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Lawnisg0tmail - Posted - 09/06/2017: 18:48:45
Can anyone recommend a decently priced set of strings that give a bit of a mellow tone? I was thinking I'd go with the d'addario helix core, but want to hear some other opinions first.
I've got some cheap strings to replace my current set but I'm worried they'll kill the tone, and make me sound worse than I already do!
novolis - Posted - 09/06/2017: 19:01:13
Do you need steel or synthetic strings? A set of Tonicas will do the trick if you'll accept synthetics.
Lawnisg0tmail - Posted - 09/06/2017: 19:03:31
quote:
Originally posted by novolis
Do you need steel or synthetic strings?
I'm open to either, I'm still pretty new so playibility is probably more important, also, I'm a college student so I'm on a budget.
Fiddler - Posted - 09/06/2017: 19:19:18
Can't go wrong with Prims. Inexpensive, durable (willl last for years) and give a good tone and response. I've used Prims on my fiddles for 30+ years. I like them.
If you can find someone who has a old set of strings, try them and see how they sound on your instrument. Each brand will give a different sound. If you like the "used" strings, go buy a new set. It will ake a bit for them to settle in, but you won't be spending lots of money on strings you don't like.
FWIW - I did this when I was broke and just out of college. I was thankful for friends who could afford to change their strings with some regularity. This is how I settled on Prims - along with a high recommendation from an old-timer and my mentor in Arkansas.
novolis - Posted - 09/06/2017: 19:52:11
Do you play classical or fiddle? Tonicas are good for classical, while cheap but good steel strings like Helicore and Prim (mentioned above, never tried) should be good choices for fiddle.
Lawnisg0tmail - Posted - 09/07/2017: 05:07:47
I "play" mostly fiddle stuff, buy hey, I've only picked the fiddle back up in the past week so who knows where I'll go
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 09/07/2017: 05:42:03
Well .... fiber core strings give a mellower tone than steel core strings. And as you fiddle on you will find that each fiddle : and pair of ears , have a string that they prefer. D'Addarrio is a manufacturer of strings for several instruments and produce high quality products. Helicore is as good a place to start as any. My fiddle prefers Prim with a Lisa E which is also a good choice. The fiber core string that I use is Thomastic; another large string manufacturer, Dominant which are pricey but have excellent tone and good quality control at their factory. The other thing to mention is "E" strings. Many players use a standard set of strings and change out the "E" string to s different vendor or model. Generally the :E: that comes with a set is a plain string .... ie. no plating and no winding. You may find you prefer a beefier, mellower, brighter , louder ... the list goes on, tone on your "E" so when you do find an "G D A" brand , model or even combination you like you may wind up still "looking for more'. You will find that if you get into scordatura / cross tuning , metal core strings are easier to deal with, Enjoy the journey... R/
farmerjones - Posted - 09/07/2017: 09:31:36
D'Addario Preludes are constructed the same as Prim. Prims are made from Swedish steel (core) but Preludes are also solid steel core. D'Addario Helicore's are stranded steel core. I am still a fan of Prim, but they aren't as cheap as they used to be. But they have lasted for me as long as 6 years. Preludes run less than an a year, and they go quiet. Some folks like Helicore, I do not. Dominants are fine but pricey. Evah Pirazzi are excellent, but expensive.
RobBob - Posted - 09/07/2017: 10:30:10
Those new D'Addarrio Ascente strings are pretty good and at $22 on most websites, that's a deal. They are synthetic core but will take retuning pretty well.
Mojohand40 - Posted - 09/07/2017: 10:51:21
quote:
Originally posted by RobBob
Those new D'Addarrio Ascente strings are pretty good and at $22 on most websites, that's a deal. They are synthetic core but will take retuning pretty well.
How do they compare to D'Addarrio Pro Arte? I haven't tried the Ascente strings. Have tried Pro Arte and they seemed pretty good, though maybe a reduced volume, or at least a perceived lower volume compared to Helicore or Prims. I remember kinda liking the tone. One of my violins I don't play often is strung with them still.
Too many string choices! : )
Jaunskots - Posted - 09/07/2017: 11:06:46
I can't say about the d'Addario Ascente strings yet, but I can recommend the (newish) Thomastik Alphayue synthetics for fairly mellow tone, good response, and good volume. I put a set on a 3/4 Suzuki I fixed up for my granddaughter recently and it sounds terrific, the best 3/4 I ever heard. The Alphayues cost US $19.99 at Quinn Violins, BTW (I just checked). They don't have the metallic edge that fresh Dominants do and the price is right.
Harold
DeamhanFola - Posted - 09/14/2017: 10:24:13
quote:
Originally posted by novolis
Do you play classical or fiddle? Tonicas are good for classical, while cheap but good steel strings like Helicore and Prim (mentioned above, never tried) should be good choices for fiddle.
Don't be too doctrinare about this: for example, I know loads of Irish trad fiddlers who use synthetics. Kevin Burke used Obligatos for a long while (and still may). Use what works for the individual fiddle.
IME it's better to match the fiddle to the strings rather than the other way around. I play Irish trad exclusively and my main fiddle takes Warchal Brilliant Vintage, my #2 Tonicas, # 3 Tzigaine (all synthetics), but my 5-string takes Prims.
It's also useful to remember that at the end of the day, far more than strings or fiddle itself, the sound produced depends most upon the player and that player's approach. IME while this is true for other instruments too, it's arguably observable most dramatically in the fiddle/violin.
As a control/experiment, have an experienced fiddler play your fiddle and have a listen. What you hear 'under the ear' is often different than what an audience hears (and this also is useful to help determine what is user error as opposed to inherent qualities of strings/equipment, which I found a great--if humbling--lesson as a beginner).
tonyelder - Posted - 09/14/2017: 10:59:13
quote:
Originally posted by DeamhanFola
As a control/experiment, have an experienced fiddler play your fiddle and have a listen. What you hear 'under the ear' is often different than what an audience hears (and this also is useful to help determine what is user error as opposed to inherent qualities of strings/equipment, which I found a great--if humbling--lesson as a beginner).
+1
'Bergonzi' 2 days
'Done Gone - Jesse Milnes' 2 days
