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Double Bass Anyone tried NS Helicore Medium Hybrids?

T

tkauf

Sep 6, 2003
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#1
Hi, fellow EUB players,

I've got an NS CR5M which I really enjoy playing. I was wondering if anyone has tried the Helicore Medium Hybrid 5 string set w/low B that they sell for $235.00

Seems like a good bargain, given that it's got a low B in the set, but Ihave no isdea what they sound like.

Anyone tried 'em?
 
#6
Take my comments as subjective as they are, but I get mixed results with Helicore strings.
On my Carruthers, some sound good, like the Hybrid mediums, but others don't, like the light orchestrals D & G.
The Medium Orchestrals are nice, but somewhat stiff.
But it's very subjective and depends on the kind of tone you're looking for!
I prefer orchestral-type strings in order to get less sustain and brightness, and more warmth and "woodiness".
 
#8
Well, I know Bruce Lindfield is happy with regular Flexocors on this NS. He has a four stringer I think.
The bottom strings, particularly the E and even more the B, could be less satisfying for pizz playing though.
Pirastro Obligatos are an alternative.
The new Thomastik Belcantos are also an attractive choice.
However, no low B or low C is available yet.
A Superflexible low B could be a nice companion I think.
 
#9
So I got my Helicore Hybrids on the NS EUB, and they sound great, especially the low B string.

At first I thought, why am I doing this? I had to drill out the hole below the bridge because the B string is so fat, then crimp the other end to get it into the tuning peg. Then when I played the strings I noticed they required more finger strength then the house strings that came with the bass.

I've had the new strings for about a month and they are keepers. Great tone, and much better sound on the low B.

thanks to everyone for their help and advice. :hyper:
 
#10
OK, so now it's a few weeks later...how are the strings holding up?

Mellowing at all? Still bright?

That's odd to hear you had to fool with the low B to get it to fit?!? Should the design team have considered these things prior to production?!

From all the other posts I read in the Wav Megathread, it sounded like the E string was a problem when considering "regular" DB strings.

I'm going to purchase a set for my new Wav (on order) so I don't have to deal with tweaking full size (or 3/4) DB strings.

Would love to hear your comments...
 
#12
I just put a set on my newish WAV4, and they are a vast improvement over the stock strings. If I can get the stand fixed, it will be a viable gigging axe. The sound is a bit on the electric side compared to my upright and my Merchant VBass. I think it has its own unique place in the bassist's palette.
 
#13
Maybe a bit late, but I'm using Helicore Hybrid lights on my BugBass and they've done really well. I especially notice the even volume and tone across strings, especially compared to Spiro weichs, where the E seemed thin and snarly. The G string is mellow compared to some of the others I've tried, too.

What I also like is that while medium gauge strings seemed to have too much bottom end, the lights have a bit more mids and less bottom that requires minimal EQ.
 

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