Ok, now that I have been playing for a few months, what strings do you guys suggest? I currently have stainless steel strings mostly because they were cheap and I was just starting out. Should I stick with the stainless at this point or jump up to something better?
The only reason I'm speaking up is I'm also a newbie (10 months) and started with cheap strings and I can't suggest Helicore's enough. This site is an incredible resource! Cheers!
Helicore is a good string to try out. Prim is also another brand that is used among fiddlers.
What strings you choose depends somewhat on the style of playing you do and the kind of sound you’re looking for. Steel strings are popular among fiddlers because they’re slightly more stable, have a very focused piercing sound, and are cheap. Synthetics are popular for their increased projection, richness, and tonal color.
There are some expensive sets out there that aren’t worth all the hype, but in general, you get what you pay for with strings. That being said, what makes an even bigger difference is the rest of the setup.
I have tried several different kinds of strings but D'addario Helicore Medium guage (H310) is what I have found to be the best for me on both my Fiddlerman Artist and my Knilling Bucharest fiddles.
I've got Prim strings to last for 5, 6, even 7 years. No wonder every time I buy them the price has increased. D'Adario Preludes are of similar construction, for cheaper. So far they're working out pretty well. Helicores have a stranded core. I couldn't get them to last. I'm told I should go up to heavy gage, but I can only use one set of strings at a time. My luthier/violin dealer puts Dominants on everything in the shop, for a standard. They're pretty good too.
How is the tone on those Preludes compared to the Prims? The Preludes probably feel slicker for sliding on huh? I hesitate to go to Heavy on the Helicores because of the extra tension that the chart shows, although I know many of the bluegrass players use them. The only string I have go bad prematurely on the Helicores is the A, so I keep and extra A or two on hand.
Edited by - Randy Wade on 06/09/2023 14:01:12
quote:
Originally posted by Randy WadeHow is the tone on those Preludes compared to the Prims? The Preludes probably feel slicker for sliding on huh? I hesitate to go to Heavy on the Helicores because of the extra tension that the chart shows, although I know many of the bluegrass players use them. The only string I have go bad prematurely on the Helicores is the A, so I keep and extra A or two on hand.
Preludes are very tinny. They were developed as a cheap string for school violins and rentals, so tone isn't really a major consideration. Prims have a little better reputation. Some of my Russian and Ukrainian customers like the A and E. Prim cello C and G strings used to be quite popular before string technology really took off. They've become a budget option now.
quote:
Originally posted by Randy WadeHow is the tone on those Preludes compared to the Prims? The Preludes probably feel slicker for sliding on huh? I hesitate to go to Heavy on the Helicores because of the extra tension that the chart shows, although I know many of the bluegrass players use them. The only string I have go bad prematurely on the Helicores is the A, so I keep and extra A or two on hand.
Only had this set on for a couple days. Like I said, last Prims lasted 5 years, so I don't recall how Preludes behaved prior. The Prims went harsh on the fine strings.
I have purchased some Helicores. I will let you know how they do. Thanks for the input.
All,
I just changed out my strings from Prelude to Helicore and there is a BIG difference. With Prelude, the strings were less forgiving for exact alignment while bowing. My bow tended to slide across like I had no Rosen on my bow. The Helicore seem to grip much better with a sweeter, less harsh sound than the Preludes. Hope this helps someone else new. Thanks for all input.
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