I honestly don’t know that they could possibly make a better flatwound than the Jaco flats. They are simply the best, most versatile flats I’ve ever used.
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It’s great to find strings that work for you. I have a new ABG and I’m not there yet. The Hellborg set is constructed with a composite core like many cello snd double bass strings are. I think they’ll be less percussive which would work for me with this bass.
Can’t wait to hear their response, and thank you for inquiring
I’m waiting for the flatwounds since they sound like they’ll be a TI competitor and I love TIs
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More flexible = better for me every time.
Better recording of Dogal Hellborg strings:
Thanks for the kind words!
The only negative about these strings is that the silks clash like hell against autumnglo. They go together like toothpaste and orange juice.
Otherwise, I like them a whole lot more than solid core strings.
I regret that my review was so timid. I said:
I'm still a flats fan, but for the sake of these Hellborgs I'm giving glove(s) another chance to help them last longer.
@Koschei, your previous track has disappeared. It was beautiful too.
I wanted to say "TIJRs sound muffled in comparison", but that sounded unbelievable, as TIJRs are very nice strings. So, just listen to @Koshchei's tracks please.
I'm still a flats fan, but for the sake of these Hellborgs I'm giving glove(s) another chance to help them last longer.
@Koschei, your previous track has disappeared. It was beautiful too.
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[QUOTE="Koshchei, post: 25772805, member: 340494" In terms of feel, they have none of the spring that a solid core string does.[/QUOTE]
Maybe this can be seen in my photo of Hellborg vs TIJR G strings hanging from a nail.
We talked about flexibility as a factor, but this relative absence of spring could be too, as the spring is a property of the string unrelated to the note being played.
Maybe this can be seen in my photo of Hellborg vs TIJR G strings hanging from a nail.
We talked about flexibility as a factor, but this relative absence of spring could be too, as the spring is a property of the string unrelated to the note being played.
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Very much. The lack of rebound changes the character of the string completely, but I think it's also what makes it sound more in tune with itself. I'm not a physicist, so I defer to the experts, but it's plausible that the lack of this extra spring at the ends of the strings does this.
A couple of observations:
1) When playing relatively close intervals low down, they DO sound a lot more in tune. For example, an A on the low E and a C on the A string. You get a lot of rubbing on normal bass strings, while on the Hellborgs, the overtones of the A string completely swallow those of the E string, and it sounds relatively consonant.
2) I can get the strings a lot lower without buzz. Like, stupid low (0.75mm at the 12th fret). This is probably because the strings have way less mass, so the amplitude of the vibrations are smaller. This isn't very helpful though, as my dynamics suffer unless the strings are around 1-1.25mm minimum.
3) I don't slap very often, but on the low E, I get a bit of a rustle from the string when I do. It doesn't translate through the amp, but it's something I've never experienced before. I know that Jonas does slap a lot, so I can't see this as an inherent weakness of the string, or he'd never have approved them for release. Just weird.
Ok - conclusion time: There's no going back. These strings are awesome.
I speak with Dogal and for sure they are working on Hellborg flatwounds. They shall have more information in 6-7 weeks.
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Here’s another clip - a rough “learning take” of the first half of Voices by DT. Apologies for rushing the end. It should give an idea of how the strings perform on a more orthodox bass line.
@Koshchei Thanks for sharing your impressions of these strings. Keep us updated on their longevity too. They're so expensive, I hope they last a long time.
Not sure I'll be able to help there too much - I play with a mitt (thanks, focal dystonia), so strings can last several years for me.
I usually kill strings inside of a month. What kind of glove do you play with? I tried the "Musicians Practice Glove" on amazon and I just can't get used to it.
That was terrific. I couldn't pick up on any rushing by going from the 1st part to the end, but then it may be from being half deaf from jamming with a really loud blues band tonight
Bass and strings sound really good, too. Not quite good enough to drop that kind of cash
but it was a killer demo and it'll sell some sets.
Thanks manThat was terrific. I couldn't pick up on any rushing by going from the 1st part to the end, but then it may be from being half deaf from jamming with a really loud blues band tonight
Bass and strings sound really good, too. Not quite good enough to drop that kind of cash
Yeah, they are pricey, and the silks look really awful if you have a sunburst headstock, but they feel and sound tremendous. For me, the lack of string rebound and how the harmonics seem to envelope one another when playing chords is worth the price of admission.
That's the kind I use. They're tight enough to keep my brain connected to my fretting hand, and for about $70 a year, an insignificant expense to keep me playing (and sane). There are a couple of fringe benefits too -- string noise doesn't exist, and normally sticky necks aren't sticky.
But yeah, when confronted with "x or not being able to ever play again", it's funny how fast I can learn to live with x.
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