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CelloBass
Registered User
Posts: 70
(8/26/01 6:59:33 pm)
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a-string-question
I have Larsen Soloist a-strings on both of my two cellos and I
bought them because I heard that they were among the best a-strings
available. OK, they are not bad, but I am not absolutely happy with
them. They get really loud and brilliant starting at the range of e
(2nd pos.) upwards, but the empty a-string and the notes of the
following third sound a bit thin, lacking volume. It sounds a bit
like the vowel 'a' in 'car'. My explanation for this is that it is a
consequence of the low diameter together with the high tension. Both
seems to favor the upper regions of those strings. Well, now I could
order two dozens of different a-strings and try to find the best
one. But before doing so, I would like to ask if anybody of you has
noticed similar effects, and what strings cured this problem on your
cello. I see it on both of my cellos, so I think it is rather string
related than cello related. I have tried the standard, non-Soloist
version as well, but it made no difference. Played on the d-string,
those notes sound full and resonant, but on the a-string they sound
a bit like cold coffee brewed yesterday. 
.
Horst
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TerryM
Registered
User
Posts: 524
(8/26/01 7:31:45
pm)
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Re:
a-string-question
I would give the Pirastro Obligato A a try. It may take a bit of
time to break in, but it is rich in harmonic overtones and has a
pretty full sound, at least it does on my cello. I don't believe it
is made with the same core as the other Obligato
strings.
However, having spent the last week or so trying out
various new strings on two very different cellos, I am reluctant to
make any recomendations. It amazed me how strings, that did not
sound all that great on one cello, sounded very good on the other.
In light of this, I think that making blanket recommendations or
condemnations, for that matter, can be very misleading. Each cello
has its own characteristic response and some strings might enhance
or detract from that response and the results could be very
different for different cellos, bows and players.
Terry
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Bobbie
Registered User
Posts: 616
(8/26/01 8:49:24 pm)
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Re:
a-string-question
I would also consider what the lower strings are. A change in the G
and C especially can have a large effect on the sound of the A
string.
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CelloBass
Registered User
Posts: 71
(8/27/01 7:52:04 am)
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Re:
a-string-question
Terry,
thanks for your comments. That is what I always
wanted to ask: When I replace one of my steel strings by an
Obligato, does that mean that I have to replace the other steel
strings by synthetic strings as well, or do the Obligatos blend well
with steel strings? Basically you are right. Today I have placed a
big a-string-order I have
spent a lot of money for cellos, a bow, having the setup done by an
experienced luthier... and I will spend a lot for lessons in the
future. I don't play the cello because I want to break the world
record in fast scale playing, I do it because of the sound of the
cello. And I know myself pretty well. I won't be satisfied until I
have tried some other strings, ending with a string that is at least
close to the optimum. And it will be an interesting experiece to see
how those different strings all people talk about will sound on my
instruments. And I will have a lot of strings to replace a broken
one
Horst
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 Steve
Drake
Registered
User
Posts: 439
(8/27/01 9:51:09
am)
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Community Supporter
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Re:
a-string-question
The obligato A strings are actually a steel core string. So it
might work, but it may also be a lower tension, so there might be
some adjusting to do.
There are so many variables in cello
set up, that I really doubt that it's just the A string causing your
problem. But they're the cheapest string, so it's not too expensive
to experiment.
I've never really liked the Larsen soloists -
they're too bright. I like the Jargar or the Larsen regular strings,
but in the forte (or strong) variation. I've found Jargars and
Larsens to be pretty much interchangeable, at least for the A and D
strings.
My MP3's
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CelloBass
Registered User
Posts: 72
(8/27/01 2:23:45 pm)
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Re:
a-string-question
Steve,
I don't like the Larsen D either. On my cellos this
string sounds just boring. OK, it speaks well, but the sound is too
flat and simple. I play a Prim D and I think that Prim strings are
generally underestimated. What I get with the Prim is a slight
metallic edge with clear and pretty strong harmonics. And the good
thing is that it keeps those harmonics even when playing in the
upper thumb regions where thicker strings usually loose brilliance.
The Prim sounds pretty much like Dominant strings on my violin. And
you can dig into the string with high pressure near the bridge
without loosing the synchronization. This is not the way I like to
play, but sometimes when the bow gets too short unexpectedly, it is
good when the string tolerates it.
Horst
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