Split the Difference: Flexocor to Jazzer

T-Bal · #1 08-14-2006, 05:26 PM

I'm looking for a D string which is somewhere between a flexocor G and Jazzer A. Those my seem like polar opposites to some, but I like a darker thumpier G and brighter sustainier A and E. The Jazzer D is too zingy and the Flex D is too weak and unfocused. I have also tried Obligato D (not impressed).

My thought is I might try a FCS D, but I'm looking for other suggestions as well. I figure I may as well stick with Pirastro, and steel ropecore for that matter.

Any ideas will be appreciated.

EDIT: This is primarily for jazz pizz.

TroyK · #2 08-14-2006, 05:49 PM

Are you using a Flexicore G? I've used both Flexicores and Jazzers, but haven't mixed them yet.

I have also used FCS g's quite a bit and like them. I could see them matching jazzers pretty well. You might look at Permanents as well. Maybe the D is a good transition from Jazzer A to Flexicore G.

I'm currently on a full set of Jazzers. One of the only strings I've ever used a complete set of. They're mellowing out and I'm getting used to the sound. Pirastro quality is good overall.

Troy

**Francois Blais** · #3 08-14-2006, 07:31 PM

I'm also presently back to a Flexocor G, but I have a Spiro bottom. (reg E and weich A)
I'm waiting for an Obligato D. I hope it'll work better for me though.
We're following the same paths it seems.
The FCS D is too bright/zingy for me.
My B plan is a Permanent D, like TroyK suggested.

ctxbass · #4 08-14-2006, 07:42 PM

Maybe a Thomastik Superflexible D. It's not Pirastro, but it is steel ropecore and I think "...somewhere between a flexocor G and Jazzer A".

KSB - Ken Smith · #5 08-14-2006, 08:10 PM

You guys are mixing tensions and string designs as well as tone within the set. If i was your Bass, I would need therapy.

I get plenty of focus on my Flexocor 92 and find the orig Flex a little brighter. Brighter than that would be the Orig Flat Chrome. The Obligato is a different tension and tone as well as function.

Maybe it is the Bass itself that is the problem and not the String.

String makers work fairly hard to balance a set so it is even all across.

The Permanent G and D may be what you are looking for. They are thinner sounding than the Flex 92 and ring more for Pizz. they don't bow but the pizz is a little brighter.

jmpiwonka · #6 08-14-2006, 09:06 PM

I actually find the regular flexocor in medium tension to be awesome. it has more growl and a thicker tone than the permanent did.
i think the permanent d is more what you are looking for than the flex d.

T-Bal · #7 08-15-2006, 12:38 AM

Guys, thanks for the ideas.

Ken, it may well be that the bass is the "problem", but it's what I'm dealing with at the moment. FWIW, there have been other posts here from people who found the Jazzers not so well balanced across the set. Specifically, the D and G being much brighter than the E and A. I have found that to be the case on my bass.

In addition, I am coming from an Oliv top / Jazzer bottom mix which I found to work pretty well for me, but I am ready to try something new. The reasons I am moving away from the Olivs are the expense, tuning instability, and lack of centeredness in pitch if you will. What I like about the Oliv is the thick tone, bounce, fundamental, etc. The Flex G has a lot of those characteristics without the drawbacks of gut.

Also, I forgot to mention this is manly for pizz so the difference in tone in a mxed set *might* not be as noticable as it would be with the bow.

Well, I'm off to the archives...

T-Bal · #8 08-16-2006, 12:45 AM

It seems several have suggested the Permanent D. I am concerned it might be too bright (and metallic). So what about an Original Flex D? I don't mind if it's darker than the Jazzer A. I might just try one, and if I like try the G as well.

Thanks for caring

ctxbass · #9 08-16-2006, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

It seems several have suggested the Permanent D. I am concerned it might be too bright (and metallic). So what about an Original Flex D? I don't mind if it's darker than the Jazzer A. I might just try one, and if I like try the G as well.

Thanks for caring

I've got an Original Flex D, only used by a little old lady on Sundays
(seriously, on my bass less than an hour). PM me if you're interested.

**Francois Blais** · #10 08-16-2006, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

It seems several have suggested the Permanent D. I am concerned it might be too bright (and metallic). So what about an Original Flex D? I don't mind if it's darker than the Jazzer A. I might just try one, and if I like try the G as well.
Thanks for caring

A good idea indeed.
However the Original Flex G is much brighter (and may give the feeling the D is too dark).
I think the '92 G would be the best companion to the Orig Flex D.
(it became my B plan too if the Obli D fails the test...)

T-Bal · #11 08-17-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

A good idea indeed.
However the Original Flex G is much brighter (and may give the feeling the D is too dark).
I think the '92 G would be the best companion to the Orig Flex D.
(it became my B plan too if the Obli D fails the test...)

Well, I caved to popular opinion and picked up a Permanent D. This is a very nice string. I don't find it too bright or metallic at all. In fact, the '92 G by comparison sounds brighter and sustains more. Is that possible? May be a characteristic of the bass.

I think I'm narrowing the gap. I know I just put the Perm on, but I think it's a smidge too dark. I'll play it on some gigs, but it looks like I might be headed towards a FCS after all. In theory, that should be brighter than a Permanent, yes? Either that or play the snot out of the Jazzer D and then leave it on when I change the E and A next.

**Francois Blais** · #12 08-17-2006, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

I think I'm narrowing the gap. I know I just put the Perm on, but I think it's a smidge too dark. I'll play it on some gigs, but it looks like I might be headed towards a FCS after all. In theory, that should be brighter than a Permanent, yes?

Yes!

T-Bal · #13 08-18-2006, 11:54 PM

Holy jackpot, Batman, FCS is it! OK, it's only been a day, but the FCS D hit the bullseye. Plenty of sustain, but not too bright. I hope it doesn't mellow out too much, because it is just right. At my gig another bassist commented that the FCS D and Flex G were superb sounding. I am tempted to swap the Flex G for FCS as well. They match very well in timbre, but the Flex G is a bit stiffer feeling on the right hand (arco and pizz). Not a big deal though.

FCS users - what kind of life span can I expect out of these strings, with regular hard pizzing? I am not a secreter (like anonymous0726)

TroyK · #14 08-19-2006, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

FCS users - what kind of life span can I expect out of these strings, with regular hard pizzing? I am not a secreter (like anonymous0726)

I've only used the G Strings and the sound goes after about 6-8 months for me. You can keep using them after that, but the character changes pretty substantially. YMMV

flatback · #15 08-19-2006, 11:16 PM

Whats an FCS?

T-Bal · #16 08-19-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatback

Whats an FCS?

Pirastro FlatChromeSteel