Double Bass Anyone ever use Helicore Orchestra Strings for Pizz jazz or rock n roll?

[TheManFish]

I have an unopened set of Helicore Orchestra strings but I mostly play pizz like rock jazz and slap. Has anyone used these strings and how do they sound? I imagine a bit darker but I kinda like that, Or should I get or swap them for another set? Thanks

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

If you play old school it might work. Some bluegrass players like their thud. They won't make much volume.

 

[TheManFish]

Thanks. I think Ill get some other strings.

 

[Ryan in PDX]

Dark thud, yes. I had them on for my first few years because they came with my bass. Wish I'd changed them out sooner, personally.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

They may work better on a (solid body) EUB as the NS Traditionals are just shorter versions of them.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

As a jazz player, I tried them for a brief time and I've heard other jazz cats use them as well. They're dark and have little pizzicato sustain. My experience is they tend to be stiff under both hands. Really depends on the bass and needs/preferences of the player. They may not be the first choice for most Jazz players but you won't know unless you try. If you already have them, why not?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

They are very stiff and dead sounding for pizz. Not recommended imo.

 

[PeckBass]

I have an unopened set of Helicore Orchestra strings but I mostly play pizz like rock jazz and slap. Has anyone used these strings and how do they sound? I imagine a bit darker but I kinda like that, Or should I get or swap them for another set? Thanksidull sounding. I used a pair of orchestral light Helicore for a loud jazz rock gig and it was not fun for heavy pizz, great for bow though!

They are very stiff and dead sounding for pizz. Not recommended imo.

I found them to be stiff and unrewarding for pizz. I've had the medium hybrid set on for a while but I want more highs and thump so I'm actually thinking of trying the heavy gauge pizz set.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

I found them to be stiff and unrewarding for pizz. I've had the medium hybrid set on for a while but I want more highs and thump so I'm actually thinking of trying the heavy gauge pizz set.

Keeping in mind this is all very subjective, I used Helicore Hybrids for a decent while and found myself in a similar situation as you. The solution was regular old Thomastik Spirocore, S42 Mittels. They do everything the Helicores do but better, in my opinion.

 

[PeckBass]

Agreed, very subjective to enumerable variables!

 

[TheManFish]

I checked that site with the recordings of almost every string type and it sounded a bit dull and low volume compared to most other strings. .

 

[Francois Blais]

That's to be expected for a string designed primarily for arco playing.
The damping material stuffed in the strings is softening part of the higher harmonics and sustain.

 

[Paps]

I used Helicore Hybrid strings. My first set and I thought they were ok at the time, although I only used them for arco.
Then I tried flexicore and passiones, and both were in a different and superior league to Helicore.
I wouldn't recommend the hybrids for arco.