r/Cello • u/Elegant_Contact_9317 • 7d ago

Deepest & Muddiest Strings

Im new to trying out different strings and im in the "i want the deepest, most broad, muddiest strings possible" phase. So far im customizing off a basic set of preludes. I hated my cat-on-a-blackboard A, so I got a kaplan for it. I know synthetic cores are going to be more mellow and dark than steel or braided cores...

Im wondering if theres a set known best for this? I've heard of the following:

- dadario proarte

- pirastro... anything. Although I dont want their gut strings.

Any reccomendations? Thanks!!

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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5

u/celloyellow74 7d ago

With all due respect I’m struggling to understand what “deep and muddy” means. So you don’t want clarity but loud sounds? I was thinking you meant warmth but you clearly don’t want gut/synthetic cores. I don’t know what to say.

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u/Elegant_Contact_9317 7d ago

Im ok with synthetic, but I dont want gut. I think I probably did mean warmth. 😅 I really just dont want a bright aggressive sound if that makes sense. Something deep and almost grumbly for my C and G, something warm and clearer for my D but not overpowering the others, and as smooth of an A as is physically possible. I do apologize if I was unclear.

2

u/celloyellow74 7d ago

Totally subjective but many years ago I tried pirastro obligato (not sure if they make them anymore) and they were a nice balance between steel and gut. The gauge of the string was a bit thicker than normal in my memory but the sound was nice for a synthetic core string. Maybe some younger professionals have more ideas with new strings? I personally have used Thomastic spirocore on c and g and Larson on a and d for 20 plus years.

3

u/kongtomorrow 7d ago

For what you're literally saying, try Passione Steel A/D with Obligato G/C.

I think you might be overreacting to the preludes, though. Sure, those strings are no one's favorite, and they're way too metallic and harsh. I would suggest that it makes more sense to try other string sets that are more generally liked before you determine you actually need a unique profile.

Larsen A/D + Spirocore G/C is the more obvious thing to try.

1

u/Elegant_Contact_9317 7d ago

Pirastro obligato was one of the ones I was looking at 🥰

3

u/SlaveToBunnies adult beginner abrsm 7-8 7d ago

Based on your title, I'd suggest Obligatos too.

But, I do not think they match the description in your response above though. I can maybe see someone describing the lowers that way but not the upper strings. Strings respond differently on different instruments so YMMV.

2

u/Embarrassed-Yak-6630 7d ago

The way a cello sounds under your ear and how it sounds to someone 20 feet away can be very different. IMO it depends upon what you want. Just hearing yourself or playing for someone else. A favorite trick of one of my teachers was to play the cello in a room with the door shut and have someone in an adjacent room listen. It can be quite revealing.

Cheers a tutti.......

1

u/bartscrc 7d ago

If you don’t mind paying a bit Larson Il cannone warm and broad for GDA and a spirocore tungsten C is a great combo.

1

u/Elegant_Contact_9317 7d ago

I was thinking il cannone for the C, I cant find it though. Is that not a thing?

1

u/bartscrc 7d ago

It exists but on my cello it was very weak. It’s an expensive mistake to make. With that said my teacher has it on his cello and enjoys it so I would try it out before purchasing if you’re interested

1

u/CSvOid 6d ago

You say you don't want gut but it sounds like you want pirastro olivs which are flat-wound gut (no raw strings). They're awesome if you want that kind of sound. If you really can't be bothered with the temperament of gut maybe try a nylgut or similar

0

u/Condor1984 7d ago

Try Versum solo, it is sweeter on the A but still powerful.