• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Bel Cantos to Flexocor

SAlcott

SAlcott

Supporting Member
Aug 22, 2007
4,605
5,257
NYC, Inwood.
#1
Okay fellow string geeks/obsessives, here's the question: I'm currently playing and am mostly happy with BC GDA and Permanent E/C on AES#34. A friend's teacher suggested Flexocors (burgundy silk at ball end) for darker sound and easier bowing. Opinions?

I know....stop switching strings and practice.....
 
Last edited:
#5
OK, I'll clarify; the strings I'm inquiring about, according to Pirastro, are now called simply "Flexocor". They don't list "Flexocor 92" any more. The silk on the tailpiece end is solid burgundy. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried both Bel Cantos and the aforementioned Flexocors.
 
Last edited:
#6
SAlcott said:
OK, I'll clarify; the strings I'm inquiring about, according to Pirastro, are called simply "Flexocor". They don't list "Flexocor 92" any more. The silk on the tailpiece end is solid burgundy. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried both Bel Cantos and the aforementioned Flexocors.
Click to expand...

Those are the same as Flexocor 92, distinct from Original Flexocors.
 
#9
Belcanto is already the king of bowing strings; honestly my experience is Bel wins Flex 92, bowability-wise. But it's just my personal oppinion.
Sure Flex 92 is dark and good to bow, slightly more focus than the Bel.
But the G is very thin so that it is a little bit too bright out of the set.
Also, Flex 92 has a week E, which is often replaced by Permanent E or long E/C.
 
#12
Alberto Wang said:
Belcanto is already the king of bowing strings; honestly my experience is Bel wins Flex 92, bowability-wise. But it's just my personal oppinion.
Click to expand...
This is also my opinion on my bass. Belcantos sound darker on my bass. Also the Flexocores feel tight, especially the G-string.
Salcott, I also have Bels but I have EP weich on E and A. On my bass they bow as easily and have dark but clear sound. Also they have better pizz sustain and sound and make this combination a great hybrid set. Maybe that´s something to try out on your bass...
I still might put the Temperas back on and give them some more time, but I get an easier bow response with Bels and EPW. @salcott, I have to ask, how did you like the Temperas if you don´t use them anymore?
 
#13
Nathan Eskridge said:
I have no experience with the 92's, but it's been my experience and what I've heard it's that the original flex is like the darkest string on the market. Takes a bit heavier of a bowing arm tho
Click to expand...
No, the Original Flxc G ( and also the D) can sound piercing bright if you don´t have a dark, very old bass. The A is the thickest steel A-string and that is dark and powerful. The E is dark and dead (like the regular Flxc E).
 
#14
I've tried the EP Weich E/C, and liked it pretty well; I'm going to let the Permanent really break in before I make up mind between the two. The hybrid/crossover thing is not an issue, as I have another bass for that work. Regarding the Flexocor Originals, that was my experience-not a good match for my youngish bass. My teacher has them on her primary orchestra bass, which I get to play at my lessons, and they sound great even when I play it. As to the Temperas, I had a problem with the G string (which was quickly replaced) and I'll need some fingerboard work if/when i put them on again. I did like them, but wonder how they'll stand up to section playing with too few basses.
 
  • Like
Reactions: foilracer and elmer
#15
elmer said:
No, the Original Flxc G ( and also the D) can sound piercing bright if you don´t have a dark, very old bass. The A is the thickest steel A-string and that is dark and powerful. The E is dark and dead (like the regular Flxc E).
Click to expand...
For the top 2 strings, I had the opposite experience, they were equally dark and powerful to the A, cant speak for the E, as I'm using a permanent. Each bass is gonna respond differently to different strings depending on a plethora of things like wood type, thickness, age, yadda yadda. I'm only offering the consensus of my, and a few professional bassists I've gotten opinions from experiences. My bass is a pretty new (2018) Romanian copy of a Busan.
 
#16
SAlcott said:
A friend's teacher suggested Flexocors (burgundy silk at ball end) for darker sound and easier bowing.
Click to expand...

Easier bowing than BelCanto? :)

Not in my experience. I have tried a couple of different Flexi’s tuned in 5ths, and many other strings. The D is standard tuning. No string I have ever come across has been easier bowing than the BelCanto tuned in 4ths.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: elmer
#17
CaseyVancouver said:
Easier bowing than BelCanto? :)

Not in my experience. I have tried a couple of different Flexi’s tuned in 5ths, and many other strings. The D is standard tuning. No string I have ever come across has been easier bowing than the BelCanto tuned in 4ths.
Click to expand...
Cool! I'm curious about how Flex 92's solo A and #F work, in 5th. I can hardly find any Flex 92 solo on Youtube.
It seems like Daniel Nix use Flex 92 on the top two, and of course, he plays beautifully.
 
#19
Nathan Eskridge said:
For the top 2 strings, I had the opposite experience, they were equally dark and powerful to the A, cant speak for the E, as I'm using a permanent. Each bass is gonna respond differently to different strings depending on a plethora of things like wood type, thickness, age, yadda yadda. I'm only offering the consensus of my, and a few professional bassists I've gotten opinions from experiences. My bass is a pretty new (2018) Romanian copy of a Busan.
Click to expand...
Yes Nathan, of course you´re right. It all depends on the bass. I was only referring to their sound on my bass and to some comments here on TB.
I liked the clearness and power on my bass but I didn´t have the patience to wait the D and G to cool down. I also liked the fact that the D and G Orig. Flxcs had less tension than regular Flexocores. Maybe I should give them a new chance :)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back