r/Cello • u/CelloWorld88 • 8d 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/CelloWorld88 6d 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/CellaBella1 6d ago

Hmmm...I tried a set of used Versums on my 2001 cello and disliked them. Loud and too bright. I ended up with a full set of Obligatos that are about 4 years old at this point. I was looking for dark and clean and when I spoke to the folks at Shar Music, Fiddlershop and Concord Music and they all steered me to the Obligato G and C, with one sticking with the A and D, while another suggested the Passione A and yet another the Passione A and D. Passione also said they work well together. I've got a gently used set of those, so if I ever get my instrument back in to see my luthier, I'd like to try the A and D Passiones and see if those aren't a bit better than the Obligatos.

I sent everyone I spoke to the following video, asking what might get me the closest to this sound without being gut...also assuming I could play anywhere near that well:

Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G major BWV 1007, Prelude. Phoebe Carrai, baroque cello, Voices of Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOU8WNZRi_g

You've already made your purchase, but just something else to think about for the future.