Tyler94 - Posted - 03/25/2020:  22:48:54

The new generation synthetics like Zyex and Thomastik Visions and some others generally withstand cross-tuning better than the original perlon cores like Dominants and Tonicas, but still not as well as steel. The problem with cross-tuning synthetics is two fold: they tend to break more often under the increased tension and the repeated cranking up and down also kills the sound quality of the string much quicker. Still, some are willing to put up with both issues and use synthetics for cross-tuning because the sound is worth it, or simply because they haven't had issues with it.

Tyler94 - Posted - 03/25/2020:  22:52:10

Some fiddles also tend to break strings more. It may be the nut or something else but it's definitely something I've noticed. I would assume that it's a nut problem on the backup one I have but the strings always break where fingered, not where they contact the nut...who knows...YMMV

Earworm - Posted - 05/02/2020:  08:38:53

I have some helicores on order (instead of my usual chromcors) for both of my main fiddles now. I suppose I have you all to thank for making me think about this much too much ... I figure it's a low risk gamble though, so long as they make a noise.

Edited by - Earworm on 05/02/2020 08:39:57

WyoBob - Posted - 05/02/2020:  12:05:03

quote:

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Originally posted by Tyler94

Some fiddles also tend to break strings more. It may be the nut or something else but it's definitely something I've noticed. I would assume that it's a nut problem on the backup one I have but the strings always break where fingered, not where they contact the nut...who knows...YMMV

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What brand of strings and which string are breaking?

ChickenMan - Posted - 05/02/2020:  13:18:55

If it's the nut, they break at the nut. Likewise at the bridge.
Might it be the fingerboard?

Tyler94 - Posted - 05/02/2020:  15:54:28

quote:

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Originally posted by WyoBob

quote:

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Originally posted by Tyler94

Some fiddles also tend to break strings more. It may be the nut or something else but it's definitely something I've noticed. I would assume that it's a nut problem on the backup one I have but the strings always break where fingered, not where they contact the nut...who knows...YMMV

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What brand of strings and which string are breaking?

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Both Dominants and Helicores did it. D string usually. Helicores are known to randomly snap for certain people but that's usually the A string.

WyoBob - Posted - 05/02/2020:  16:57:35

quote:

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Originally posted by Tyler94

quote:

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Originally posted by WyoBob

quote:

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Originally posted by Tyler94

Some fiddles also tend to break strings more. It may be the nut or something else but it's definitely something I've noticed. I would assume that it's a nut problem on the backup one I have but the strings always break where fingered, not where they contact the nut...who knows...YMMV

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What brand of strings and which string are breaking?

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Both Dominants and Helicores did it. D string usually. Helicores are known to randomly snap for certain people but that's usually the A string.

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I just had a Helicore "A" start acting wonky.  Slow to change pitch when turning the fine tuners and not staying in tune.   This is after 4 months.   No torn windings or breaking.

I replaced it with another A (Prelude?) and that solved the problem.  Shortly after that, I put Prims on that fiddle.   The new fiddle has Helicores on it.  I'll see how long they last.  I like the Helicores but don't want to fight the strings.  From what I've read, Prims are pretty bullet proof.   I'll probably leave them on the Kennedy fiddle and try to stay with the Heli's on the new fiddle.

farmerjones - Posted - 05/02/2020:  19:22:22

I was griping on here once about p.o.s. helicores, etc. Don't last. Had one break. Somebody told me to try the Heavies instead of the more available Mediums. Never did. Like i said, at the time they were hard to find. Some think they're the cat's pajamas. Nobody's mentioned Evah's yet. I recon them to be the best, but at the time, they were quite expensive. Wouldn't know, anymore.