral core strings. Two questions- what is the difference, and what are the advantages/disadvantages of the two? If this topic's been covered before, if someone can politely point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

**Francois Blais** · #2 08-14-2009, 10:41 AM

This is the same thing in most cases.
Maybe the Spirocore uses a different threading method but all other rope-core strings I've seen seemed to use the traditional twisted pattern.

**Francois Blais** · #3 08-18-2009, 06:39 AM

Hi William.
Your post gives me the impression you think there is some rope in a rope-core string.

"Rope-core" is just a term to describe a string with a braided steel core.
Before their introduction, the steel core was solid. (and still used in some brands today)

Regards,
François

William Hoffman · #4 08-19-2009, 02:56 AM

Thank you, Francois. I stand corrected. I had the impression some other materials were also used.

**Francois Blais** · #5 08-19-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Hoffman

Thank you, Francois. I stand corrected. I had the impression some other materials were also used.

Hi.
Yes, in most orchestral strings, they put some dampening material; silk, nylon, etc.
I don't think there's much of these add-ons in Spirocores though!

Nice day,
François

bribass · #6 08-23-2009, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

Hi.
Yes, in most orchestral strings, they put some dampening material; silk, nylon, etc.
I don't think there's much of these add-ons in Spirocores though!

Nice day,
François

The other day I had the highly unusual experience of an old Spiro Mittel breaking near the top silk end. There does seem to be some wisps of fiber near the core, but not much.

William Hoffman · #7 08-24-2009, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bribass

The other day I had the highly unusual experience of an old Spiro Mittel breaking near the top silk end. There does seem to be some wisps of fiber near the core, but not much.

Yes! that is what i was referring to!

actually, i was thinking more of the dampening materials used in Belcantos... which is also a "rope-core" string.

but i realize now -- thanks to Francois -- that they don't literally mean rope, as in, like -- hemp.