If you're looking at Flexocors already the Pirastro string closest to the Bel Canto is probably the Flexocor Deluxe. They arguably bow as easily (or better) than Bel Cantos and have the added benefit of a well matched E string. Worth a try.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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
- Thread starter SAlcott
- Start date
I haven’t tried Bel Cantos but I have played a full set of the burgundy Flex 92 and I can say that the sound is really nice. Right now I have them mixed with Spiro to achieve fifths tuning and the Flexocor’s sound like wood while the Spirocore’s sound like plastic (though they have improved a little).
I honestly haven’t noticed a big difference in ease of bowing between the Flex, Spiro, or Obligato that I’ve tried, but the Flex 92’s are stiff at first.
I honestly haven’t noticed a big difference in ease of bowing between the Flex, Spiro, or Obligato that I’ve tried, but the Flex 92’s are stiff at first.
I'm currently loving starks as a middle ground between the cushion of regular passiones and the dark chocolate sound of the original flexies
Pirastro today sell Flexocor Deluxe, Flexocor and Original Flexocor. So are today’s Original the same as the early version? Then there are the 92 and who knows what others. Too many similar names.
The Pirastro marketing department has presented the Flexocor bass series in a most confusing way. They must think we are all string nerds who keep a note book on our strings …oops I actually do that.
My notes on Flexis Deluxe and 92s are minimal. I only have the solo A and regular D, both Deluxe and 92. Those bow easy, sound warm and just ok for pizz. According to my experience.
The Pirastro marketing department has presented the Flexocor bass series in a most confusing way. They must think we are all string nerds who keep a note book on our strings …oops I actually do that.
My notes on Flexis Deluxe and 92s are minimal. I only have the solo A and regular D, both Deluxe and 92. Those bow easy, sound warm and just ok for pizz. According to my experience.
Last edited:
I don't have experience with Flex 92s, Original Flexocor, and Flex Deluxe on the same bass, but I have used all of those strings at various times. In my experience, they go from brightest to darkest: FD, OF, F92. I think the FDs are the easiest to bow and they sing really nicely in the upper register. The OFs in my experience respond really well to changes in dynamics, but I recall they were the hardest to bow of all of them. However, I am under the impression that OFs have long been a string of choice in major orchestras; while Spiros and Bel Cantos and FDs etc have probably eroded that reputation somewhat, I expect many pros still do use them.
My good basses now have FDs with a Permanent C. I am playing a rented bass with Perpetuals and although I didn't like them at first I've gotten used to them and would like to try them on my Kimmel when I get home.
My good basses now have FDs with a Permanent C. I am playing a rented bass with Perpetuals and although I didn't like them at first I've gotten used to them and would like to try them on my Kimmel when I get home.
Disclaimer: YMMV, IMHO, IME, my bass, my bow.
My string journey starting from about a year + ago, give or take:
1) Belcanto ADG + Permanent long E>
2)Flex 92 D and G, Original Flex A, Perm long E>
3) Flex 92 A, D, G, Perm long E (the Flex 92 A was on for a very short period of time)>
4) Some experimentation that included Spiro Weich (then Spiro mittel) with a Spiro Mittel long E, as well as ancient Original Flatchrome ADG w/ Perm long E>
5) Flexocor Deluxe with Perm long E (solid 6 months)>
6) Belcanto ADG with Perm long E
The 2nd string setup (Flex92 DG, OG Flex A, Perm long E) was quite nice for a while, but I eventually found the following: The G had a bit of a bark to it, the D eventually went “dumb” (best way I could put it.. too dark/lifeless), and the OG Flex A, while very powerful, was a bit of a beast to bow).
As for the Flexocor Deluxe + Perm long E setup, I loved the instant response of the FDs as well as how evenly balanced they felt. I felt they were a tad bright at first, then they settled in quite nicely, but after 6 months I found myself for more warmth and spread, so I said what the heck, lemme try the Belcanto ADG with the Perm long E set up again, and I’m really glad I did. I won’t repeat the positive attributes of the Belcanto strings that have already been written about but will say I feel they’re the best match for my bass (2019 Martin Penning “Kennedy” model).
My string journey starting from about a year + ago, give or take:
1) Belcanto ADG + Permanent long E>
2)Flex 92 D and G, Original Flex A, Perm long E>
3) Flex 92 A, D, G, Perm long E (the Flex 92 A was on for a very short period of time)>
4) Some experimentation that included Spiro Weich (then Spiro mittel) with a Spiro Mittel long E, as well as ancient Original Flatchrome ADG w/ Perm long E>
5) Flexocor Deluxe with Perm long E (solid 6 months)>
6) Belcanto ADG with Perm long E
The 2nd string setup (Flex92 DG, OG Flex A, Perm long E) was quite nice for a while, but I eventually found the following: The G had a bit of a bark to it, the D eventually went “dumb” (best way I could put it.. too dark/lifeless), and the OG Flex A, while very powerful, was a bit of a beast to bow).
As for the Flexocor Deluxe + Perm long E setup, I loved the instant response of the FDs as well as how evenly balanced they felt. I felt they were a tad bright at first, then they settled in quite nicely, but after 6 months I found myself for more warmth and spread, so I said what the heck, lemme try the Belcanto ADG with the Perm long E set up again, and I’m really glad I did. I won’t repeat the positive attributes of the Belcanto strings that have already been written about but will say I feel they’re the best match for my bass (2019 Martin Penning “Kennedy” model).
Last edited:
I spend a lot of exercise bike time on the Berlin Phil Digital Concert Hall-it looks like mostly BCs on the big 5 string basses with occasional OFCs, along with one guy who often plays guts.
Yeah, and the 1st solo bass Janne Saksala endorses Gerold Genssler´s strings. So I´m interested to see do the Temperas find their way into the section of the Berlin Philharmoniker or do they stick with BCs and OFCs.
salcott I seem to recall you spending some time with the Flex Deluxes on your Schnitzer? (I remember probably because I also had the FDS on my carved Schnitzer/DeSola one-off at the time… which is not the same as your hand carved number of course …)
Perhaps some feedback on the Flex 92s vs the FDs would be helpful? I can’t offer any because I’ve never tried the 92s.
Perhaps some feedback on the Flex 92s vs the FDs would be helpful? I can’t offer any because I’ve never tried the 92s.
I did, but found them too bright. I'm sticking with the BCs for now, and will probably try a couple of different E/Cs from the stash to decide on a match.
Old thread but thought i'd share my experience for anyone interested. I've tried most of these strings mentioned above.
So after lots of experimentation i'm at:
Belcanto G & D
Belcanto A after dunking it in methylated spirits for 15-20 hours (strips the muting agent a bit, making it sound like the top 2 strings).
Spiro mittel E/C - this is a tight 1st place up against the permanent. Im also currently giving a belcanto E/C a meth bath, and if it works i think i will be back to belcantos with a methylates twist.
No G or D strings have competed with belcanto in my mind for orchestra work. The A and E/C though were always far too muddy for me and really sounded like a different set after being played in, hence the meth experiment. The outcome on the A resulted in the string sounding better and slightly more open than an OF A which until now had been my favourite. Spiro mittel A close 3rd.
One i'd like to try is an evah E/C. Anyone tried it?
So after lots of experimentation i'm at:
Belcanto G & D
Belcanto A after dunking it in methylated spirits for 15-20 hours (strips the muting agent a bit, making it sound like the top 2 strings).
Spiro mittel E/C - this is a tight 1st place up against the permanent. Im also currently giving a belcanto E/C a meth bath, and if it works i think i will be back to belcantos with a methylates twist.
No G or D strings have competed with belcanto in my mind for orchestra work. The A and E/C though were always far too muddy for me and really sounded like a different set after being played in, hence the meth experiment. The outcome on the A resulted in the string sounding better and slightly more open than an OF A which until now had been my favourite. Spiro mittel A close 3rd.
One i'd like to try is an evah E/C. Anyone tried it?
I usually put on my Evah full set over the summers when I'm doing more musical/jazz stuff than usual. The C extension string is actually quite good, but when you're so used to a spirocore or permanent it's so hard to use anything else.
Thanks, how would you compare the tone and tension of the evah to a permanent?
Roughly speaking from memory, the Evah has a similar feel to a Spirocore on the bow. The tone is good, but once you get to Db and C, it gets a little too dark and muddy, but nothing too bad. Still totally usable, but the Permanent really shines on all the notes and has such a great response.
