Pirastro Permanents

[JoeyNaeger]

The Belcantos are a pretty amazing string. You will get all the volume and projection you will ever need in orchetra section. They bow easier than the flex 92's I think and have more volume. I used to think brighter meant louder, but I'm finding with a darker string that I don't get lost in the mix as much. I enjoy the permanents as well though. They're a great all around string, and especially work well when soloing.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by JoeyNaeger

The Belcantos are a pretty amazing string. You will get all the volume and projection you will ever need in orchetra section. They bow easier than the flex 92's I think and have more volume. I used to think brighter meant louder, but I'm finding with a darker string that I don't get lost in the mix as much. I enjoy the permanents as well though. They're a great all around string, and especially work well when soloing.

The Pollmann I just bought has the Bel's on them and while they do everything thus said, still I think the Flex 92s have a sweeter color to the sound. Maybe some Basses prefer the lighter tension that the Bel's have but then again, some Basses work best with Flexs. After I get the Pollmann back from Arnold I will finally have a chance to put some time into these Strings rather than just a few Bow strokes like I have in the past.

[stan haskins]

One of my section partners uses the Bel Cantos - I like how they sound alot, very warm , with alot of "spread". I'm kind of going for a more aggressive, penetrating kind of sound now, if that makes sense. Without losing low end, though.

The only strings I've had on the Willow so far are heliocore Orchs. They fight the bow a little too much, but sound OK. I've really enjoyed playing Flexocores (sorry, Ken, I don't know what flavor) on other basses, but a few reliable sources have told me that they would probably be too dark for my bass, with the relatively soft willow construction.

Eurosonics sound like they might be another good option, though. I just don't like the sound of that "light tension". I might have to wait until the heavier ones are available.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by stan haskins

One of my section partners uses the Bel Cantos - I like how they sound alot, very warm , with alot of "spread". I'm kind of going for a more aggressive, penetrating kind of sound now, if that makes sense. Without losing low end, though.

The only strings I've had on the Willow so far are heliocore Orchs. They fight the bow a little too much, but sound OK. I've really enjoyed playing Flexocores (sorry, Ken, I don't know what flavor) on other basses, but a few reliable sources have told me that they would probably be too dark for my bass, with the relatively soft willow construction.

Eurosonics sound like they might be another good option, though. I just don't like the sound of that "light tension". I might have to wait until the heavier ones are available.

THEY call them Light Tension. I refer to them as Regular Tension and they feel fairly firm to me. The Medium Tension is on the heavier side for me and only slightly different. I have them on my Bisiach and they feel about the same as any other String tension wise, just easier to play.

[Brian Gencarelli]

Stan,

I use Permanents on my A and Low-C. They sound really good on my instrument. I have a very dark sounding bass, so they work well. The Low C is the best I have tried. The C just jumps off the bass!

I have Bel Canto G, and a Jargar Forte D. (Which I will probably switch out for a Bel Canto...) I don't really think I would like the Permanent G or D... but that would be too bright for my top strings...

The thing with the Permanents is, they start out like spirocores but then they darken in color. You have to be patient.

If you really want a "penetrating" sound, and you are playing a lot of solo rep, have you considered Corellis?

Brian

[stan haskins]

Corellis feel too soft, and lack power, on the basses I tried with them. IME, people who like Corellis usually like them because they are easier on the hands.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Brian Gencarelli]

Originally Posted by stan haskins

Corellis feel too soft, and lack power, on the basses I tried with them. IME, people who like Corellis usually like them because they are easier on the hands.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

True... but they are also thin bright. I used to use them for solo strings with my old bass. They are very easy to play, and if you are doing a lot of solo work, it may be worth it to use them.

I try not to play in solo tuning anymore, so... just orchestra strings for me.

BG