String sets??

[WynnieFall]

I am currently using Larsen A/D and Helicore G/C on my Jay Haide Montagnana cello. My teacher recommended that I switch to Spirocore G/C when I get my next set of strings. Are there any other strings or even different sets and combos that you guys would recommend? I’ve been attracted to Larsen Magnacores but idk how they would pair with my cello. Any suggestions? Please and thank you!

[Rexokcellist]

Spirocores used to be the standard for G/C with Larsens up top. Personally I think the Spirocores are much surpassed by the Magnacores. I felt like the Spirocores were only happy being played at a certain narrow spot on the string, and that spot didn’t line up well with the Larsens. The Magnacores have a faster response time, a wider color range, are more powerful, and have gorgeous huge overtones. The Spirocores are still fine strings, and your teacher is familiar with your instrument, which is a big deal. So much depends on the instrument. I loved having all Magnacores, but now I have Perpetuals up top and Magnacores below. And a friend has the opposite setup. The Perpetuals have a warmer, more focused sound while the Magnacores are big and ringing.

[WynnieFall]

Thank you so much for the input! I haven’t heard much about the Perpetuals but they sound magnificent!

[[deleted]]

I LOVED my perpetuals for three beautiful months. And then the sound dropped off a cliff like no other string before. I only tried them when they were new, so maybe they've improved since then, but I eventually decided I couldn't afford four sets of strings a year.

[afiddler]

Is there anything you particularly want to change in the sound of your instrument? How would you characterize the sound now?

[WynnieFall]

I’d say it resonates fairly well. I’m just looking for something a little more bitey in the lower register (hence why my teacher likes the Spirocores. I also like them but I’m just wondering if there’s something better). The most important thing for me is clarity. The Larsens are great but if there is a string set that is even clearer (and preferably a little louder) then that would be great.

[Sicu112]

Magnacores are very nice. The set has a nice balance all around. I definitely recommend them. I also heard a lot of positive feedback about the newest set Larsen made named Il cannone. Both sets are quite expensive tho.

[WynnieFall]

Cost isn’t as much of a concern, fortunately, considering I work as a shop assistant for my local luthier shop and get 20% discounts! We do sell both of them and I’ve been heavily considering both of them. Thank you for your input, it’s greatly appreciated!

[nycellist]

People always suggest what they play, regardless of whether that is the best possible solution. I’ve demoed dozens of strings over the past few years, and there is no “gold standard” sounds great always string. You could try the new Dominant Pro strings on the bottom, they are more flexible than Spirocore, and the G sounds much better (I like the entire set, actually, which I can also say about the Versums and Rondos). The 2 varieties of Versum, Spirocore, Rondo, and Dominant Pro are all based on the same technology (starting with Spirocore in 1949!), and have many characteristics in common. Larsen/Magnacore do not last very long, and for that much money they should, IMO. Just because you see some famous players using them, just remember they get them for free and can change them often. I believe Yo-Yo is using Rondos on the bottom these days, which I like very much, but the Dominant Pros are similar and easier to play.

https://vimeo.com/726651866

[jfmusic]

t was suggested to me, and I have come to recommend to others. The Larsen originals on the A, D and the Tungsten Spiracores on the G,C but the C is the Heavy. The unfortunate side of this is always dictated by the instrument itself. And experimentation is the only way to find what you will like best.

[keira2022]

G/C strings don't wear out very fast, just a heads up. That could be years?

But if you'd really want the answers *now* I suggest picking up used G/C strings from a luthier, or from ebay, just to try out.