Thomastik SUPER Flexible strings?

March 22, 2012 at 07:06 PM · It appears I did not do the link correctly. Here is a description of the strings:

Superflexible Strings (Thomastik Infeld)

Flexible, multi-wire spiral core offers an expansive, warm and powerful tone. Highly responsive, long-lasting and stable; a great choice for fiddler players. All chrome steel wound on spiral steel rope core unless otherwise noted.

Thanks.

March 22, 2012 at 09:54 PM · I use Spirocore D, G, and C on my viola and I tried a Superflexible D. It sounded and responded similar to a Spirocore D, but less brilliant.

If your instrument likes lots of tension, they could work ok, but even then, I think there are many powerful, quicker responding sounding violin strings that have a richer, more complex sound than Superflexibles will.

I think viola is generally a different animal - some violas are rather dark, and steel rope core strings can brighten tone and speed response without sounding unattractive, in my opinion.

March 22, 2012 at 11:05 PM · They used to be my standard steel string for fiddling, many years ago. They don't have the overtones and liveliness of many of the other choices... Spirocore, Prim, Helicore, etc.

March 23, 2012 at 10:51 AM · I use Superflexible GDAE and a Spirocore viola C on my 5-string and they work great for all the reasons your teacher gave. I like Helicores as well but they don't last as long. Spirocores are great as well....they are a little lower in tension and a bit brighter than Superflexibles. Superflexibles and Spirocores are both an excellent steel string choice !!

David Blackmon

March 31, 2012 at 04:59 PM · Andrew, aren't violas meant to sound dark? I use Aricore, even for th A, but I semm to be in a minority of one!

March 31, 2012 at 05:35 PM · Adrian - yes, I guess so, but I think sometimes that they need increased brightness and response to project above other instruments. Over time, I've actually found that steel strings seem to suit the more cello-like sound and maybe also response of bigger violas (over 16 1/2") better.

April 1, 2012 at 07:57 PM · I use dominant now, and prior to them I used helicore. I like the dominant sound better, so I am wondering if I would like the Super Flexibles. I want clear, fairly focused but not sharp, shrill or too bright sound. I would like a little more projection (ensemble players are always telling me to play louder). Do metal core usually have a "brighter" tone than synthetic core?

April 2, 2012 at 01:44 AM · They do, and I think Superflexibles might meet those criteria - if your instrument will tolerate them. They have a lot more tension than medium Dominants or Helicores. You might also try Visions - also made by Thomastik, and synthetic core, but relatively bright and focused.

April 2, 2012 at 01:55 AM · I spoke to someone who is first fiddle in a very fine quartet only a day or so ago and she was playing on a loaned Guadanini which had ... wait for it ... Dominant strings on it!! And it sounded wonderful.

April 4, 2012 at 03:07 PM · Once again, Andrew, we find ourselves commenting on strings :-)

I'd give the Thomastik SuperFlexible strings a shot, but if you want something that's a little bit easier to play on (lower tension), you should give vision SOLO a shot . . . they're bright and project well, without requiring a lot of tension or pressure, and they still maintain a lot of depth to the sound. Warchal Brilliant are also quite bright, and project very well, with an added benefit of quite economical pricing.

I also recently saw a gorgeous Tononi that had Pirastro Passione (weich), and it sounded fabulous, rich and bright at the same time, and with a great transition from a huge bottom end to a clear, ringing A string. I just put the same set on my viola, and I'm quite impressed with them, though they are a bit more on the "Dark" side of the scale.

Cheers!

Chris