D'Addario Helicore strings provide the warmth and depth you would expect from a synthetic core while having the strength and stability of their (actual) metal core.
Extremely fast break-in - within hours they are stable and holding their tuning perfectly.
Nice clean, bright sound.
If you like experimenting with different tunings, they are strong enough to cope with being tuned up and down frequently and will handle a little extra tension than the standard pitches.
The wound 'E' string plays significantly better than the plain steel version - worth the small extra cost.
A great all round, well behaved string . If, like me, you play a mixture of styles - classical, folk etc and want to use the same violin for everything, these are pretty good for any style of music.
There are some other brands that don't wear out as fast, but since those strings cost twice as much (and remember Helicore's instant break-in) there's no advantage really. I do experiment frequently with different strings but always return to Helicore as my firm favourite.
These are very intriguing strings. They are much warmer than the regular Rondo's and maybe a little more stiffer too. The graph on the back of their box shows the playability going towards demanding, which I kind of question. When I play on them they feel easy to play and I can get a smooth tone out of them without too much trouble. In regards to other strings these compare to, I would say these would be like Evah Golds, Maybe Dynamo's or very close to Dominant Pro's. I definitely wish they weren't so pricey though. I would give these 5 out of 5 stars for their sound but I have to stay at 4 out of 5 due top their high price.
I was encouraged to try the Warchal strings based on the other very positive reviews on your site. I am extremely pleased with the sound and playability of these strings. They are about half of the price of the typical Larsen A & D and Spirocore G & C set. However, in my opinion, they sound and play absolutely better than any other set of strings I've ever used before! True: they take 2 or 3 days to finish stretching out but then are quite stabile. Also, in the higher register (and particularly higher register double stops) one needs to avoid "crunching" down hard on the string because they react differently than steel strings. But for me the adjustment was quite easy, and the "payback" is huge; these strings have given my Scarampella cello more volume, more ringing overtones and noted already by others, the response time is very fast. The strings are a little thicker than steel strings but for me they are very comfortable and there was no need to widen the bridge or fingerboard nut grooves. I will be ordering more Warchal strings for my other cellos. Love them!
For decades have been using Dominant strings.
The constant is the excellent quality and focused sound of the string.
Highly recommended for everyday use.
This is really the best A string -- has both power and beauty, and an unmatched range of sound color. Of course it's a gut-based string, and you have to be (or learn to be) adept at playing gut strings, with their longer play-in time and their susceptibility to fluctuations with humidity.
But the results are definitely worth the effort! When you hear all the great artists of the past, part of the amazing sound they got was from the gut-based strings, and that can not be reproduced by even the best synthetics.
I own 2 of the viola ones. One of which came with an extra tall leg. I used this on the violin version for my kid. Works as expected. Why can’t I find these anywhere anymore? Did the company go out of business?
I use gut strings for D,G and C. The Versum Solo A is the best match for the gut strings. It has power but also a warmth and flexibility which is very reassuring. My students love Versum Solo strings because they give them great stability and evenness of sound for their instruments. I highly recommend the Versum Solo A for any and all cello needs!
I’ve used these strings on my Yamaha electric for years and they provide a smooth and consistent tone. They are a bit more pliable (and lighter?) than Pro-Arte on my acoustic violin. They have good longevity. D’Addario strings are consistently reliable quality.
Spirocore Tungsten Viola C String is the best C string out there for giving your viola some extra “oomph.” Yet it still has a warm and focused sound, it’s like turning the volume up on the C, and it matches well with many other strings for G,D and A. I found it especially great for a small viola I own that needed a bit of extra help on the C. Since it’s higher tension, it might be a bit much for a large viola, but it can work wonders on the right instrument. Lasts a long time too, so it’s easy to justify the high price!
I am not sure if it is the tension or the way the string is wound but these strings felt very different to my fingers... very smooth and almost silky. At first I was not sure about them, I was thinking the strings must lose tone to have such playability but, after playing them in for a month or so, I'm sold. They sound very rich and clear with complex overtones....glad I tried them.
Julie is the bestest ever! My strings are always shipped so fast to me and they have everything I need! Thank you Concord Musical Supplies! xoxo
These strings are super-responsive without being unpredictable. A light touch produces the round warm tone I'm looking for, but the strings also allow me to dig in with the bow without crunching or distortion. The set is well balanced and I found no reason to swap out the E string. The strings settled in quickly and after the first two days I've hardly had to touch my tuners. My fiddle is very happy with these strings. I'm not sure it has been happier!
I prefer Peter Infeld Strings because their sound is clear ringing and warm. They are dependable strings.
As I opened the package I was little skeptical because it was a bit thinner than other brand D strings I usually use. But when I put it on my cello I was pretty impressed with the sound: warm and round sound yet clear and accurate in pitches. I highly recommend it!
Larica Cello Rosin Grade 4 is perfect for cello and Concorde sells is at the right price.
G and C tungstens are the only strings I’ve been using for over 25 years - nothing sounds better on my cello.
Cello D strings are a challenge
I have tried and rejected many!
I am not a Larsen guy… tried various Jargar, prim ,etc, etc, Versum, etc
Rondo, etc
The Evoke D is the best and longest lasting d string I have ever used., hands down , and I am an a veteran
I own two wood KorfkerRest and decided to get the Luna. While the wood version provides warmth to the viola, Luna provides clarity in the sound. Both are good, but I like Luna more. I also enjoy the updated design, simpler, easy to fit in a case. Great product, well designed. Easy to adjust the width.
It has been a wonderful String to play on. It just sings!
It’s been years since I’ve been playing on Dominant strings. Love it!
Last summer, a friend gifted me a beautiful small violin in need of restoration work (fantastically done be goldenviolins.com in Phila. btw) & of a new case. Very glad i found this one that worked perfectly w. an adjustable instrument-holding cushion to snugly fit smaller violins & room for full-size bow. Just make sure to handle the adjusting-cushion from its sticker-side for best results. TY Concord Music!
The string broke in fairly quickly, at least as far as I can compare it to memories from my distant youth of Gold Label and Eudoxa. I tried the Eudoxa heavy before this, which has a lovely tone and good response, but for my purpose on a 1710 Guarneri reproduction baroque cello and a copy of the Amarylis Fleming Brothers Amati “piccolo” cello, I much preferred the performance of this string. The sound is deeper and stronger.
These strings give such a great sound and Concord has the best price for them and fast shipping.
