Fisoma 2716 Silverwrap on Nylon Core

Basically a bass version of classical guitar strings. They come in a variety of mensure, tensions, and tunings (its little confusing on the site). Available from Lordofthestrings.com or Lenzner direct.

I'll be comparing against TI jazz round/jazz flat/acousticore, Dogal Hellborg, GHS pressure bronze, Labella black/gold-white, Galli Synthesis on a 5string Furch ABG, piezo pickup.

I've ordered a set today and looking forward to their arrival
Has anyone played these yet?

Anxiousy waiting for delivery. I ended up grabbing both gauges (Standard and Med-Lights).

I *think* the Med-lights are going to be a true cross-over 'guitar' string. The sizes are really light:

I imagine the Standard set will come in heavier—maybe similar to TI Jazz rounds (B .118)??

First impressions: unpacking/label strangeness

well, two Fisoma sets arrived this week. First impressions are lackluster—the packaging is lacking and somewhat confusing by the labeling (viruses actual size of strings.). The strings are tightly coiled into a size about a 1/4 the size of a bass string set and crammed into a guitar size wrappers. (Not that it matters, but as a further illustration of "packaging strangeness"/inconsistency; In both sets the BEA strings include wax paper env/ DG are not?)

Packaging, sizes, labeling:
The Medium set is smaller gauge than the Med-light set??? and they seem to mirror the above reviewed sizes of the Med-Light sets. Im pretty sure theses two sets are mislabeled—But by Lenzner or LordoftheStrings.com?

Edit: Just heard back from LoTS, they 'repackage' the custom sets for shipping overseas (guess for smaller size package?) and they accidentally misplaced the ziplock bag labels. Accidents happen, so I don't fault LoTS for that.

Below are the proper gauges for each set: (ignore pic labels)

F2714 labeled "Medium Tension" (This is the “Standard Tension” F2716 set on LoTS site.)


G .050" 1.28mm
D .061" 1.56mm
A .076" 1.91mm
E .095" 2.41mm
B .125" 3.18mm



F2716 labeled "Medium-Light Tension"


G .043" 1.10mm
D .055" 1.38mm
A .068" 1.74mm
E .088" 2.25mm
B .110" 2.80mm



All in all, these things aren't the end of the world but it's hard to build confidence in a company/product that is so inconsistent with its packaging. But I do wish Lenzner/Fisoma would just package their strings similar to others brands.

Hopefully, I'll forget all about it after playing them.

First impressions:

Strung up the "standard" (Medium) set last night. In general I like them. They are easy in the hand, quick to respond, 'feel like' an electric string but have an open/clear sound like a classical guitar string. Theres a focused attack and a full tone. And for my needs currently, they intonate really well across the whole fretboard so harmonies and pedal tones are clear. They also project well acoustically, more than TIAC, and sit in-between TIJR and Dogal Hellborg in volume.

The Hellborgs were my leading favorite, but the Fisoma Med set may now be leading by a nose. They are really similar in feel, tone, and volume.

B String:
IS REALLY nice in this set. plays and intonate up the whole neck. The only other B I like this much was in the Dogal Hellborg and DR Rare sets.

VS Bronze Strings:
On first impression, I really like the silver/nylon over Bronze or Bronze/silk. Theres something more controlled in the overtones, it sounds/feel more centered. If I needed an acoustic "cannon" for pulling out fundamentals in a group setting I may go with Bronze (specifically the DR Rare), but for an improvisational setting where the bass will move in and out of harmonic/melodic roles the silver will do better IMO.

VS LaBella Flats/Tapes:
While I LOVE the smooth feel of the tapes, They just don't intonate well in higher registers—the tapered B can be problematic, and they just don't have the clarity/presence im looking for.

Only CON that comes immediately to mind is I wish they'd make smooth/flat wrapped sets like classic guitar/cello/Double bass strings, even as a pressure wound, or sanded set would be great.

Finally, while these won't deliver for EB with magnetic pups, they are a great contender for any piezo bass. I'd love to try these on a Rick Tuner RENAISSANCE (Hey Rick, send me a 5 string to try! )

PS> I believe the wraps are long enough for a 35" mensure as well. (The Furch B is a 862mm/34"- theres safely about another 1.25" of after-length)

After a week of playing, the Standard set has settled in and is 'a bit' stiffer than when first installed. And while the gauge is a perfect match to regular EB 5string sets (.125 B), I've drop to Eb tuning to get the perfect 'feel'.

I'd also really love to try the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], but the cost is crazy!

Well, taking the instrument out of the equation, I think it's an endless spectrum of vol/tone/feel—with the obviously compromise of volume vs feel. At one end it's 'a cannon' at the other—it's 'easy in the hand'/flexible/supple. A great example is DR Rare vs GHS PPB

I would agree that the GHS PPB (and probably your best bet from your post) to have more perceived volume over TI JR, but in my case they (GHS) don't 'give'/feel under my hand as much—so thats my compromise. IME (though I still recommend you try them) TIJR will not get you any more presence in an acoustic group setting or sound any more 'low register guitar'-like. If you're looking for that tone in low tension feel, I'd recommend trying either Dogal Hellborg (EB-steel/stranded core) or Fisoma F2716 (silver/nylon)—both feel like EB strings, ring louder than TIJR, and feel as flexible in the hand. *If either brand would make a flat/pressure/ground wound I might be done looking.

And TIJF are great. I loved/played them for over 20 yrs... but they are not the sound (tone) I need for my ABG project. If you're looking for a darker flat sounding string (which it sounds like you're not) most of the Labella offerings go there. the lighter gauge 750 series is more flexible in the hand and the White series (Gold-Wht/copper-Wht/Wht) definitely sing more than the Black.
*Ive also tried the LaBElla GOLD flats (basically the LaB flat string in bronze metal) responses a little better that TI JF acoustically, but they are stiffer than both TIJF & TIJR... so like life, endless series of compromises.

And with all that being said, knowing what you're looking for is key. IME just searching for a "louder string" is only part of the equation. I was shocked by DR Rare bronze, they were super loud on my Furch but not very nimble (and the wraps are noisy).

PS> all my observations are based on acoustic settings. (Any amplified evaluation is more about the pup and amp, and easily tailored to needs with eq.)

Hope it helps

PPS> New strings will sing/seem louder, but any volume comparisons might be best observed 2-3 days after changing strings—if your making comparison recordings.

String Demo:

Well, I just got two new string sets that Im really excited to try so I wanted to get a sample of the Fisoma on the Furch before I removed them.

These are the Fisoma F2716 MED (Standard) gauge, on a Furch SW5 in standard tuning, recorded on an iphone12pro HD30fps.

For a string comparison, I wanted to keep it simple and not color or change the sound (FYHIWYG) so no plugins comp/reverb etc. This is also in my apt—so no treated studio space—you get the full experience NYC traffic and all! *Next time I'll add the piezo too for comparison. Sorry guys this was a quick and dirty session.

The recording is 'hit and miss' (no cuts or edits, mistakes and all LOL) and the micing (iPhone placement) was off but "it is what it is" for today ...I just hit record and played for about 15mins.

And for comparison (of string and mic placement...) heres an old test clip I did with the TI AcoustiCore.
Same Furch and iPhone12Pro recording but the placement makes it seem louder. Volume aside theyre very similar—though the Tis have a much quieter wrap. (a plus for me). I feel that the Fisoma are louder than the Tis, but they are also noisier like bronze strings.

Piezo Sample/Mic Comparisons:

I was about to switch out these strings when I started to have regrets about not posting a sample of the strings with the PUP. So... I recorded a quick sample for reference (across the instrument and a short groove sample).

All tracks are DRY/no processing. Only leveled the MOTU CH PREs so all three channels were about the same gain ±. Headphones suggested.

Gear:
MOTU 8PreES>Mac Studio>Logic Pro X

Furch SW5 Bass/Baggs AnthemSL pickup (DI>MOTU Pre)


Warm Audio WA47jr (LDC condenser mic)


Studio Projects C4mkII (SDC condenser mic)



And I added the iPhone12Pro HD/30fps again (as a comparison for the prior posts).



All this tech is kind of a stretch for me. Please let me know which mic (WA47jr or C4mkII - or iPhone?) you prefer. I'll be adding the piezo for any future comparisons.

DEMO: on Balor5

A big shout out to @rawdge, he lent me his Balor5 to try some string sets. Thanks man!

All audio tracks are DRY/no processing/no plugins. Only leveling the input gain in Logic Pro so that all tracks were more or less the same output. I alternated between pickup/WA47jr channels throughout as a comparison... Headphones suggested.

Gear:
iPhone12Pro 4k/30 video>
Emerald Balor5 bass (tone set at %50) pickup>
WarmAudio WA47jr Mic>
MOTU 8PreES>Mac Studio>Logic Pro

Note:
Theres a rattle which is either the Korg Clip Tuner I forgot to remove or something on the desk.

The Balor is a big tone. I don't think I mic'd it optimally—I should have mic'd the Balor higher, the tone coming out of the sound hole is deep and sweet!

steve_rolfeca said:

These are literally the first acceptable-sounding clips I've heard from a 5-string ABG.

I've been committed to 5-string electric basses as my primary performance instruments for nearly 40 years, so I'm always drawn to 5-string ABG's in principle.

However, amongst the usual local guitar store options (Dean, Godin, Ibanez, Michael Kelly), they're always disappointing, at least to me.

Obviously, the Furch and the Balor are in a different league price-wise, but still, it took these low-tension strings to make the formula appealing to me.

I prefer the Fisoma, but I wasn't turned off by the TI Jazz Flats either. The relative lack of handling noise is a plus, of course.

Click to expand...

Hey Steve, yeah I hear you. I play EB5 so I specifically wanted a AGB5 that I can switch between, play the same arrangements etc. Ive spent several years trolling shops around Nashville and NYC as well as hitting all the Big box stores and the only two instruments I came across that grabbed my attention were a long scale Guild in NYC , and a Martin BCPA model in Nashville. I should've bought that Martin while I was there, a few months later I bought one online and it did not sound/feel the same. —I think that one was "the one". .

I know everyones got their 'beloved' brand/ model but in general they all left me 'flat'. the furch really grabbed my attention, then I played the balor—it's a whole different thing. The sound depending on string choice can be 'non-woody', but with the right set it really does it all (for me); deep tone, great projection, fast articulation, feels/plays like and EB, great pup choices. Some of my fav sets for the Balor and furch so far have been; Fisoma, Dogal Hellborg, TIJR, TI AC. Though the TIs have some of the sweetest tone, they don't project as well as the others.

I really wish Fisoma/Lenzner would make these sets as flats, all these RW sets on the brighter side are just noisy for chordal and slide playing IMO.


on the packaging: I was more just surprised. they were mispackaged and the whole initial experience was alittle disappointing, but the strings have been great

Fisoma Med-Light Set

F2716 labeled "Medium-Light Tension"

G .043" 1.10mm
D .055" 1.38mm
A .068" 1.74mm
E .088" 2.25mm
B .110" 2.80mm

First Impressions:
They are Ultra-Lights by EB standards. This set is very reminiscent of a classical guitar string, in tone and feel. Though on the Furch, top end and chordal work really opens up with the lower tension! I would put these ≤ tension to the TIAC. (Tune a standard set down 1/2-wh step for an idea of tension.) They are VERY excitable so the softer the touch the bigger the TONE—not volume. They are bright in general and the roundwound wrap is seemingly noisier than the standard gauge.

B string:
though nice with the right touch, its a bit 'uncentered' in tone. But listen to the B with the pickup in the demo, it's thunderous.

For me, these would be great on a piezo bass (Rob Allen/Rick Turner) for a smooth quick feel. (Come on guys send me a tester instrument )

Personally Im torn again between the lower tension opening up the bass and adjusting to a uber-light touch to get the right tone.

DEMO:

All audio tracks are DRY/no processing/no plugins. Only leveling the input gain in Logic Pro so that all tracks were more or less the same output. I alternated between pickup/WA47jr channels throughout as a comparison... Headphones suggested.

Gear:
iPhone12Pro HD/30 video>
Furch SW5 bass pickup>
WarmAudio WA47jr Mic>
MOTU 8PreES>Mac Studio>Logic Pro, iMovie