Something I haven't heard of on this site (not much) is mixing strings of different brands in order to get a good balance on your fiddle.
Who does this (apart from using the Pirastro Gold E-string, that trick is overly known)? What's your combination and why?
Any recommendations to give the G an extra boost? For your
information: I have used Helicores (Medium) for quite a few years now. One thought that has come to mind to me is changing the medium G with a forte for extra power, but that somehow doesn't sound healthy for the instrument to me.
Pirastro 'Eudoxa' E string I will have you know!
Experiment Henk. I spent years trying different strings, settled on pirastro. Though i was fond of Jarger for a while.
The thing is different strings suit different fiddles so there is no easy answer.
Additional question: who is *satisfied* with the Dominant E-string? There MUST be someone, or else why doesn't Thomastik develop a better E-string or replace it with a product from one of their other sets?
A good resonant G will drive the tone of the upper strings - as I mentioned before on another thread (#15800, 15 Nov 2007). For instance, I've seen players with Thomastic Spirocores (steel-cored) on the D and A, but with a Dominant G.
I suspect mixing strings is more of an issue if you're using steel cores. If you're using synthetic cores (or even gut) stick with the maker's set - with the possible exception of the E - unless there is good reason otherwise.
There is also the issue that it may not be so much a string that needs changing, but that the bridge/soundpost combination may need looking at to optimise the tone. So the services of a skilled luthier would be indicated in that case.
For some mysterious reason, cellists seem to mix 'n' match their strings more so than fiddle players do. Currently, on my cello I'm using Thomastic Spirocore A nd D, and Helicore G and C. Spirocores don't work for me on the G and C.
'I suspect mixing strings is more of an issue if you're using steel cores. If you're using synthetic cores (or even gut) stick with the maker's set - with the possible exception of the E - unless there is good reason otherwise'.
I think some steel core Gs may not have the resonance to drive the harmonics in the upper strings as they should - the Spirocore G I think is a case in point, as I mentioned in my previous post.
It also depends on the instrument. For instance, I've found that gut strings aren't all that suitable for my modern fiddle (that view was endorsed by another member), whereas gut and my old fiddle are apparently made for each other (as they in fact were, 200 years ago).
I've noted a couple times before I play a mixed set now, and I actually asked this exact question before I made the switch: should I mix strings? I got a lot of different thoughts - somebody actually mentioned that for things like fingered fifths, your fingering position may need to adjust slightly between brands of strings, but the point is, I know play a half-half set that works beautiful: Spirocore G, Helicore D, Aricore A, Prim E, all in the heaviest tension you can get. Even crossing between the steel and synth strings doesn't matter; they blend beautifully. Give it a shot - it was also cheaper to buy than a whole Helicore heavy set!
if you are looking for a G for extra punch, then look at the Vision Ti series of strings.
Although most string sets are manufactured to sound good together as a set, sometimes there is a particular spot on your fiddle that may not accept that string. Perhaps another alternative is a soundpost or bridge adjustment.
Mixing strings
Mixing strings
Something I haven't heard of on this site (not much) is mixing strings of different brands in order to get a good balance on your fiddle.
Who does this (apart from using the Pirastro Gold E-string, that trick is overly known)? What's your combination and why?
Any recommendations to give the G an extra boost? For your
information: I have used Helicores (Medium) for quite a few years now. One thought that has come to mind to me is changing the medium G with a forte for extra power, but that somehow doesn't sound healthy for the instrument to me.
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by Henk Bos
Re: Mixing strings
Pirastro 'Eudoxa' E string I will have you know!
Experiment Henk. I spent years trying different strings, settled on pirastro. Though i was fond of Jarger for a while.
The thing is different strings suit different fiddles so there is no easy answer.
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by jig
Re: Mixing strings
Additional question: who is *satisfied* with the Dominant E-string? There MUST be someone, or else why doesn't Thomastik develop a better E-string or replace it with a product from one of their other sets?
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by Henk Bos
Re: Mixing strings
A good resonant G will drive the tone of the upper strings - as I mentioned before on another thread (#15800, 15 Nov 2007). For instance, I've seen players with Thomastic Spirocores (steel-cored) on the D and A, but with a Dominant G.
I suspect mixing strings is more of an issue if you're using steel cores. If you're using synthetic cores (or even gut) stick with the maker's set - with the possible exception of the E - unless there is good reason otherwise.
There is also the issue that it may not be so much a string that needs changing, but that the bridge/soundpost combination may need looking at to optimise the tone. So the services of a skilled luthier would be indicated in that case.
For some mysterious reason, cellists seem to mix 'n' match their strings more so than fiddle players do. Currently, on my cello I'm using Thomastic Spirocore A nd D, and Helicore G and C. Spirocores don't work for me on the G and C.
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by lazyhound
Re: Mixing strings
Lazyhound, you wrote:
'I suspect mixing strings is more of an issue if you're using steel cores. If you're using synthetic cores (or even gut) stick with the maker's set - with the possible exception of the E - unless there is good reason otherwise'.
What makes this difference would you say?
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by Henk Bos
Re: Mixing strings
I think some steel core Gs may not have the resonance to drive the harmonics in the upper strings as they should - the Spirocore G I think is a case in point, as I mentioned in my previous post.
It also depends on the instrument. For instance, I've found that gut strings aren't all that suitable for my modern fiddle (that view was endorsed by another member), whereas gut and my old fiddle are apparently made for each other (as they in fact were, 200 years ago).
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by lazyhound
Re: Mixing strings
Thanks lazyhound, I've reread what you wrote in thread
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/15800 and it definitely sounds very interesting!
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by Henk Bos
Re: Mixing strings
I've noted a couple times before I play a mixed set now, and I actually asked this exact question before I made the switch: should I mix strings? I got a lot of different thoughts - somebody actually mentioned that for things like fingered fifths, your fingering position may need to adjust slightly between brands of strings, but the point is, I know play a half-half set that works beautiful: Spirocore G, Helicore D, Aricore A, Prim E, all in the heaviest tension you can get. Even crossing between the steel and synth strings doesn't matter; they blend beautifully. Give it a shot - it was also cheaper to buy than a whole Helicore heavy set!
--DtM
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by Dan the Man
Re: Mixing strings
if you are looking for a G for extra punch, then look at the Vision Ti series of strings.
Although most string sets are manufactured to sound good together as a set, sometimes there is a particular spot on your fiddle that may not accept that string. Perhaps another alternative is a soundpost or bridge adjustment.
# Posted on November 24th 2007 by Sunnybear