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Double Bass Helicore Hybrids

D

Dimmik

Apr 16, 2012
203
148
#1
I've started using these--the medium tensions--and I really like these more than the Corellis I was using. Those were arco strings anyway. They plucked good, very clean, but the hybrids growl and I love that! I'll take growl over clean any day of the week.

I was reading an interview with Christian McBride and he says he uses the same thing. I didn't know that before I bought them. I just wanted to try a different string so I ordered these from Lemur.

A friend of mine loves them and has just ordered a set of light tensions. Can't wait to compare them to the mediums. Anyone use these and what do you think?
 
#2
I used them for a while and thought that they were okay. More pizz friendly than arco. I eventually switched to Pirastro Obligatos and I thought it was a big improvement for both playing styles. I understand that D'Addario has re-formulated the Helicore strings so perhaps what you are now using are a lot different than what I tried.

- Steve
 
#3
I have a new bass coming to me at the end of this month. At the recommendation of the builder I am having it shipped to me with Helicore Hybrids on it. I am currently using Corellis too. Curious to see how the strings will perform/feel. Well, I am a LITTLE interested in the new bass also.
 
#4
I have found that the Helicore Hybrid Light and Heavy gauge to sound better than the mediums. Depends on the bass of course, but for whatever reason I have never been enamoured by the Medium gauge. They are decent strings with a pretty good tone although somewhat inconsistant quality control. They don't have the focus of Spirocore, but they do have a nice dark sound and do a pretty good job as a Hybrid string.
 
#5
I often have the urge to try Helicore hybrids again. The last time I had them on I had just got a new bass and they sounded horrible. Wasn't sure if it was a bad batch but they were so tinny and buzzy. And the arco was miserable. I left them on for a couple of months before I couldn't take it any more.

But... at the shop I work at almost every bass I setup for our rentals gets strung up with these strings (medium guage). And they always seem to work on these basses. Mostly Shen plys and hybrids. What always brings me back to thinking about putting them on is the feel of these strings to me are pretty much perfect. Probably my favorite steel string for bounce. I love walking on them. And when I bow the basses at work they aren't so bad either. Maybe the last time I tried them they were a different formula. It would be awesome if they would work since they are nice on the wallet as well.
 
#6
Sorry to resurrect this thread.

I have a question; I have two Helicore Hybrid E strings. One has the dark green wrapping at the peg side and the other one a light green wrapping. What is the difference? Are they both mediums? Did they change the color of the wrapping some years ago maybe?
 

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