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Rene - Posted - 11/01/2010: 16:43:42
Are they in a kinda purplish pink package?
RobBob - Posted - 11/02/2010: 04:58:50
The purple package is there old fiddle string package, for goodness, freshness and playing enjoyment get the pink package that say Vintage Violin 7207 on the front. If it says Fiddle, you probably won't like them.
edkarch - Posted - 11/02/2010: 13:26:18
quote:
Originally posted by Endif
I put them on my fiddles. Love 'em. My violin finally sounds like a fiddle..
Apparently they sometimes need a couple of days to adjust before they sound good. The first two days they squeaked and shrieked--even the D string. Totally unplayable. I looked at rosin. I tried different bows. I was super careful to bow at 90 degrees to the string. I had someone else play. No joy. Day three I picked it up the fiddle and all the problems were magically gone and the sound is great.
I have installed on five fiddles replacing one set of perlons, one unknown, and three prims.. The perlon and unknown replacements were shriekers and three prim replacements were not. Too small a sample to draw any conclusions, may just be the fiddle getting used to new strings.
bosco - Posted - 11/02/2010: 19:12:28
quote:
Originally posted by RobBob
The purple package is there old fiddle string package, for goodness, freshness and playing enjoyment get the pink package that say Vintage Violin 7207 on the front. If it says Fiddle, you probably won't like them.
Here are pictures of them.
blackdiamondstrings.com/HTMLPa...olin.html
bj - Posted - 12/08/2010: 17:58:08
How long do these take to settle in? Right now they're not liking my usual bowing style. At all. Any pressure whatsoever and I'm getting this tinny metallic shrieky noise . . . They've been on since this morning. I have to bow with almost no pressure at all, and then they're prone to squeaks.
I'm hoping that either they settle in or they're just not right for this fiddle. This is rather surprising. This is the french fiddle that sounds wonderful with just about any other kind of string (though it does like Prims best.)
bj - Posted - 12/08/2010: 18:01:49
quote:
Originally posted by hchristo
Thanks for all the positive feedback. You can use Coupon Code FB073110 for 10% off at Audubon Strings too! OR, you can use coupon code FIDDLEHANGOUT for a 5% discount and we'll donate 5% of your purchase to Fiddle Hangout.
Oh, forgot to mention, got mine from Audubon with the 10% off coupon, and got free shipping too, so the two sets I got were $27.23. Got good customer service too. Ordered Nov. 30, received Dec. 4.
ajisai - Posted - 12/08/2010: 18:27:54
quote:
Originally posted by bj
How long do these take to settle in? Right now they're not liking my usual bowing style. At all. Any pressure whatsoever and I'm getting this tinny metallic shrieky noise . . . They've been on since this morning. I have to bow with almost no pressure at all, and then they're prone to squeaks.
That sounds like what I experienced. I like the strings but I had to adjust my bowing and even now I'll get an occasional shrill sound or a funny little gargling kind of sound--things I don't think I got with other strings. I'll have another fiddle soon with different strings and I'm looking forward to seeing if I have the same issues there.
bj - Posted - 12/08/2010: 19:03:21
Well, so far there is no middle between too much pressure and too little. Doesn't leave me any room . . .
M-D - Posted - 12/08/2010: 19:24:05
Hmm. I"ve got them on two very different fiddles, and not noticed what is being described. Now, winter has surely made a difference in the grab of the rosin, and I do notice some changes in the bowing with that, but this doesn't come from the strings. They were mah-velous before.
ajisai - Posted - 12/08/2010: 19:26:36
Sounds frustrating. I kept looking in the mirror to see if my bow was straight but it seemed to be.
Bowing aside, the one thing that I liked about them was that they gave me a nice clear-pitched sound. Do you get that? My fiddle's struggling now, though. Air's getting dry and I changed the tailpiece (nice built-in tuners--hooray) and the bridge has been every which way because of cross-tuning and it's not quite the same so it's hard to tell what the strings are contributing (or not contributing) at the moment.
RobBob - Posted - 12/08/2010: 19:26:37
Odd, that you all are having these problems. While they are not Pirastro Chrom Chor, I find them mellower and more bow friendly than Prims. You do have the Violin 7207's on your fiddles, correct?
bj - Posted - 12/08/2010: 19:50:55
Yup. 7207s. A couple other people did mention something similar. All but one of them said it went away though. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
I did find that my other slower and less lively bow is better on these, at least at the moment.
fiddlepogo - Posted - 12/08/2010: 23:37:33
quote:
Originally posted by fiddlepogo
I put in a special order at my local music store for the Black Diamond 7207's...
I figured if they carry Super Sensitives, they can get the Black Diamonds.
Looking forward to giving them a try.
(sigh)
The owner of the local violin-oriented music store says she can't get them from any of her suppliers!!!
bosco - Posted - 12/09/2010: 00:44:40
bj, don't wast your time and go back to Prim. You already find the strings you love. Just send the BD set to pogo.
RobBob - Posted - 12/09/2010: 05:22:20
I have to a agree with Bosco. I started this thread and find that I like the 7207s on one fiddle more than another. Not every fiddle like every string. Not every bow likes every fiddle. That is just how it is. I started this because I found a string that I liked better than Prims and a wee bit better than Premiums.
fiddlepogo - Posted - 12/09/2010: 13:43:51
While I'm tempted to agree with Bosco and send you my snail-mail addy 
I also agree with RobBob a LOT.
You remember when I was so gung-ho about Thomastik Precision Lights???
Well, I still LOVE them on the one (Romanian) Knilling.
But neither the other Knilling nor the Eastman liked them...
both preferred Prims.
I'm curious to see what the 7207s are like, but I don't expect ALL my fiddles to like them...
if they make just one of them sound better and cures them of an expensive addiction to imported strings,
I'll be happy.
If I were you, I'd keep the BD 7207s, and try them on another fiddle in your (IIRC rather large) stable of fiddles.
If even a couple of your fiddles like the cheaper string, it'll save you money.
Also, if your sweet spot disappeared, I'm thinking that the scale length might be too long for that string.
If there's evidence that the bridge used to be farther forward, try moving it forward just a teensy bit...
like no more than a millimeter. It's amazing what a little difference a slight change in the scale length can make.
It may not be the fiddle the strings don't like so much as the scale length.
Also, keep in mind that whatever bridge tweaks and soundpost adjustment are made, are made with the sound of the fiddle strung with its present set of strings in mind... and those tweaks MIGHT NOT complement the new set of strings.
RobBob - Posted - 12/09/2010: 14:38:29
Hmm there seems to be more to think about than I have thought about all of this.
oldtimestrings - Posted - 12/09/2010: 15:18:49
Things sure were a lot easier for those old-timers who had little if any choice about their strings and other equipment. It makes the artistic quality of what some them did all that much more astonishing.
Or perhaps not, considering that they concentrated exclusively on making music, and not, like many of us, on secondary matters like which strings suit which instruments, which rosin works best in summer and which in winter, etc. etc.
Not trying to be critical here, as I'm just as guilty of this as anyone. Just some food for thought.
bj - Posted - 12/09/2010: 15:40:50
Well, the good news is they seem to be settling in. I like them a lot more today. It'll be interesting to see how they sound in a few days.
One thing I will suggest to anyone trying these. Just to be on the safe side, don't put them on right before you've got a gig! Give 'em at least a couple days to settle!
Re putting them on another fiddle-- If these aren't the best strings for this fiddle there are two others that are currently players that are in line for 'em, and another one that I'll be glueing the top back on and setting up probably early next week. So Michael, you're outta luck, there's plenty of other "homes" for these strings!
bj - Posted - 12/09/2010: 15:45:17
quote:
if they make just one of them sound better and cures them of an expensive addiction to imported strings,
I'll be happy.
Expensive? You're not talking about Prims, are you? I just looked on Prodigy and they're under 23 bucks a set with free shipping. Granted, these BDs are less expensive than that, but Prims are far from expensive, compared to Evahs or others!
fiddlepogo - Posted - 12/09/2010: 17:52:21
quote:
Originally posted by oldtimestrings
Things sure were a lot easier for those old-timers who had little if any choice about their strings and other equipment. It makes the artistic quality of what some them did all that much more astonishing.
Yes, VERY astonishing considering that the strings used were very possibly the original Black Diamonds!
quote:
Or perhaps not, considering that they concentrated exclusively on making music, and not, like many of us, on secondary matters like which strings suit which instruments, which rosin works best in summer and which in winter, etc. etc.
Hey!!!! I <resemble> that remark!!!!
quote:
Not trying to be critical here, as I'm just as guilty of this as anyone. Just some food for thought.
Yup, some people are WAY too picky, and I'm one of 'em!!!!
One plus the oldtimers had... because they so often weren't tuning to an exact pitch, they often might have tuned to a pitch
that flattered the particular fiddle they were playing.
fiddlepogo - Posted - 12/09/2010: 18:02:55
quote:
Originally posted by bj
quote:
if they make just one of them sound better and cures them of an expensive addiction to imported strings,
I'll be happy.
Expensive? You're not talking about Prims, are you? I just looked on Prodigy and they're under 23 bucks a set with free shipping. Granted, these BDs are less expensive than that, but Prims are far from expensive, compared to Evahs or others!
Well, expensive is relative...
but you're right, $23 isn't bad at all. They're $26 from the place where I get the Precision Lights.
For me somehow $25 is the price point where I start thinking strings are expensive.
I was more thinking of the $32 Thomastik Precision Lights are up to, actually they are probably more than that now.
fiddlepogo - Posted - 12/09/2010: 18:17:55
quote:
Originally posted by bj
Well, the good news is they seem to be settling in. I like them a lot more today. It'll be interesting to see how they sound in a few days.
One thing I will suggest to anyone trying these. Just to be on the safe side, don't put them on right before you've got a gig! Give 'em at least a couple days to settle!
Re putting them on another fiddle-- If these aren't the best strings for this fiddle there are two others that are currently players that are in line for 'em, and another one that I'll be glueing the top back on and setting up probably early next week. So Michael, you're outta luck, there's plenty of other "homes" for these strings!
No, I really didn't think they'd be coming my way- you did note the smiley, didn't you?
Not changing brands or models of strings right before a gig is good advice for any string, IMO.
In the windup before a gig, I want predictability as much or more than good tone.
And even with a string that's a known quantity, I think I'd want about 5 days break-in time.
bj - Posted - 12/10/2010: 08:53:25
Update on this. These strings on my Salzard french fiddle sound much better today. I can't say I prefer them over Prims on this fiddle at this point, but the difference is small enough for me to keep them on until they burn out before switching back to Prims. But then again, if they improve more over the next day or two . . . who knows?
quote:
Originally posted by edkarch
quote:
Originally posted by Endif
I put them on my fiddles. Love 'em. My violin finally sounds like a fiddle..
Apparently they sometimes need a couple of days to adjust before they sound good. The first two days they squeaked and shrieked--even the D string. Totally unplayable. I looked at rosin. I tried different bows. I was super careful to bow at 90 degrees to the string. I had someone else play. No joy. Day three I picked it up the fiddle and all the problems were magically gone and the sound is great.
I have installed on five fiddles replacing one set of perlons, one unknown, and three prims.. The perlon and unknown replacements were shriekers and three prim replacements were not. Too small a sample to draw any conclusions, may just be the fiddle getting used to new strings.
Now, an oddity. Since they sounded reasonable last night, I decided to go ahead and put the second set on my American fiddle. Though they don't sound the way I think they should yet, I got NONE of the squeaky/screetchy thing going on with this second set. As Ed seems to indicate in his post above, he experienced the same anomaly. One has to wonder if this is the difference between fiddles or if it's a quality issue in the strings. I'm tending toward the latter since, except with Helicores, I've not experienced differences of this sort. Now, having said that, if the settling in process cures the problem, it's not an issue the way the warbly awful A string on Helicores was.
And Ed, you never did say whether the strings settled down on the fiddles they initially screetched on.
edkarch - Posted - 12/10/2010: 13:30:30
quote:
Originally posted by bj
Update on this. These strings on my Salzard french fiddle sound much better today. I can't say I prefer them over Prims on this fiddle at this point, but the difference is small enough for me to keep them on until they burn out before switching back to Prims. But then again, if they improve more over the next day or two . . . who knows?
And Ed, you never did say whether the strings settled down on the fiddles they initially screetched on.
Yes they all mellowed out within a week at the most.
Andah1andah2 - Posted - 12/26/2010: 12:52:02
Well, I'm on vacation for a few days so I decided to replace my 7 month old dominants with a set of these 7207's. I must say it is quite a price difference from the 50 bucks for the dominants to the 14 dollar price of the diamonds. Being relatively new to fiddling, I can't yet tell the nuances that others recognize. The dominants still seemed fine, still ringing and such. I just decided to try something new and some steel strings that will cross tune more easily without the need to keep adjusting.
So far these new diamonds sound just fine. The only thing I've noticed so far is the D string. I remember when I first put the dominants on 7 months ago. I thought the D string had a strange gritty sound. That went away after a couple of weeks or I just got used to it. On this set the D string sounds fine but I'm finding that I have to really dig into it to get a pure tone. Its almost like this D string is not as "grabby" to the bow hairs as the last set? Has anyone noticed anything like this? It does look to me like the dominant D string is thicker than the black diamond one, I don't know if the texture of the string is smoother?
M-D - Posted - 12/26/2010: 13:11:30
For one thing, steel bows differently than synthetic. For another, you're looking at different masses. But, sounds more like a set-up issue than the strings, to me. What about your G? How does it compare?
RobBob - Posted - 12/26/2010: 13:23:26
The Black Diamonds are a thin set compared to a composite or synthetic set of strings. I used more rosin with them at first but that issue was minor IMHO.
bj - Posted - 12/26/2010: 13:56:32
These took more oomph to get them moving during the settle in period, but that seems to have smoothed out quite a bit, though they still take a bit more energy to play than Prims. How long have you had them on?
Andah1andah2 - Posted - 12/26/2010: 14:23:17
You see, now I'm embarrassed. I should have waited before reporting out. They have only been on for a few hours. I need to just let them settle for a week before passing any judgements.
Interesting though, the more I experiment with that D string the more I learn. It seems "right now" that that tone issue is less to do with the bowing pressure and more with how much pressure my left hand needs to stop the string. I think it took less to stop the string on the old set to get a clear tone. I don't notice this as much on the G, A or E though. Maybe that will balance out and/or maybe I just need to get used to this new set and type of string.
I do want to say that I really like the sound on the A and E strings. Sounds louder and/or brighter to me than the dom's.
bj - Posted - 12/26/2010: 15:08:58
Yeah, give 'em a week and report back. Meanwhile, you might wanna just swing by your luthier and make sure there's nothing going on with that D string that a setup tweak couldn't cure.
RobBob - Posted - 12/26/2010: 15:44:06
These strings are far different than Dominants in the way you will play them. They are a very different string and will behave very differently. So make adjustments as required, learn how to play them. Different strings on the same fiddle are like driving different yet similar vehicles. They all drive similarly but the differences have to be taken into consideration.
tonyelder - Posted - 01/10/2011: 08:42:03
I bought 2 sets of 4/4 mediums, BD 7207. $31.46 w/free shipping from Audubon Strings.
Has anyone else noticed that the overall string length is the same as Helicores, but the windings stop about 1-1/4" shorter (at least on the G string). So the play length is significantly shorter. So much so that it doesn't clear the nut on one fiddle. They only clear the nut on my second fiddle by about 3/8", but it does clear.
It might just be the way my fiddle is set up.The after length may be longer than "average". But IMO - they should still fit - even on a worst case basis.
Why would they do that?.
I did swap out the Helicores on one fiddle, and put them on the other - so I could at least put the BD on one fiddle - to see how they sound. To my ear - that they are comparable enough to the Helicores for me to enjoy saving money by using them. I haven't noticed anything "objectionable" about the way they sound. They aren't louder than the Helicores, but they do seem to be a little more clear in tone (but that might be the new vs the old). For me, the bow doesn't seems to grab as well, but I can manage with a little more pressure to get them moving - I might try a different rosin (suggetions?). But for that reason - I feel like they aren't quiet as responsive. And, for me, they feel a little more "tight" under the fingers, but I like that. I have heavy callouses on my fingers from playing guitar - and I like being able to feel the resistance of the strings a little more. I feel like I have a little better control and don't have that subconscious need to press the string all the way to the fingerboard cause I can feel the string better.
These are my first impressions - after about a week.
One thing that isn't going to change - the playing length on these 2 sets of strings. Unless BD makes the changes in production - it looks like I won't be able to buy them for at least one of my fiddles. I have made an inquiry throught the dealer. And they have said they will let me know how BD responds.
RobBob - Posted - 01/10/2011: 08:50:23
Did not notice the play length differentia and I have installed lots of sets on student's fiddles and other folks fiddles. The fit my fiddles fine. They do require a different bow attack than Helicores, and I have gotten to where I like a lot of other strings better than Helicore including the BD.
tonyelder - Posted - 01/11/2011: 12:35:02
Yes. The Black Diamonds 7207s are definitely made with a shorter play length. At least that is the case with the 2 sets I purchased.
I received an email from Audubon Strings today - that included Black Diamonds response. BD suggested that the string may "stretch a bit during the settling process and will eventually be fine once the strings have reached their stable point." Hmmmm.... 1-1/4"??? ...seriously???
Nah, that ain't gonna happen. For them to suggest that it might - only tells me they are concerned about it.
But I do understand. They have a process in place that produces "x" and they aren't going to re-tool that process to produce "y" in order to fit every potential length that might be required for every full sized fiddle.
I guess I could have the tail gut replaced to make the string after length shorter by about an inch. But not as long as D'Addario makes the Helicores that are plenty long enough. Too bad Black Diamond doesn't.
So, just be aware - If you have a short tailpiece and long after length - the Black Diamonds may not fit your fiddle.
M-D - Posted - 01/11/2011: 12:48:48
What is the vibrating string-length (nut to bridge), and the after-length on the instrument in question, Tony?
It's time to change the strings on both of my main fiddles, so I'll be curious to see if I experience any such problems.
RobBob - Posted - 01/11/2011: 13:22:08
I just placed a BD and Helicore G side by side and the BD was longer than the Helicore. Perhaps you got a bad set? I have installed these strings on at least 6 fiddles and not had the length issue you speak of. What is the distance from your violin tailpiece to the peg-box?
If they are really that short, send them to the address on the package Attn: Jim Cavanaugh. He'll gladly replace your sets with sets that are of the full length.
ironworker - Posted - 01/11/2011: 14:25:19
bob, same here. i replaced helicores with 7207, and the bd's were maybe 1-1/2' longer overall, and the windings on the peg end were longer as well. could be a QC issue with machine setup at the plant.
since you're the expert, can i get heavy gauge 7207's? i've lost a bit of volume compared to the helicore mediums.
RobBob - Posted - 01/11/2011: 14:42:30
No Mike they only have that one gauge. You might try SS Premium's, those suckers really crank out the volume as do their Pinnacles. Both are brighter on installation than the BD but they work fine and settle in. I think I read that Bosco said he uses the Premiums. I don't know for sure but I think they all come out of the same plant.
ironworker - Posted - 01/11/2011: 17:45:44
thanks,bob. i've picked up an 80's german shop fiddle that i use around the house, and it's really even-natured, but quieter than i like.
don leister, a member here,(best setup person i've ever seen) did a beautiful setup, and it plays like a dream- i just want more projection in a noisy place.
i'll check out the premiums next-
bj - Posted - 01/11/2011: 19:24:30
I bought two sets of the 7207s, one of which is still on one fiddle, and didn't have that length problem.
FYI I also can't claim a good match with any of my fiddles and these strings. They're okay, adequate enough so that I'll leave 'em on for the full life of the strings, but they're not making anybody sit up and take notice. They also need tuning much more often than other steels I've used, so yeah, they're probably still stretching. And they've been on well over a month now. I don't hate 'em, but I'm not in love with 'em either. They're just . . . okay. They've been on both french fiddles, and got taken off. I left them on the american fiddle, since they were marginally better on that one.
tonyelder - Posted - 01/11/2011: 22:15:57
quote:
Originally posted by M-D
What is the vibrating string-length (nut to bridge), and the after-length on the instrument in question, Tony?
It's time to change the strings on both of my main fiddles, so I'll be curious to see if I experience any such problems.
BD 7207 medium G string from set #1 (has been strung up on main fiddle for over a week now) is measured at:
overall = 554mm
wound length from ball end = 405mm
silk end length = 149mm
New BD 7207 medium G string from set #2 (not installed) is measured at:
overall = 546mm
wound length from ball end = 406mm
silk end length = 140mm
New Helicore H310 medium G string is measured at:
overall = 550mm
wound lenght from ball end = 435mm
silk end length = 115mm
This particular fiddle has a vibrating string length of 326mm. Bridge is 1mm deep. After length from bridge to point of attachment to the tailpiece is approximately 69mm - but this measure does not account for length need for attachment to the tailpiece (ball end). So, the total length of the wound portion of the string to make it from the tailpiece (not counting the ball end tucked into the tailpiece) to the face of the nut would need to be a least 396mm. Add what is needed to clear the nut is another 6mm (this fiddle) and we need to add the length needed to make up at the tailpiece, to include full travel of the fine tuners is another 5 + mm and to that would be 407mm.
So, the measurements I'm reporting suggests that they are close to being an exact fit with exactly the right measurement. However, I'm saying the G string both sets were too short when set in the tailpiece and pulled out over the fingerboard to the nut. The silk does not clear the nut. I can only surmize that I'm being too conservative in what is needed at the tailpiece, and perhaps the fine tuner was adjusted to near full travel at the time I was stringing the fiddle up. And perhaps it would have eventually cleared the nut if the string could stretch that much. I have a hard time believing that, but I'm always being surpised about things I thought were not possible.
Granted we are talking about only a few mm's here. But too short is too short. And there is a 30mm difference in wound length between the BD and the Helicores, even though the overall length is essentially the same.
I agree with the
opinion that says these are not exceptional strings by comparision, but I will say the price makes them a very attractive alternative. I mean come on - I can almost buy 3 sets of the BD for the price of one set of Helicores. I can tell you for a fact - they don't sound 3 times worse than Helicores (or that Helicores sound 3 times better). A serious player will probably notice a difference playing the BD vs Helicores, but I doubt anyone casually listening would be able to tell any difference in tone and volume. They are certainly worth the money for jams and to learn on (if nothting else). But they aren't worth having them being given to you free if you can't use them.
Yes, there is the possibility that I got a few sets that are out of spec and weren't caught by a QA check. I'd like to think so. I like them well enough. If I thought my next set would work, I'd probably get them again.
And again - I am using them on my main fiddle. And on that fiddle the G string clears the nut by about 6mm on that fiddle. that's not a lot, but it is long enough. Next shortest is the A and it clears by about 16mm.
I don't want to say more. It might start to sound like I'm on a bashing mission - not the case. Just wanted to inform - and hope the warning will keep someone from getting something they can't use.
OR - maybe BD will make the adjustment. That would be GREAT.
enough...
Edited by - tonyelder on 01/11/2011 22:36:13
RobBob - Posted - 01/12/2011: 05:51:10
I heard from Jim Cavanaugh in route to NAMM. He said send the strings back to his company with your name and address. They want to see what the problem is for themselves and they will make good on your purchase.
If you don't like the strings, tell them if you don't like them. There are plenty of good strings out there if you don't like the ones you are using, try another kind. That is the beauty of the free market system. There is a string out there for everyone. This is, by all standards a cheap violin string, it just seemed to be the best one I had found. I did test drive about every steel core string out there and these seemed like a good deal for the monty
Edited by - RobBob on 01/12/2011 06:40:13
tonyelder - Posted - 01/12/2011: 08:11:54
quote:
Originally posted by RobBob
I heard from Jim Cavanaugh in route to NAMM. He said send the strings back to his company with your name and address. They want to see what the problem is for themselves and they will make good on your purchase.
Thank you for communicating this to Jim. I appreciate it. And I appreciate his offer. I will send them back, but not because I want him to make good on my purchase (to appease an angry customer). My interest in sending them back would be with the hope that I would be helping him address the issue. I'm encouraged at the possibility.
quote:
Originally posted by RobBob
If you don't like the strings, tell them if you don't like them. There are plenty of good strings out there if you don't like the ones you are using, try another kind. That is the beauty of the free market system. There is a string out there for everyone. This is, by all standards a cheap violin string, it just seemed to be the best one I had found. I did test drive about every steel core string out there and these seemed like a good deal for the monty
I do understand the free market system Rob and my choices.
Again - I am not saying that the strings sound terrible - or that they are unplayable worthless junk. I did not say that. My only complaint is and has been - that they are too short to use on one fiddle. If they don't fit my fiddle - it doesn't matter how good they are, or how much I like them. I can't use them.
I'll quote me here:
"...these are not exceptional strings by comparision, but I will say the price makes them a very attractive alternative. I mean come on - I can almost buy 3 sets of the BD for the price of one set of Helicores. I can tell you for a fact - they don't sound 3 times worse than Helicores (or that Helicores sound 3 times better)."...only means - Verses Helicores? They aren't "noticably better" than Helicores by comparision - thereby making them my first choice regardless of price. But neither are they "noticably worse" - they are comparable - equal in many respects. And the price makes them a
very attractive alternative - for me - after buying Helicores. Others may have a different opinion.
And I also said -
"I like them well enough. If I thought my next set would work, I'd probably get them again."So - again - hopefully, no one thinks I'm bashing the BD's.
Thank you again Rob.
RobBob - Posted - 01/12/2011: 11:17:37
Like I said, if they are too short, send them back and they will send you new sets. I think they are a good string at a good price. There are IMHO better strings but they cost nearly twice as much. I like the feel of them better than Prim. Some folks have said that they are not focused enough in tone, but I found the tone good if not as fat a some strings and they are a bit softer sounding than say the Premiums or Pinnacles. Piastro Chromcor and good strings but they cost at least $32, which is nearly twice as much.
Also, string prices are bound to go up real soon. Energy prices will drive them upward if nothing else does.
tonyelder - Posted - 02/14/2011: 09:08:42
I wanted to report back to everyone about how things eventually worked out on issues I had with the Black Diamond 7207 violin strings.
With Rob’s prompting, I sent an email to Jim Cavanaugh (President / The Cavanaugh Company) to let him know about the situation. I did get a response:
“I discussed this situation with production and we determined the problem.” …and I received a new set of strings in the mail yesterday.
I’m pleased with his response, especially knowing that a “problem” has been fixed. And now I have a new set of strings.
Now my recommendation can be made without any reservations or warnings. A very good set of strings at a very good price.
Thanks Bob.
Edited by - tonyelder on 02/14/2011 09:10:23
RobBob - Posted - 02/14/2011: 09:51:42
Glad it all worked out. The folks at the Cavanaugh Group have always been quite helpful.
dogwalkin - Posted - 02/14/2011: 13:05:53
I only have these on one fiddle currently but I removed superflexibles to install these and they are no doubt better on this fiddle. I am going to complete 2 more fiddles in the next few weeks and I am gonna start those with these strings. I may experiment down the road but they will start with these.
bullrambler - Posted - 02/22/2011: 18:07:28
I was surfing around the net and had recently read somewhere about these Black Diamond strings as being really decent for fiddle playing... I just don't remember where I read it... But I'm not surprised and it's good to know that a few people here in FHO have tried them and like them...
I tried to open the link posted by RobBob and it came up as "Suspended" now I don't know what that is all about, but I'm sure I'll be able to find them somewhere else... Hopefully up here in Canada as I initially used Dominants and they were easy on the fingers and gave a smooth type of sound but I wouldn't say that they were capable of punching out the notes the way I wanted them to sound... And by not means am I bashing them.
I was given a set of Red Labels and put them on and found that they are somewhat on the shrill side of how they sound sound... So something in between would be better, and maybe the Black Diamond Violin 7207 strings may be something that will fit the bill... Based on the price, I can't convince myself not to try them...
Thanks for the appraisal...
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