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"loose" cocco's

I posted this in another thread but didnt get any replies, I thought I'd ought to give it a thread of its own.

Last week I switched the strings on my 5-string warwick corvette pro from 3,5-year old elixir nanoweb light strings to a set of Cocco RC 4D's. As you can see it's been a while since I changed the strings: I didn't really feel any need since the Elixirs still sounded and felt ok, they just had some loose plastic fiber near the pickups. But I will have to enter the studio in 1 month for my new band and felt I should change them for this occassion.

Obviously the Cocco's are much brighter (I am not sure how much will last after I've played some more) but also they feel a lot different... more "loose". Also they rattle even more than the elixirs (I use a very low setup, the slight rattling was no problem in a louder environment, I haven't tested the Cocco's yet in that situation). Could it be due to a different string tension? Will the "loose" feel disappear if I change my setup (trussrod, action)? I feel awkward about changing it if I'd want to switch back to the Elixirs later on.

Is this all in my head because I have gotten so used to the elixirs? Should I keep soldiering on with the cocco's and trust I will grow accustomed to them before entering the studio in a month? I hope you can provide some insight, I'm in doubt at the moment.
 
Just looked up Cocco strings. You picked a pretty light guage at 40-100, so those are going to be pretty loose no matter what.

The question now is, hex core or round core?

A hex core string is usually stiffer and has less play or rubberband feel.
A round core string often feels supple and easier to manipulate.

Also I'm willing to bet the Elixers have above average tension due to the outer wrapping and coating.

You might want to contact R. Cocco and ask him the same questions you've asked us. [email protected]
 
well i already contacted cocco a few days ago, no reply yet. i guess he is a busy man ;)

i picked the same gauge cocco's as the elixirs. don't know whether they have round core or hex core's, maybe it's on the wrapping, i'll see when i get home.

actually the drummer/bandleader reminded me to get new strings. so i got them and told him so (but hadnt installed them yet, which i didnt tell him). "those new strings sound great man!" felt a bit bummed telling him they were on the bass for 4 years now almost, hehe. i guess it shows the old strings werent so bad... then again he is a drummer ;)