Superflexible question

Bobby King · #1 02-10-2010, 12:06 PM

I have two Superflexible D strings. On one package it says "Orchestra 3/4 D 2887,3". The other says "Orchestra D 37 Medium". The 3/4 D has a thinner diameter and a lighter tension. I'm not sure of the explanation for this. Anyone?

Eddue · #2 02-10-2010, 12:19 PM

Hello Bobby

I noticed on the Thomastik site that the superflexibles come in 3/4 and 4/4 orchestra strings, both have the same tension measurements but string gauge wasn't mentioned. Are both of your D strings the same length. This is just a guess but if both strings have the same tension then the gauge would have to be different to tune to pitch to compensate for the difference in length.

bribass · #3 02-10-2010, 04:19 PM

Superflexibles only come in two gages. Regular (medium) orchestra and solo. I would imagine that if one were thinner it would most probably be the solo gage.

Bobby King · #4 02-10-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bribass

Superflexibles only come in two gages. Regular (medium) orchestra and solo. I would imagine that if one were thinner it would most probably be the solo gage.

This is what has me puzzled, the string has the usual blue wrapping, and says "O" and "II" on the ball. Do Superflex Solos have a different color silk?

T-Bal · #5 02-10-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby King

This is what has me puzzled, the string has the usual blue wrapping, and says "O" and "II" on the ball. Do Superflex Solos have a different color silk?

So they are definitely both "Orchestra gauge", but apparently not the same gauge as each other, due to being designed for two different scales. Now I'm curious if this holds for the other strings in the Thomastic line.

Subscribed!

Jake deVilliers · #6 02-10-2010, 04:46 PM

Solos have yellow at the windlass ends.

Gearhead43 · #7 02-10-2010, 04:58 PM

Steel strings are the devil's work.

bribass · #8 02-10-2010, 05:19 PM

The first SF's I ever used was a very old G & D from about 20 yrs ago that I had in the string drawer forever. I bought the A & E to add to them and then later a new whole set. Only difference I noted from the older SF's were that the ball end silks were longer than the newer ones. Perhaps they've changed the formula over the years and one of yours is new old stock w/ thin or thicker braided core than the other.

RShew · #9 02-10-2010, 05:42 PM

I have always wanted to know the difference between 4/4 and 3/4 on thomastik's web page. I remember reading another thread a long time ago that discussed using 4/4 on a 3/4 bass and getting great results (same sounding string w/less tension). If this is the case I would be very interested in trying this combination. Especially wit Superflex's. I love thomastiks but find they are just too tense on my bass. If this could solve the problem, I am sold. Keep going Bobby and let us know the results.

Bobby King · #10 02-10-2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RShew

I have always wanted to know the difference between 4/4 and 3/4 on thomastik's web page. I remember reading another thread a long time ago that discussed using 4/4 on a 3/4 bass and getting great results (same sounding string w/less tension). If this is the case I would be very interested in trying this combination. Especially wit Superflex's. I love thomastiks but find they are just too tense on my bass. If this could solve the problem, I am sold. Keep going Bobby and let us know the results.

This is not what I'm experiencing, the string that was from the package marked 3/4 is the one that has lower tension and is thinner in diameter. I actually think there is something odd going on and this is actually a solo gauge string. It measures around .064" and the other one I have measures around .074.
This corresponds to the measurements of solo and orchestra gauges for Superflexibles on the gauge charts. The thing is, it has blue silk, and a ball with "O" and "II" stamped on it. So is it possible a batch of these was made incorrectly? I plan to contact TI customer service.

bribass · #11 02-11-2010, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby King

The thing is, it has blue silk, and a ball with "O" and "II" stamped on it.

I believe all Thomastic ball ends have "O" on one side AND either I,II,III, or IV marked on the other for G,D,A, & E. So all the II means is that it is definitely a D string.

AMJBASS · #12 02-11-2010, 05:31 AM

Superflexibles are a neat string, but they are stiffer feeling(if slightly lower tension) than Spirocore Mittel. Of course, it depends on the bass. They are a good comprimise string though. Decent arco, and a warm and clear pizz.

**Francois Blais** · #13 02-11-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bribass

I believe all Thomastic ball ends have "O" on one side AND either I,II,III, or IV marked on the other for G,D,A, & E. So all the II means is that it is definitely a D string.

"O" stands for orchestra.
"S" stands for solo.
The silk at the tuners is also yellow for solo-tuning strings.

bribass · #14 02-11-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

"O" stands for orchestra.
"S" stands for solo.
The silk at the tuners is also yellow for solo-tuning strings.

Ah, so it must be that Bobby's 3/4 Orch D compared to the 4/4 Orch D has a different gage. Maybe it 's an anomaly as you said. Is one much older than the other?

Bobby King · #15 02-11-2010, 01:03 PM

I spoke to Kevin Reynolds at Thomastik (Connolly) customer service, he was very helpful and is sending me a replacement.
He said that there may be a very minor difference in gauge between the 3/4 and 4/4 string, but not like what I'm reporting. It may in fact be an anomaly.

However, he said he's had people inquire if Spiros and Superflexes have been changed, and it's often the case that they have bought a 4/4 set and are now using it on a 3/4 bass, which will make the tension feel a little lighter. (this is not the problem I'm having) I couldn't keep it straight about what all the various sets are currently called, but be careful that you differentiate between 3/4 and 4/4 when ordering. Of course you may want to use 4/4 on a 3/4 too.

Eddue · #16 02-11-2010, 02:08 PM

Very interesting and unusual. Was it ever determined if it was a different string with superflexible silks or a superflexible in a smaller in a smaller gauge?

Bobby King · #17 02-11-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddue

Very interesting and unusual. Was it ever determined if it was a different string with superflexible silks or a superflexible in a smaller in a smaller gauge?

I'll be returning the odd string and I'll let you know what they tell me.

bribass · #18 02-11-2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby King

I spoke to Kevin Reynolds at Thomastik (Connolly) customer service, he was very helpful and is sending me a replacement.
He said that there may be a very minor difference in gauge between the 3/4 and 4/4 string, but not like what I'm reporting. It may in fact be an anomaly.

However, he said he's had people inquire if Spiros and Superflexes have been changed, and it's often the case that they have bought a 4/4 set and are now using it on a 3/4 bass, which will make the tension feel a little lighter. (this is not the problem I'm having) I couldn't keep it straight about what all the various sets are currently called, but be careful that you differentiate between 3/4 and 4/4 when ordering. Of course you may want to use 4/4 on a 3/4 too.

How did you get in touch w/ them? I sent an email awhile back to them about a defective SF E and I never got a response.

Bobby King · #19 02-11-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bribass

How did you get in touch w/ them? I sent an email awhile back to them about a defective SF E and I never got a response.

I sent an email to this address:

info@connollyandco.com

bribass · #20 02-11-2010, 05:29 PM

Thnx Bobby