DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online fiddle teacher.
Monthly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, fiddle news and more.
Premier Sponsors
|
Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/13765/4
bullrambler - Posted - 02/23/2011: 13:05:40
The audubonstrings website opened up and the link to the Black Diamond strings worked out OK. I kinda looked at it quickly but didn't notice a reference to BD 7207 violin strings though... On another note, have you tried the Correlli Crystals on a fiddle...?
RobBob - Posted - 02/23/2011: 13:10:43
Ye I have. They are synthetic and OK but not real loud and not good for cross tuning IMHO.
bj - Posted - 02/23/2011: 13:53:14
Just wanted to let everyone know that when I ordered from Audubon the coupon code posted by hchristo of Audubon worked just ducky. I don't know if it's still valid, but I'd give it a try. Audubon gave great service, btw.
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.
FScholle - Posted - 02/25/2011: 03:17:47
quote:
Originally posted by bj
Just wanted to let everyone know that when I ordered from Audubon the coupon code posted by hchristo of Audubon worked just ducky. I don't know if it's still valid, but I'd give it a try. Audubon gave great service, btw.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.
justme - Posted - 03/04/2011: 02:08:34
I just tried these strings, day two, and i'm sold. I changed over from an old set of Dominants. I hope they last because, price aside, these are nice. Real nice and it's own unique sound. I have only one fiddle. Kallo Bartok 2004 from Stringworks. I was thinking of going back to Helicores, but now i'm happy with the BD's. Thanks forum for turning me on to these.
RobBob - Posted - 03/04/2011: 05:45:01
I have a student that has had a set on their cross tuned fiddle for a couple of years. That is probably too long but they do not sound bad.
M-D - Posted - 03/04/2011: 09:09:34
I'm on my second set, on two fiddles now. Broke the A on my cross-tuner, and the strings were dead on the other one. I think that's the first string I've ever broken, and I was playing when it went. I waited two months two long to change the strings as it was, though. They started sounding "not right" even when tuned to perfect pitch, and lacked resonance. So, got 'em changed, and life went back to normal. Still delighted with the strings . . . so much that I have a stash of them now. 
RobBob - Posted - 03/04/2011: 09:19:54
I have a stash as well. Some folks get a pained look at the thought of Black Diamond strings but they also think my fiddle sounds good. Go figure.
M-D - Posted - 03/04/2011: 10:24:44
Well, the fact that I get to play Black Diamond strings appeals to the raging traditionalist in me. As long as all they had were their "fiddle" strings, there was no was no way I was caving to that. LOL
dzen - Posted - 03/04/2011: 14:30:04
Dunno what's going on with me and my fiddle. I've used Helicores happily my whole four years. Lately things are sounding harsh. Maybe my fiddle is sick of winter too. Anyway, I've started wearing earplugs when I practice (something I should be doing anyway, starting to get ringing in my ears) and I'm using a makeshift cardboard mute behind the bridge.
Would 7207's sound mellower? Any other string suggestions?
dzen - Posted - 03/04/2011: 14:31:22
quote:
Originally posted by dzen
Dunno what's going on with me and my fiddle. I've used Helicores happily my whole four years. Lately things are sounding harsh. Maybe my fiddle is sick of winter too. Anyway, I've started wearing earplugs when I practice (something I should be doing anyway, starting to get ringing in my ears) and I'm using a makeshift cardboard mute behind the bridge. Also got some new rosin ordered.
Would 7207's sound mellower? Any other string suggestions?
RobBob - Posted - 03/04/2011: 21:06:44
I have lost it with Helicores. I hear a high pitched metallic ring with them and they break too quickly. If that ringing was only one fiddle I may have thought it only the fiddle but I have heard it on a couple of fiddles now. I used to like them but not now.
robinja - Posted - 03/07/2011: 15:59:27
Just ordered my first set - was able to get the 5% discount from Audubon Strings by using the FIDDLEHANGOUT coupon code. Free shipping is available regardless. I just put a set of Chromcors on my Hopf fiddle - I've been using them for a while, and I really like them, but they are about twice as expensive as these strings, and it also seems that the usual on-line sources for these are sold out. These will likely go on my John Juzek within the next couple of months.
I'll let you know how I like them then, but I just thought folks would like to know that the FIDDLEHANGOUT coupon is still good. $14.94 for a set of strings, including shipping - not bad. I'm guessing I will want to swap out the E string, though. We'll see.
Judy
RobBob - Posted - 03/07/2011: 17:23:29
Judy, you did not want to try them last year at Dahlonega when I would have given you a set. My my. I think you will like them. I found Pirastros Chromcors ok but they did not have enough umph for the fiddle I put them on.
robinja - Posted - 03/08/2011: 07:18:11
quote:
Originally posted by RobBob
Judy, you did not want to try them last year at Dahlonega when I would have given you a set. My my. I think you will like them. I found Pirastros Chromcors ok but they did not have enough umph for the fiddle I put them on.
RobBob - Posted - 03/08/2011: 07:23:04
I am with you on that Helicore A and I keep hearing a high metallic ringing on the D string. Like some weird overtone.
woodwiz - Posted - 03/08/2011: 07:52:17
quote:
Originally posted by tonyelder
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.
David M. - Posted - 03/08/2011: 08:11:20
quote:
.... Fiddles generally sound best with only about 3mm or so between saddle and tailpiece.
woodwiz - Posted - 03/08/2011: 08:57:09
quote:
Originally posted by David M.quote:
.... Fiddles generally sound best with only about 3mm or so between saddle and tailpiece.
Interesting. I guess I always thought (maybe I was told a long time ago) that the curve of the tailpiece end should rest right at or very close to the saddle. Good to know this.
David M. - Posted - 03/08/2011: 09:43:02
Yep, you're right. The gut goes under the tailpiece some, I guess. And I see what you mean by getting the after-length right first. Thanks for the explanation.
RobBob - Posted - 03/08/2011: 09:51:47
I know that I had a fiddle really improved just by following the prescribed tolerances on the setup measurements.
tonyelder - Posted - 03/14/2011: 07:58:21
quote:Thanks for the information Michael. I didn't really think about the tailpiece being the wrong size. I'm going to measure it when I get home and compare it to my other fiddles. If it is too short (relative to the others), I'll need to ask the person who was responsible if they will be willing to make it right - mainly because of your comments about how this affects the tone.
Originally posted by woodwizquote:
Originally posted by tonyelder
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.
69mm afterlength is way longer than one would reasonably expect to encounter. 55 to 57 is a normal range. So the strings are well within the needs of any normal setup. Different brands of strings vary quite a bit in that respect. Looking at the fiddles in my shop, a Dominant G string, for example, wouldn't work on your fiddle, either. Granted, most strings have more allowance, but I find it hard to fault BD for not fitting a fiddle that's so far out of range.
Sounds like you may have a 1/2 or 3/4 size tailpiece on there. I think you'll get a little better sound with a 4/4 tailpiece. Lengthening the tailgut won't help the sound any. Fiddles generally sound best with only about 3mm or so between saddle and tailpiece.
Edited by - tonyelder on 03/14/2011 07:59:14
hanknc - Posted - 04/23/2011: 08:30:43
If anyone wants to try a set of these BD 7207 let me know and I'll send you a set. First person to contact me gets them.
Strings are gone!
Strings are gone!
Strings are gone!
Edited by - hanknc on 04/24/2011 07:48:50
RobBob - Posted - 04/23/2011: 09:16:16
Nice offer Hank. The strings are good solid strings for the money. Especially when you are given a set!
RobBob - Posted - 05/17/2011: 08:25:23
So, since I kind of started all of this, I went out and got some SS Premiums and Pinnacles and tried them out. Too shrill for me or too much of something with the Pinnacles being the worst offender. The Premiums do perk up a quieter fiddle quite nicely though. I am back to Black Diamonds and happy. Don't know why except they are the most like the old Ultra-Sensitives I used to use. I have two packages of those old strings. 35 years ago they were made by SS and in the early part of the last decade they were being made by Pirastro. The Black Diamonds do the trick for me at a reasonable cost and are less bitey crunchy than Prims IMHO.
ChickenMan - Posted - 05/17/2011: 09:48:46
I too played a different string for a stretch - I think they were D'Addario Preludes given as a gift. They just never sounded "right". Got some BDs and it is like night and day. I put them on another fiddle (knilling student model) and it too sounds better.
edit: but I do believe when someone says they don't work for them. My fiddle is dark sounding and these strings just add to it. The student fiddle needs a new set up no matter what.
Edited by - ChickenMan on 05/17/2011 19:39:10
M-D - Posted - 05/17/2011: 17:00:22
I'm sold, boys. As long as Black Diamond will make this string, and not "improve" it, I have no need of any other.
fiddler59 - Posted - 05/19/2011: 05:33:02
I see that SouthWest Strings has the 7207's for $14.99 a set !!
David Blackmon
M36 - Posted - 05/19/2011: 21:52:20
RobBob, thank you for the information on these BD 7207 strings. I have been researching strings here and came across your post. I ran to SW Strings today for a music book and at the last minute decided to buy a package of these strings. Im glad I did, too my very beginner ears I like them a lot better than the strings that I had. Im going to make another trip there tomorrow for some more.
Jim
Edited by - M36 on 05/19/2011 21:52:59
RobBob - Posted - 05/20/2011: 06:36:17
Jim,
I think they are a best buy, as they say in the trade. Well worth what they cost and made in America. Rare for that reason alone.
RobBob
fiddler59 - Posted - 05/24/2011: 13:16:03
quote:
Originally posted by RobBob
Dave,
Have you been using the 7207 strings?
Bob
I had to use up some strings I had in my string drawer.....I have some 7207's on the way and they should be hear tommorow....I'll post a review when they get here and I have time to install them. I trust RobBob's judgment so I am sure they will do the trick on more than one of my fiddles.
DB
Edited by - fiddler59 on 05/24/2011 13:16:51
RobBob - Posted - 05/24/2011: 13:28:27
Dave,
Looking forward to what you think of them. There are better strings but I find them fine for the price.
Pops - Posted - 05/24/2011: 16:48:57
ive used them once on my guitar. I want to try them on the fiddle but im pretty loyal to d'addarios ...
fiddler59 - Posted - 05/25/2011: 13:15:12
OK the 7207's came in the mail this morning. My curiousity got the best of me so I immediately put them on one of my favorite fiddles. I have to say I am really impressed so far. They settled in quick, which is what I expect from a solid core steel string. The tone so far is really good. No complaints what so ever. I like the tension as well as the feel (polish) of the strings too. For what I have seen so far I am sold. Even the E string is good. I have 4 jobs to play this weekend so I'll report back after I have had a few days on them. I don't expect my opinion to change though. I want to thank RobBob and the others on this thread for there early reviews and recommendation for the BD 7207's. I have a feeling I will be ordering a lot more of these strings. The Cavanaugh Group has really done a good job revamping and improving the entire Black Diamond line of strings. (Their mandolin and guitar strings are really good as well !!).
David Blackmon
Edited by - fiddler59 on 05/25/2011 13:27:34
fiddler59 - Posted - 06/01/2011: 09:38:31
After a real workout this weekend, four long gigs some hot and sweaty, and lots of practice, I still like these strings. My findings are pretty much the same as RobBobs, a little smoother than Prims not as bright and loud as some strings but good solid tone. They may not be the the end all best string out there (what string is !!) but for $18 a set they are one of the best buys I have found in a decent string at a reasonable price. I am sort of at the end of my rope with expensive European strings. My next string(s) I want to try are the Super Sensitive Premiums and the SS Pinnacle strings. I kind of like the idea of supporting the underdog in American string manufacturers. RobBob, how do you like the SS Premiums and Pinnacles as compared to the BD 7207's ?? The Premiums and 7207s seem to be similarly priced is only why I ask.
David Blackmon
RobBob - Posted - 06/01/2011: 09:56:06
David,
I like the Premiums pretty well they are brighter than the BD 7207's and hold up pretty well for me. The Pinnacles are real bright and are even brighter than the Helicore Heavies. They may settle down but I found them hard to get the sweet sound for waltzes that I wanted. They worked well in a bluegrass band setting. Contact me off the forum for more. So do try the Premiums but I think Helicore heavies give you a better sound than the Pinnacles. I do want to support American string manufacturers and both companies are not big business.
Bob
brya31 - Posted - 06/16/2011: 17:48:42
I went to order some from Southwest strings and they said they were out of stock. 
bj - Posted - 06/17/2011: 05:40:16
Rob, I got great service from Audubon. Here's the link:
Try Coupon Code FB073110 though I don't know if it's still good. If it is, then it makes these strings a real bargain.
FYI, these strings settled in okay, but I did have a fairly long settle-in time with them. They've also held up almost as well as the Prims, which is saying a whole lot. They're not at the top of my go-to string list, but they're on it.
RobBob - Posted - 06/17/2011: 08:37:36
I agree with BJ, they are a good solid string and do not have the sonority of expensive strings but compare well with Prims. As for being out of stock at Southwest Strings, if you order it may take a week longer to get them but they are pretty good about getting them out in a timely manner.
fiddler59 - Posted - 06/17/2011: 08:49:14
I totally agree with RobBob and BJ. They are a good solid string.......not my absolute favorite but they are very good.....and for the bucks they are a best buy !!
DB
brya31 - Posted - 06/17/2011: 08:52:47
Thanks BJ! I ordered them from Audubon The coupon did not work, said it was expired, but the Fiddlehangout coupon worked, saved me 5%.
RobBob - Posted - 06/17/2011: 09:06:45
I wondered how you felt after all those jobs that weekend. I like them on a cross tuned fiddle as they are real consistent.
M-D - Posted - 06/17/2011: 09:15:33
Yep, a good value for the money. I've got them on my AEae fiddle, which often gets tuned AEac#, and they've worked just fine.
gedtodd - Posted - 06/17/2011: 10:58:24
Hi all, has anyone compared these to the Larson strings from denmark? At £ 47 sterling the Larsons are pretty expensive, lol,
Andah1andah2 - Posted - 06/19/2011: 09:51:29
I was at the Blistered Fingers Bluegrass festival on Thursday. There's a song called "Black Diamond Strings", pretty good one too
dzen - Posted - 06/21/2011: 13:44:13
I pestered Elderly Instruments to stock them awhile back and they now have them. I order from them because that's where I get my guitar strings and their service has been very good.
fiddlepogo - Posted - 06/21/2011: 14:31:18
quote:
Originally posted by gedtodd
Hi all, has anyone compared these to the Larson strings from denmark? At £ 47 sterling the Larsons are pretty expensive, lol,
Well, you're probably JUST the man to do it!
Try them, and report back to us!!!
<I'm> not going to be trying Larsens anytime soon!!! $30 is already more than I want to pay, and that's about what I pay for Thomastik Precision Lights, and for Prims locally.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Fiddle Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
