Peghead - Posted - 09/16/2024:  12:03:46

Hi All, Does anyone have any experience with Prim heavy gauge. I currently use helicore (heavy’s) The volume is ok but I find them to be a little taught. Are Prim heavys easier? I’ve already tried mediums in both brands but they are way too light. Before I go down the string rabbit hole I thought I’d ask about the Prim helicore comparison or any recommended alternatives Thanks-

Edited by - Peghead on 09/16/2024 12:15:59

Brian Wood - Posted - 09/16/2024:  12:24:20

Yes, I have several violins strung with Prim Heavy gauge (Orchestra). I like that little more meat under my fingers, I think. I've used them so long that I am completely used to them and couldn't compare them to mediums. It's not a huge amount of difference, though. Heavier gauge will always require a bit more tension I believe, but again, it's not a huge difference.

One other thing, I think Helicore are a narrower diameter which might make you feel the taughtness a little more. Check a string chart and see.

Edited by - Brian Wood on 09/16/2024 12:27:39

DougD - Posted - 09/16/2024:  13:21:02

Yes, I think heavies will usually be tighter (more tension) not looser, if that's what you mean by "easier." Helicores are thinner than some other brands, so I can see that mediums might seem "light," but Prim mediums (which I use) seem about right for me. Helicore and Prim use very different construction too.

ChickenMan - Posted - 09/16/2024:  14:20:22

I switched to heavies thinking there would be more volume, but switched back in the end because the difference was negligible and the tension was noticeable under my fingers. Still have a partial set laying around somewhere.

Flat_the_3rd_n7th - Posted - 09/16/2024:  19:34:14

I no longer use metal, but this opens a good discussion on gauge.

The way I understand it, larger gauge (heavy) requires more tension, so more bow pressure to make it sound.

Therefore not as responsive to shuffles, cuts, etc. A compensation may be to play farther away from the bridge (higher soundpoint), or more on the lower half of the bow, where the arm is heavier.

farmerjones - Posted - 09/16/2024:  19:54:18

I played with a guy last weekend that used obligato strings. Sounded dark and woody. Just checked the Sweetwater price. I guess I'll stay with Prim.

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 09/17/2024:  03:42:46

Well, I have used both medium and heavy gauge Prim and Helicore brand strings on my main fiddle. In truth I did not notice a great difference in volume or “feel” . This is likely due to the fact that I play both mandolin and guitar as well. The “ rabbit hole” with violin strings is $$$. The good news here is that both Helicore and Prim are on the less expensive side of the cost equation. Though not compared to mandolin and guitar strings. < sigh Largely Prim strings are brighter in tone than Helicore strings. If your fiddle is darker in tone then the Prim heavy may be the way to go. The good news with fiddle / violin strings is that they do last longer.

RobBob - Posted - 09/17/2024:  07:07:53

If you are looking for a darker string and don't want to break the bank try Jargar or Chromcor. Both are chrome wound strings. They are good alternatives that are comparably priced.

ChickenMan - Posted - 09/17/2024:  07:12:04

quote:

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Originally posted by farmerjones

I played with a guy last weekend that used obligato strings. Sounded dark and woody. Just checked the Sweetwater price. I guess I'll stay with Prim.

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It's a bit much that's for sure. I plan on stocking up on strings before I retire. One less thing to be concerned about.

Strabo - Posted - 09/24/2024:  07:11:29

I like Prims -- bright and strong without sounding shrill. Price has gone up significantly but Prims are relatively affordable. But Prims turned out to be a bit too bright on my second fiddle so I went back to Helicores. Go figure.

I guess ya just gotta experiment to determine which strings work best on each fiddle. Unfortunately, the high cost of four (4) violin strings makes this much more difficult than the eight (8) strings of a mandolin.

Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 09/24/2024:  12:49:46

I've probably mentioned this a good million times on this website, but as much of nutcase I used to be with regularly changing the strings on my steel string acoustic guitars, I truly seldom change my fiddle strings. The strings either have to break, or the winding on the wound strings has to unwind to the point where they're uncomfortable to play.

rmoretto - Posted - 10/19/2024:  03:42:27

I have recently wrote a nice article about strings, might be interesting.

rmoretto.com/en/blog/blog-3/st...-violin-1

imapicker2 - Posted - 10/19/2024:  17:50:09

Thank you for the interesting string article. Nice work.