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papawhisky - Posted - 04/25/2020: 14:25:54
Hey, looking for inputs from current/former Kogut players on strings. Bob recommends Prims, which I am using and like. And they have the advantage of not being expensive. I am using Prims with a Westminster E (heavy) and I think it sounds good. Still, I can't help but wonder if there are some other combos that add complexity or volume or something? Possibly I've just been in the house too much, but would be glad to hear of string experiments.
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 04/26/2020: 06:53:12
If you like Prim strings the next type to give a try would be Helicore by D'Addario. Similar in materials but different in tone and feel. Enjoy that Kogut. They are fine instruments. I came close to buying one but decided on an E.H. Roth Guarneri copy instead.
old cowboy - Posted - 04/26/2020: 09:06:04
I put Prim strings on i mo. ago. Loved them at first But now they are sounding way to harsh for my fiddle. I am going back to my Visions. I like playing waltz tunes. Particuarly Shenandoah. The Prims are to harsh sounding for this tune. At least on my fiddle. I was happier with the Visions. Of course that was before this corny virus thing! Maybe my fiddle has the corny virus!
papawhisky - Posted - 04/26/2020: 10:12:39
UsuallyPickin--have you heard Helicores on a Kogut and liked them? I am really hoping to benefit from the experimentation of others. If I am going to stray from Prims to another string, I at least want to know someone else tried it with good results.
danemmettfiddle - Posted - 04/27/2020: 16:00:53
I have used dominants, Evahs, infeld red, helicore medium and heavy, and Larsen Virtuosos on my koguts(4 and 5 string). I really like the Helicore heavy guage. Dominants with gold label E also sound very open and complex. Infeld reds and Evahs weren't my favorite, but I like the Evahs over the reds. Larsen Virtuoso and helicore heavy might be my favorite. Also, spirocore is a great C string if you're playing a 5.
papawhisky - Posted - 04/27/2020: 18:45:22
Hey Dan--that is a bunch strings! I'm playing a 4 string--all i can handle. Looks like you liked the Dominants and Helicore Heavies the best. I have Helicore mediums on another fiddle and like them, but never thought to try heavy gauge.. Are the heavies harder to play? Louder? (I'm thinking of mandolin--when i use heavier strings it is louder, but harder to play).
danemmettfiddle - Posted - 04/28/2020: 06:26:57
Yeah dominants work well on the kogut. The Larsens are a hair brighter and have a low tension. They feel soft, and project really well. The helicore heavies are louder than the medium and match well with the kogut fiddles. You can pull a lot of tone out without them bottoming out. I havent noticed them being any harder to play. They are a little thicker than mediums, but probably still thinner or close to the thickness of dominants. Definitely worth a try!
papawhisky - Posted - 04/29/2020: 05:24:15
You've given me some good ideas ! Thank you very much!
Do you ever use Prims? I spoke to Bob about it and he really strongly recommends them.
danemmettfiddle - Posted - 04/30/2020: 09:06:51
Prims aren't favorite strings, but they really pair well with Bob's fiddles.
