Pirastro Permanents

[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

[stan haskins]

I'm not looking for solo strings - just orchestra string with projecting power. Think Berlin Phil under von Karajan.

I will start with the perms this summer, then make adjustments as necessary.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by stan haskins

I'm not looking for solo strings - just orchestra string with projecting power. Think Berlin Phil under von Karajan.

I will start with the perms this summer, then make adjustments as necessary.

FLEXOCOR, ANY of the styles and which ever works best on you Bass including the Original Flat Chrome. Perms sound goof on the E and E when broken in but the G and D are thin sounding. Mix with a Flexocor type on the top. You can thank me later!

Belcantos are getting raves as well these days and have them on my Pollmann which I haven't yet picked up. They were nice when I played them but tonally I still prefer Pirastros of any styles just mentioned. I spent over a year testing these FOR Pirastro a short time ago putting various sets on some of my Basses and have used every variety in an Orchestra setting. The newer the Bass, the better the string needed to compensate for lack of mellowed age. Even the best of the new handmade Basses need the right string to work.

[stan haskins]

The Permanents are pretty good right out of the box. They sound alot more "brilliant" then what I'm used to (Heliocores - won't be going back to those), and I hope that translates into "penetrating" or "projecting" in a big room. They still have a good deep fundamental tone, though. . . .

They're lower tension than what I expected, which I guess might end up being a good thing in the long run (and my bass seems to like it). I think I'm going to miss a little tension under the bow, though.