Well, I've been really enjoying my Polychromes which I bought from Gollihur about a month and a half ago. I had to wait a while for them to be in stock, so I think they must be the latest version. Nice attack and just the amount of sustain I like. Clear pitch, but not steely. Bow nice, but probably not ballsy enough for a real section player. I'm sorry to hear that others have had the same kind of quality issues that I had. I was reassured by both the manufacturer and Gollihur that they had been solved. I guess it's back to the hunt for me when these start to die. I had hoped that my search was over.
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Double Bass innovation polychromes
- Thread starter Selim
- Start date
- Jul 28, 2009
- 387
- 314
- Disclosures
- Is not compensated for endorsements. Does not sell for profit.
Yes, the Polychromes have a lot going for it. I like it as an all purpose all around string. String tension is where I like it. It has all the good things about it that you listed.
Yes, it's a great all around string that arco effortlessly. I agree. I think it would be fine in a community orchestra, but it's not loud enough for a more demanding setting. It's not clear enough compared to dedicated orchestral strings. Fun to play arco. At the end of the concert I would be the least tired and had the most fun ... though I also didn't carry my own weight in the section. If these existed back when I was in college I probably would have gone with them. I could have gone hours on them without fatigue and go from practice to orchestra to jazz ensemble and practice and then do it the next day again and again without injury.
As far as the reliability issue, I guess if I really like them I need to order them well in advance plus add time in case I need to get a replacement. It's inexcusable that they can't resolve the issue though. It's also inexcusable that they have no quality control. It's always the G string so if anything ... so GHS, just check those G string before packing it up. They are definitely the outlier in terms of quality control.
Yes, it's a great all around string that arco effortlessly. I agree. I think it would be fine in a community orchestra, but it's not loud enough for a more demanding setting. It's not clear enough compared to dedicated orchestral strings. Fun to play arco. At the end of the concert I would be the least tired and had the most fun ... though I also didn't carry my own weight in the section. If these existed back when I was in college I probably would have gone with them. I could have gone hours on them without fatigue and go from practice to orchestra to jazz ensemble and practice and then do it the next day again and again without injury.
As far as the reliability issue, I guess if I really like them I need to order them well in advance plus add time in case I need to get a replacement. It's inexcusable that they can't resolve the issue though. It's also inexcusable that they have no quality control. It's always the G string so if anything ... so GHS, just check those G string before packing it up. They are definitely the outlier in terms of quality control.
I wonder if this winding problem could happen during the packaging process. Perhaps during the process of spinning them up to go into the envelope??? That could explain why they get through Q/A.
To be fair about it, I have some UK/pre-GHS SilverSlaps on right now where the E has a winding problem just north of the bridge. I noticed it before putting it on, and with string tension and playing it has diminished a lot and smoothed out, although I can still just find the spot. So anyway, these winding problems have happened since UK times.
To be fair about it, I have some UK/pre-GHS SilverSlaps on right now where the E has a winding problem just north of the bridge. I noticed it before putting it on, and with string tension and playing it has diminished a lot and smoothed out, although I can still just find the spot. So anyway, these winding problems have happened since UK times.
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It possibly happens when they release the tension off the string after winding the outer wrap and/or coil them into the envelopes.
Just a guess.
Just a guess.
I rather think they might be handled badly after they have been wound. These are not steel core bass guitar strings that can be treated a bit more roughly.
But it can also be the handling of the winding machine.
When I built a winding machine from simple parts for my Trautonium strings (nylon core with one layer of a thin resistive wire) I needed four hours of uninterrupted manual work for one about one meter long (I only need two...) by moving the wire spool holder by hand.
So I know what can happen when things get wrong in that process.
But it can also be the handling of the winding machine.
When I built a winding machine from simple parts for my Trautonium strings (nylon core with one layer of a thin resistive wire) I needed four hours of uninterrupted manual work for one about one meter long (I only need two...) by moving the wire spool holder by hand.
So I know what can happen when things get wrong in that process.
- Sep 9, 2007
- 5,309
- 4,977
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Eventide, GHS Strings, G&L Guitars, NS Design, Tsunami Cables
This is where we're looking, as it doesn't seem to happen with larger envelopes. Short term solution is to coil them in larger packaging while we look for the long term solution. It's really coming down to how everything sits on top of each other. Larger strings don't have the issue because there's more layers.
That would be incorrect. While yes, they're not as "solid" as a bass guitar string, none of the strings made here are treated roughly. The Innovation ones in particular get a "white glove" treatment.
I rather meant that that could be happened by accident not regularly. And the (thinner) synthetic core strings are a lot more delicate to handle than the sticker ones or bass guitar strings.
And I also said that it might happen during the manufacturing process.
BTW, the UK manufactured Innovation strings (at least the metal wound ones) came in a rather large envelope. But the similar constructed Evah Pirazzi Weich or Obligato have a “normal” envelope size like most steel core strings. Only the Velvets (Compas 180, Classico) came in a similar sized large vacuumed synthetic bag.
