Spirocore mittel's vs helicore pizz

footprints89 · #1 01-27-2010, 12:30 AM

I asked Cincinnati bass cellar if I could get the spirocore mittels with the shen hybrid sb 150 beings as I had choice of strings with my purchase. They told me they had never heard of the string and had never sold a set in 18 years. I've been told that the helicore pizz are very similar, and was considering those instead. Any opinions?

Jake deVilliers · #2 01-27-2010, 12:58 AM

Never heard of Spiros?! Somebody's pulling your leg. Hold out for the real thing, IMHO the D'Addarios aren't nearly as long lived or as nice.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #3 01-27-2010, 05:53 AM

Chris and Andy have got to be pulling your leg. They've seen more spiros in their day than undertakers have seen corpses. Maybe they just don't know the term "mittel". Try calling them, "Spirocore orchestra strings". Or just show them this picture:

Jake deVilliers · #4 01-27-2010, 11:29 AM

That's a photo of the 4/4 set - the number for the 3/4 Mittels is S3885,0

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #5 01-27-2010, 11:35 AM

D'oh!

Footprints - Listen to jake.

AMJBASS · #6 01-27-2010, 11:49 AM

I'd stay away from the Helicore Pizzicato's. They have quality control issues, and they don't have near as present a sound as the Spirocore Mediums do. Just tell them you want Spirocore Mediums, or Spirocore Orchestra(same thing). I am not a fan of the 3/4 version. They feel too tight as compared to the Orch.

Jake deVilliers · #7 01-27-2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

I am not a fan of the 3/4 version. They feel too tight as compared to the Orch.

That's a good point Adrian - you can get a slight tension reduction by using the 4/4 strings on a shorter string length. It works with the Weichs as well.

Have you tried them both on the same bass?

footprints89 · #8 01-27-2010, 09:11 PM

Thanks for all the input guys. I was trying to figure out how to tell that to the guys at CBC wihout sounding like an jerk. I mentioned that they are Also known as orchestras and mediums. Hopefully that will spark something. Being as this is my first actual upright bass I want it to feel great.

footprints89 · #9 01-28-2010, 05:38 PM

After asking for the mittels by the other names the guys at CBC informed me that they always have them in stock. thanks for all your help guys.

Jake deVilliers · #10 01-28-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footprints89

After asking for the mittels by the other names the guys at CBC informed me that they always have them in stock. thanks for all your help guys.

Phil Rowan · #11 01-28-2010, 08:39 PM

Hey, CBC learned some new string jargon today. +1 for the Spiros. I put a full set of Mittens on my Lang (hybrid, btw) back in September and don't plan on taking them off anytime soon.. they just keep getting better and better.

Jake deVilliers · #12 01-28-2010, 11:45 PM

Nice going Phil - 'Mittens'! Is that your winter bass?

Uncletoad · #13 01-29-2010, 01:58 AM

Why wouldn't they know the term "mittel" there...and if they did why would they say they didn't? Why would you jest with a customer who clearly doesn't know better? Confusing.

BTW. I always use the 4/4 set, the S42.

Here is the best advice I'll ever give another brother bass player. Put those Spirocores on your new shen and never think about strings again. Then stay out of the strings forum.

Really. It's a sickness.

Nuno A. · #14 01-29-2010, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

Why wouldn't they know the term "mittel" there...and if they did why would they say they didn't? Why would you jest with a customer who clearly doesn't know better? Confusing.

BTW. I always use the 4/4 set, the S42.

Here is the best advice I'll ever give another brother bass player. Put those Spirocores on your new shen and never think about strings again. Then stay out of the strings forum.

Really. It's a sickness.

Indeed its a sickness, just look at you Uncle, hangin' on the strings forum at 4 oclock in the morning

. At least i had already breakfast.

MIKMAN · #15 01-29-2010, 02:17 AM

Phil's attitude concerning the "string virus" is the proper one. When i started my DB venture there were not so many strings in the market, so the temptation was not so big. Now the market offers an incredible variation of strings and it's easy for someone to be confused. Spiros represent something like a "norm" in jazz DB, so sticking with them saves money and time.
I have Spiros in two of my basses. In my third one i followed the advise of my friend Les (Drurb) and i put EP weich. This bass gives a better bowing with Evahs, so i keep and enjoy them. I think that my "string virus" is in recession for the moment.

Mike

Needless to say that i avoid the "strings" section of our forum, since it's rather easy to be affected.....

Uncletoad · #16 01-29-2010, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuno A.

Indeed its a sickness, just look at you Uncle, hangin' on the strings forum at 4 oclock in the morning

. At least i had already breakfast.

I shouldn't have eaten those damn hot wings after the gig. Can't sleep for nothin with those things percolating in my belly.

JtheJazzMan · #17 01-29-2010, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKMAN

Phil's attitude concerning the "string virus" is the proper one. When i started my DB venture there were not so many strings in the market, so the temptation was not so big. Now the market offers an incredible variation of strings and it's easy for someone to be confused. Spiros represent something like a "norm" in jazz DB, so sticking with them saves money and time.
I have Spiros in two of my basses. In my third one i followed the advise of my friend Les (Drurb) and i put EP weich. This bass gives a better bowing with Evahs, so i keep and enjoy them. I think that my "string virus" is in recession for the moment.

Mike

Needless to say that i avoid the "strings" section of our forum, since it's rather easy to be affected.....

Not only choice but availability with the advent of purchasing online.

Now all you need is a credit card and a lack of willpower, and you too can enjoy the money sapping affliction

Luckily Im happy to do everything pizz and arco on spiros.

jmpiwonka · #18 01-29-2010, 08:19 AM

yeah i have some spiro mittels i got used from here. they've been off and on my bass a few times. they must be the 4/4 version coz they don't feel very tight.
i'm pretty happy with them but i just moved along a good set of EPweichs to help fund a set of jazzers. *** is my deal. well. it'll be interesting.

i don't even think the mittels are taht bad for arco once you get used to them...

Phil Rowan · #19 01-30-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Nice going Phil - 'Mittens'! Is that your winter bass?

Indeed.. I'm smitten with my mittens. Past few days have been particularly cold and blustery here in NY

AMJBASS · #20 01-30-2010, 07:56 PM

Here as well... Going to a gig without mittens = no fast tempos for the first few tunes

I have been bitten by the wretched string bug. Currenly sporting Superflexibles(which will probably turn to Evah Weichs before going full circle to Spiros). If you can resist the temptation to experiment and stick with Spiro Mittels you will be better off both playing wise and financially.