Posted by Andah1andah2 on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Like a dork, I'm trying to decide on my next set of strings and can't make up my mind.
Currently, I am using a set of Chromocores with a Kaplin wound e. The set is a year old and the strings just aren't "ringing" like they used to.
I like the steel strings but now I'm thinking of trying a set of synthetics again. I started with Helicores, then went to dominants then to the set I have now.
I know I want (need) another wound e. Beyond that, I'm thinking either steel prims or a set of Zyex with the silver D string. Oh I'm just giddy with the thought of trying something new. Ok, I think the Zyex... I hope that the silver D string isn't too thin for my tastes.
Thanks...I needed to ramble.
5 comments on “Window shopping for new strings”
Mandogryl Says:
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 @7:25:07 AM
Personally I like the Prims.
Andah1andah2 Says:
Friday, June 29, 2012 @5:04:20 AM
So I went with the Zyex. I will try Prims next time. My pattern seems to be steel, synth, steel, synth. At least until I find the set I like best.
I did make a decision to not go with the wound e. From my readings here it looks like it is a strong possibility that my dependance on the wound e to prevent whistling is covering a bowing issue. I went with a Pirazzi gold e because they are highly recommended and will try to work through my whistle problem.
S_Heriger Says:
Wednesday, July 4, 2012 @4:26:51 AM
This makes me smile. Of all the variables on a fiddle, it appears strings are the most subjective of all, and it's pointless to suggest there are any real 'standards' for fiddlers. I do have my favorites, but I'm always willing to experiment, and whenever I try a new set I've never tried before, there's always a glimmer of hope that I'm going to pull some wonderful new tone from my fiddle or fiddles. As for the E string issue, I have a Piastro Gold E on one and like it, but I really like the playability of Helicore Medium wound E strings. You can really grab them with the bow, and I like that. I recently ordered four of them so I always have them in stock here at home.
Andah1andah2 Says:
Thursday, July 12, 2012 @9:15:44 AM
I don't know how long one should give a set of strings before deciding if you "like" them or not. The Zyex just sound weird after the steel chromocores. I find that if my bow qwivers the slightest bit, the Zyex strings react to it and I get a strange tone. The Chromocores were more forgiving in this regard. I also get a lot of strange squeeks and sqwauks that never happened before. My wife describes the sound as being tinny or not the depth of sound that that steel strings had. Maybe I need them to still settle in or me to get used to playing them. I'm hoping to grow accustomed to them or else I'll run back to my safe zone which would probably be another set of Helicores..
Andah1andah2 Says:
Sunday, July 22, 2012 @5:36:33 PM
Well I just wasn't liking the Zyex strings. I've put them away as a backup. I have since put on Prims. I think I just like the feel of steel strings. I can dig into them and they are forgiving to me. I thought the chromocores sounded a bit better but maybe they need to break in and me get used to them. The windings have a "rougher" feel to them than any other string I've played. Your fingers don't slide on them as easily but I think this also makes the bow hairs grab them better.
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