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Michelle Anne Cello
Senior Member
Username: Icstars
Post Number: 426
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 04:55 pm: | |
Last night (actually very early this morning), I installd Evah Pirazzi strings on my Kallo Bartok cello.
Since receiving the cello last year, I've known that the instrument had great potential. I thought that I'd need to find the right strings to suit my needs. I also had a problem with the fuzziness factor on the G string which was noticeable a fifth up and higher. To play clearly in this area, I had to be close to the bridge and focus carefully to my technique. Although I was satisfied with the cello, I must admit, this is one thing that I did not like. I must point out that on any decent cello I've ever played, there is some of this evident on the G string. Only on plywood cellos where resonance and projection is terrible have I not seen this problem. But on my KB, it was really more than I liked.
I first tried Dominant strings. They were very nice but didn't solve the G string problem.
I tried replacing the G with another brand (I don't recall which), but was not satisfied.
I then installed a set of medium Obligatos. There was a significant improvement across the board with this set of strings. The G string problem was significantly lessened. But still, I was not completely satisfied.
After reading several positive comments about the Evah P. strings, I decided to try a set. The strings run $140 plus shipping, so this decision was a tough one. I have not seen anywhere, anyone using the "light" set. But the descriptions of the strings give the light set a "warmer" tone. I decided to go for the light set. This made the decision to spend the cash doubly different. I've thought about it for 3 months.
So back to early this morning.
1AM: I played for 15 minutes on the existing Obligato string set to crystalize the sound in my mind.
1:15AM Swapped out the Obligato A for the Evah A. Oh.. a rich chocolate sound. Full, round, and rich. The trade off was a very slight reduction in the instrument's volume which is not a problem since the Bartok has so much to spare. The high treble cleff notes are easier to play.
2:00 AM. Swapped out the Obligato G for the Evah G string. DYAEM! The fuzziness and lack of response to my playing style higher on the G string was cut by at least 75%. The difference was astounding. Now I have a full rich bass that has complex structure and not just a booming bass.
2:30 AM: I swapped out the D string. The new sounds I experienced on the A string were duplicated here. I was delighted.
3:00 AM Swapped out the Obligato C for the Evah C string. I observed improvement over the tone of the Obligato. But not as much as in the other 3 strings. The change again was that the tone and sound was more full bodied and had more character. I observed more of a reduction in volume with this string than the others, but again, the Bartok has so much to spare. If anything, the new C string brought more of a balance to the others in total output.
I played for the next couple of hours bringing the new string set and the instrument to their fully combined potential in my hands. Granted they are not the most experienced hands. But the character of the music was what I have always wished for in my instrument. I was inspired and awed by the new instrument I held in my hands. I can belt it out or play soft and sweet. What a marvelous experience this has been.
I whole heartedly suggest the Evah Pirazzi light strings for those who play temperamental instruments. It is well worth the money.
Now, I'm wondering what they'd sound like on my Soloist cello. I very much enjoy the existing sound of strings that came with the Soloist. But...
Michelle
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not sure.
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Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 762
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 05:51 pm: | |
I'm glad you like the Evahs, Michelle.
I'm quite surprised that you lost volume.
The D and A on the Todd actually increased the volume.
The C and G increased it too yet lost the warmth and depth of the Helicores. That's where the Flexocores shine. Good (although a little less than the Evahs) volume with a lot more warmth.
I'm just amazed how different strings take on different personalities with different instruments.
Very good review you posted.
Laura's teacher swears by the Tungsten ropecore Spirocores with the Larsen soloist D and A.
Since I haven't paid for a single string yet, that will be our next move. But since I just popped for 3 bills on a Reunion Blues bag and won Mary's JK bow on ebay, that will have to wait a few more months. |
Daniel Burton
Senior Member
Username: Daniel
Post Number: 210
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 10:00 pm: | |
Curtis, don't I remember that Laura's experience with Evahs concerned the medium tension variety? Michelle took a brave leap of faith and bought the "weich" strings, which apparently are thinner and require less tension. Logically, the resultant sound would be less, though who knows, in the unpredictable world of instruments and strings, what might happen?
In my most recent dialog with Pirastro, they suggested I try the lighter strings on my boistrous German cello, and they sent me a D and A which I haven't put on the instrument yet. With Michelle's glowing report about how they're resolving her KB problems, I'm eager to try. Many of my frustrations had been solved with a "new" lightweight bow, so I had been putting off the string swap so that I wouldn't be confusing one thing with another. Ever onward.
Dan
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Michelle Anne Cello
Senior Member
Username: Icstars
Post Number: 430
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 10:10 pm: | |
Daniel,
Surprisingly enough, the weich strings did not appear any thinner than the medium set that I took off. Perhaps I should get out my digital caliper and check.
But I truly was shocked at the difference they made on my instrument.
Michelle
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not sure.
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Chris Wood
Advanced Member
Username: Miamiwood
Post Number: 92
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 01:38 am: | |
Nice review Michelle. I got the same "Wow" results on my Maestro violin - really a huge improvement. Although I don't think I want to try the light set (at least for violin), as the tension is higher then the dominants. I would have felt bad if we talked you into the $140 Evahs and they were no good.
Chris |
Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 768
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 02:43 am: | |
Dan. I also read that you would get a warmer sound from the mittel oder der stark strings, ja?
I've wondered, light string, faster vibration on the average stroke = higher pitch, faster vibration, more projection?
Or is the heavy string like the low RPM thunder of a Harley? |
Christa
Advanced Member
Username: Diefremdeseele
Post Number: 79
Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 04:12 pm: | |
So the light Evah's have a warm sound? I'm gonna have to get set of these to put on my viola! I'm glad to hear your G-string problem was solved. |
kathyk
Advanced Member
Username: Suzukimom
Post Number: 79
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 07:22 pm: | |
Evahs are a nice string, that's for sure. Had them on my cello (Soloist) and very nice, but I wanted to try Obligatos and like them a bit more, seem a little richer and really reverberate. Have EPs currently on my viola and I like them a lot, rich and brilliant. |
David
Senior Member
Username: Dr461
Post Number: 131
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006 - 10:57 am: | |
Evahs are fabulous. I have 3 violas and 4 violins (well, now one less of each, as I just sold one of each on E-bay). I only use Evahs, as they have the right balance of sound, projection, and warmth. |
Joan Goldsmith
Advanced Member
Username: Cellojoan
Post Number: 92
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 08:06 pm: | |
I wrote to Pirastro for suggestions on G & C cello strings to go with my Larsen Soloist A & D. They offered to send me two free strings to try. The strings haven't arrived yet, but I can't believe they have such a program! |
Joan Goldsmith
Senior Member
Username: Cellojoan
Post Number: 101
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 07:57 pm: | |
Couldn't wait for Pirastro to send strings so I bought a full set from Shar for my MTII cello. To quote Michelle "DAYEM" it is. The power of those strings is incredible. You would have thought I had amped my cello! Also the ringing of the open strings is unlike anything I have heard before. Very impressive.
Tomorrow I have a lesson. Let's see if my teacher notices any difference. Thursday my trio meets to practice on stage for our recital the following week. The Evah's should give me all the projection I will need to hit the back of the hall.
Technical question: Our luthier is not coming for about 4 weeks. I had noticed a buzzing in my cello and was very frustrated about not finding the cause. I noticed when I changed my strings, that the D might have been hitting the fingerboard just below the nut. That would mean the groove in the nut is too deep; right? I put a tiny piece of folded paper under the string in that spot to "lift" the string a bit. The buzzing is gone but how will the luthier fix this? |
Administrator
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1058
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 09:07 pm: | |
Joan,
The nut string guide should not be too low, as to have the D string hit the fingerboard, unless part of the fingerboard (near the nut) has come unglued. Can you photograph the area and post it here?
StringWorks Board Administrator
StringWorks Home Page:
http://www.stringworks.com
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Joan Goldsmith
Senior Member
Username: Cellojoan
Post Number: 104
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 06:33 am: | |
I couldn't get the photos to upload, so I sent them via email to Erik (in case this isn't Erik). However I don't see anything coming apart. |
Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 1463
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 02:34 pm: | |
Joan,
Those Evahs are powerful for sure. We tried them on Laura's MTII and they were a bit too brilliant but the ringing and projection was amazing. They also felt too brittle to the touch for Laura's small and delicate fingers and made them hurt so we went with titanium Spriocore C and G with the Larsen Soloist D and A. They also have a powerful tone and project well but have more depth and warmth.
Hope you enjoy your new set.
If you ever want to try a string that sounds like hot fudge and are silky smooth the the touch but don't project quite as well, try the Flexocore C and G. They were actually my favorite sounding on the Todd, just lacked a little volume. |
Julia S
Junior Member
Username: Fantasie
Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 05:18 pm: | |
I just bought a set of Evah Pirazzis for my new violin (I haven't bought it yet, but I think the one I have on approval right now is the one). I absolutely love this violin, it has great projection, and a nice rich, dark sound. Right now this violin has dominants, which sound great, but I'm interested to see if the Evah Pirazzis will be a good match. I've heard they are great strings. |
Joan Goldsmith
Senior Member
Username: Cellojoan
Post Number: 105
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 06:45 pm: | |
I'm glad I went ahead and bought the set but wouldn't you know the day my purchase arrived so did the free strings from Pirastro! They sent me four strings; two g's and two c's. How can they do that? Aren't they in business to make money? What a great company. |
Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 1469
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 05:37 am: | |
Yes. Piratro is in the business to make money. I can imagine the markup being about 600 percent on strings from what it costs to make. They gamble you'll love playing for a long time, like their strings, remember how generous they are as a company, and keep buying those nice expensive Evahs. And especially for cello where the price can push 200 per set.
The Spirocore tungsten C is 66 to 70 bucks alone.
I sure hope it has lonevity. |
Julia S
Junior Member
Username: Fantasie
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 05:44 am: | |
I get my strings from Shar, so the Evah Pirazzis were about $50. |
Man
Senior Member
Username: Manwong
Post Number: 294
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 02:27 pm: | |
Julia,
I think Curtis was talking about the price of their cello strings, not violin/viola.  Wow! The cello is one expensive instrument to keep up!  I think I'll stick w/ the cheaper stuff for my cello -- and probably won't even try the free Evah's on it just so I don't get tempted.  I might try the Evah's on violin at some point though, especially if my 1926 MA Juzek turns out as nicely as I'm hoping. 
Speaking of cello expenses. Now, I gotta shop for a stand -- probably the Ingles thanks to tips/reviews from Michelle, Timothy, et al -- and a decent traveling case since the minimalist SW padded case is probably too flimsy, especially if I need to lug it on the subway.
_Man_
Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".
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Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 1470
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 02:33 pm: | |
Man.
Helicore/Larsen is a pretty good set up and a little less $. Still not cheap. |
Julia S
Junior Member
Username: Fantasie
Post Number: 25
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 07:07 pm: | |
Yeah, the cello strings are sure expensive! I guess that's one advantage of playing violin, though I love the sound of the cello. |
Man
Senior Member
Username: Manwong
Post Number: 297
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 07:24 pm: | |
Thanks for the tip, Curtis. I will probably give those a try at some point, if I get anywhere w/ the cello. The strings that came w/ my cello still looks very new, so I'm guessing there's plenty of use left in them. How long do these things last again? I seem to recall cello strings tend to last a fair bit longer than violin strings -- maybe that diff is big enough to offset the price diff.
Julia, I love the sound of the cello too. That's why I've been tempted to give it a try w/ this great deal I got off eBay. And much kudos to Malcolm's packing/shipping job too -- if he happens to be lurking about here.
Looks like my family of stringed instruments is growing as fast as my real family -- and might soon eclipse us in numbers.
_Man_
Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".
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Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 1471
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 06:50 am: | |
I can't wait to see your cello. I think the last Maestro cello I saw posted was Shari's. They sure are good looking instruments.
What kind of strings are on there now? You may have the Heli/Larsen setup already.
Heli=royalblue with white stripe/Larsen=gold with navy blue stripe.
I think cello strings lst loger too. They are so much thicker than violin strings. Seems to make sense to me. |
Man
Senior Member
Username: Manwong
Post Number: 299
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 07:46 am: | |
Curtis,
I will try to get some photos up asap though I'm a little attached to the Juzek viola at the moment as I just received it yesterday. At first, I had my doubts about the viola (or perhaps its setup), but after a bit of playing, some adjustments and removal of the mute that I'd left hanging off the end of the G and D strings, it now sounds quite wonderful and started to make me think of the cello sound -- and even inspired me to hack out the beginning of the Allemande in the Bach Cello Suite #3(!) off the top of my head, which I had never tried (on the violin) before. Just wonderful! Now, I don't think I can part w/ this viola anymore even though it still feels like it might be a bit too big for me at the standard 16"--this size thing must be what kids feel when they first move up to the next size violin that they can barely handle. I have a hard time w/ tunneling the A string and stretching to reach certain parts of the C string (as well as 4th finger/pinky on other strings in some instances), and I really need a lower chinrest (or none at all) as it's too high for me. One thing though. The viola came w/ a simple, adjustable shoulder rest, and after trying that, I think I really do need a proper shoulder rest for the violin too, instead of the cheapy sponge I've been using.
Anyway, enough of the OT viola thing. I'm not sure what strings my cello has. Malcolm hasn't gotten back to me on that question yet -- he's apparently a very busy man w/ all the work-related traveling he does, which was why he sold the cello. All I know is the A and D strings are gold w/ navy blue stripes, and G and C strings are navy blue w/ gold stripes. I will see about putting up some photos soon. Wish I could actually just start hacking out some tunes on the cello like I could w/ the viola though, but the techniques and physical aspects are soooo very different.
_Man_
Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".
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Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 1473
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 02:31 pm: | |
The D and A are definately Larsen. Not sure of the C and G. |
Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 1474
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 02:37 pm: | |
I may have been mistaken on the color of the Helicores. I went the the Instuments pages and inspectied the strings of the higher SW lines and it looks as though the Helis are blue with gold. This is the set up SW generally epuips there celoos with. There very good strings if they strike your fancy. Its a good reliable, well rounded set of strings (nicely balanced tone) and then you just change them to suit your liking (or if your bored and want to spend money). |
Timothy
Senior Member
Username: Nickturbo
Post Number: 162
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 03:26 pm: | |
I put a set of (free!) Obligatos on my Maestro cello last week and I am loving them - I previously had Evah C-G-D (also free!) and a Larsen soloist A (ok - I paid for that one) - the Obligatos definitely sound warmer - my teacher said she likes my "new" sound 
the Obligatos went wayyyyyyyy flat each day for about 3-4 days, but now they seem more stable
today I practiced Christmas carols with an acoustic guitarist - we are gonna play four pieces next saturday (Silent Night, the First Noel, Joy to the World, and What Child is This) at the Buffalo Jugglers Christmas party......we plan on getting everyone drunk first....
"It's only one note at a time, how hard can it be?"
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Jim Crawford
Senior Member
Username: Seanseamus
Post Number: 484
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 10:14 pm: | |
Man, it sounds like the cello has Larsen (standard), probably in Medium Guage for an A and D; and Helicore (also probably Medium guage) for the G and C.
ps.Glad to hear that you are enjoying the Juzek Viola! |
Michelle Anne Cello
Senior Member
Username: Icstars
Post Number: 601
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 09:39 pm: | |
Timothy, that sounds so fun! I used to play in a quartet in the stores for Christmas when I was younger. It was a great way to earn money. It paid better than anything else I could find at the time. But I have to tell you, I sure got tired of playing the same carols over and over for 3 or 4 hours a night.
I sure wouldn't mind doing it again for a night or two... not for the money.... but just to play somewhere!
Michelle
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not sure.
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Timothy
Senior Member
Username: Nickturbo
Post Number: 163
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 11, 2006 - 08:43 am: | |
I sure wouldn't mind doing it again for a night or two... not for the money.... but just to play somewhere!
ok...stop by! - I will leave the porch light on for you...
I am also going to play some chamber music and christmas carols with three other adult cello students over the holidays - also just for fun!
"It's only one note at a time, how hard can it be?"
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Virtue
Advanced Member
Username: Hroady
Post Number: 74
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 11, 2006 - 10:43 am: | |
I am in love with my free Obligato's on my Virtuoso Violin. I still have not tried my free Wondertone set nor my free Evah Set. But I will, once my Obligato's wear off. |
kisho bhars
New member
Username: Newbie555
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 06, 2009 - 12:00 pm: | |
someone pls help
got a cheapie china cello... i am a starter...
but even to me, the A string sounds like a CAT
going nuts... it is too shrill and too high..
all other strings are acceptable, newbie wise..
so
what NON shrill A string can you all recommend ?
also, what rosin can you recommend ?
what BOW can you recommend...?
thanking you all
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Cellopop
Senior Member
Username: Curtis
Post Number: 3181
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2009 - 06:02 pm: | |
non shrill A....Jarger
Rosin......Hill dark or Kolstein, but most are good. Don't get too hung up on the rosin thing.
Do your homework on the bow. They are too expensive and too personal for me to recommend one. If your cello is that cheapie, I wouldn't go too nuts on a real expensive bow.
I really need to ask you though before you spend another dime, is, has your cello been set up properly by a professional luthier? You may want to have that checked out.
Do you have a teacher to show you proper technique?
Did you purchase your cello from a reputable stringed instrument shop or take a guess on the internet?
These things matter!!
Take your time and do it right. |
Dan O
New member
Username: Dro
Post Number: 10
Registered: 10-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 - 12:13 pm: | |
On bows, as Cellopop said, they are too personal a thing for someone else to decide. The good news is that you can have a few shipped at a time and just give them a try.
Pick a price point that is appropriate for you, factoring in the cost of shipping bows for trial, and then just try things out. You are really the only one that can decide if you like a particular bow.
A general guideline is your bow should probably cost between 25-50% of your cello's value. That's not a hard rule in any sense, but it's a good starting point.
There are certainly bows that are more expensive than a lot of instruments, but if you have to ask, then you're not ready for that. |
