It's time to bring the chart over from my thread "All the different Spiros" so everyone can see exactly how much tension there is on each set when each set is strung on a 106 cm / 41 3/4 inch mensure at orchestra pitch. The figures are derived from T-I's own catalog, adjusted for the differences in advertised scale and pitch at their original intended usages:
And just as a handy reference, here is the comparison to the Bel Cantos:
G 62.2 D 63.3 A 64.4 E 63.3 Total 253.2
Notice that, like several of the Pirastro offerings, the Bel E string is lesser mass to get a quicker response off the bow. That is one reason that for pizz, if you want a dark "old style" pizz, the 3885.5W Spiro E string matches so well with Bel's. It comes right along with the rest of the set in progressive tension, and being as flexible, the feel is complimentary, and being slightly heavier than the S39W E string, the growl does not overwhelm the Bels. That's also why I call Bel's a medium-light string.
Code:
G D A E Total
S42 4/4 Light 55.3 59.3 61.4 63.4 239.4
S42 4/4 Medium 61.4 65.5 69.6 69.6 266.1
S42 4/4 Heavy 73.7 73.7 75.8 77.8 301.0
4/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch 50.3 55.3 55.3 55.3 216.2
3/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch 56.0 57.8 57.8 57.8 229.4
3885 3/4 Light 60.6 61.7 63.9 66.1 252.3
3885 3/4 Medium 67.2 68.3 70.5 72.8 278.8G 62.2 D 63.3 A 64.4 E 63.3 Total 253.2
Notice that, like several of the Pirastro offerings, the Bel E string is lesser mass to get a quicker response off the bow. That is one reason that for pizz, if you want a dark "old style" pizz, the 3885.5W Spiro E string matches so well with Bel's. It comes right along with the rest of the set in progressive tension, and being as flexible, the feel is complimentary, and being slightly heavier than the S39W E string, the growl does not overwhelm the Bels. That's also why I call Bel's a medium-light string.
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