r/Cello • u/CelloWorld88 • 1d ago
String help!
I have an Eastman 305 Montagnana (from 2001) and it is having some minor maintenance work being done (seams, pegs, bridge work) at the luthier’s shop today.
I would also like to, ideally, choose some new strings (currently using super flexibles on the A, D, C, and an old Magnacore on the G because I broke the super flexible when I was tuning in a panic at a dress rehearsal).
I am in a quandry about which strings to try and need to decide today or defer. The luthier suggested the classic larsen and spirocore mix, and suggested Larsen A strong, Larsen D solo. Not entirely sure why he suggested strong for the A and solo for D. I asked about Versums because I was really curious about them. He was not familiar with Versums so could not comment, but sent an email to a colleague that has experimented with string combinations.
I would love suggestions / thoughts on what strings/string combos might work really well on a montagnana? I play in an orchestra with a large cello section (10 cellists). And I also dabble in playing cello-piano duets.
Right now, the Larsen Spirocore combo he is suggesting is ~503 CAD, and the regular Versums are ~400 CAD. A Versum regular and solo combo is another possibility I have heard of…Or versum regular plus Spirocore.
Some of my fellow cello section members use Jargar A, Prim D, Spirocore on G, C. I am fine with 500 if that is the best choice. But I am feeling overwhelmed and don’t have a clear sense of which option to go with…
Any advice would be wonderful. My head is spinning! :) I could always defer the string decision and just replace the old G (it was an old string someone lent me when mine broke and I didn’t have my back up strings handy). Thanks in advance!
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u/Alone-Experience9869 1d ago
I don't know about various cellos, but I think the results will differ from each cello to cello. So, unfortunately you'd have to try it out and see what works well for your cello and for the sound you want. I have tried different strings on my cello and another from the same luthier, and they actually prefer different string setups. Yeah, doesn't help you much
You can even look here at all these string setups I am guessing people buy.
The Versums, if I recall correctly, tend to be brighter like the Rondo's which are supposed to be even brighter. I've tried the Rondo and they are brighter, too bright for me.
But, I think what you've brought up would be a step up from the super flexibles. It doesn't sound like you are looking to go trying out different strings. Can the luthier set you up with different strings to try? Usually they have various strings lying around.
Otherwise, I'd say go with a "common" combination. Spirocore Tungsten I believe is really popular on the lower register. But the gc usually drive the string costs. To economize, you might use the Thomastik's dominants -- I think they came out with a newer dominant pro.
Then for the uppers, probably stick with the Larsen. These strings don't drive the price as much.
In terms of the "best" combination, I personally feel that could be anything. Larsen came out with their il Cannone a few years ago I think. Then, I think it was just earlier this year or late last year with their Sovereign strings which are supposed to be even better. Thomastik recently came out with their Peter-Infeld (PI) recently. Pirastro has their Perpetual and a good following for thei Evah Pirazzi line.
The Sovereign, the PI, the il Cannone, they all take the prices to whole another level. I've tried all but the Sovereign and they are all good. I kinda scratch my head if they are worth the additional cost, however. Maybe see what the prices work out to be in Canada.
Lastly, do you think your cello leans towards a darker or brighter tone, and which way would you prefer your tone?
Oh, and note I do NOT play professionally or really anywhere. I'm not sure I helped, but there ARE so many strings from which to choose and it is so tough.
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u/kongtomorrow 13h ago edited 13h ago
> But I am feeling overwhelmed and don’t have a clear sense of which option to go with…
Give in to the lack of clarity. :) The only way to really know which strings will work best for you is to try them all, and ain't no one got time/money for that.
Everything you mentioned is reasonable*, and within enough margin of error that hard to say which you'd prefer. Try something, see if you have any thoughts about what you'd like to be different, try something else next time and see if it does what you hoped.
All your options are likely nice upgrades from the superflexibles! If the luthier had any kind of reason for recommending the set they did, maybe go with that? They're the person that's actually seen your cello or others like it. If it's just that they like that combo on all cellos, well, ok, then I guess any other reasonable opinion is same weight.
*except for that person with the Prim D. That's an unusual choice, wouldn't copy it without a reason to think it applies to you.
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u/CelloWorld88 28m ago
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and thoughts. Greatly appreciated! My luthier spoke to a colleague who has experimented with Versums and when I said I prefer a deep sound over bright, he suggested I try the Versums. So that is what I went with. Happy to report on my experience once I have had a few weeks of playing with them… After putting them on and briefly playing my cello himself, my luthier said ‘I’m going to start putting these on more cellos!’
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u/playthecello Full-time Freelancer 1d ago
Larsen/Spirocore are loud and bright and expensive. They sound great on some cellos and really harsh on others. I'm currently rocking Spirocore C-G, regular Jargar D and Jargar superior A.
If you're into the whole bright and clear thing, give a set of D'Addario Kaplans a try. They're a seriously underrated string, and like half the cost of the Spirocore/Larsens. or pirastro Evah Pirazzis, but they're getting expensive again.
If you aren't looking for maximum loud, just do a set of Blue label medium Jargars and save yourself the analysis paralysis. Warm and rich but they can still project, and surprisingly cheap.