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Thomastic Superflexible String Set.
View of A-string.
Click on image for a larger view.
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As you probably already know - this is a seriously
big requirement from any make of string. Many of the string sets
marketed under the name "Hybrid" strings - just don't seem to be much
good at either pizz or arco. They are just what we call "compromise" strings.
They just don't "cut the mustard". Time you had a date
or bonding session with a set of Thomastic Suprerflexible strings
- for we boffins at The Contrabass Shoppe think that they are pretty
well the tops at both.
Reproduced from the Thomastic Infeld website
- "Superflexible
is incomparably responsive and its tone seems to literally radiate
from the instrument without the least harshness. Durability, tuning
stability and purity are unsurpassed".
Yes - we regularly use the Superflexible strings on our own instruments
and are always well impressed with the results.
The strings get top marks for pizzicato. They
respond quickly to the fingers with a "not too much - not to little" amount
of sustain. They also have an impressive range of "colours" coupled
with a good tonal quality.
We really love the way in which the strings speak nice and quickly
with a wonderful clarity, really good volume and a generous quality
of tone. Best of all - this level of performance can all be achieved
without any sort of harshness or scratchiness. You know what I
mean - without the sort of ear-bending sounds that you get when
you bow Thomastic Meds.
Well - the diversity and beauty of sound that a string produces
depends very much on the type of material used for the core and
on the material that is spun around the core. Whereas the Thomastic
Meds have a spiral steel core the Thomastic Superflexible strings
have a braided steel core.
In terms of string evolution the Superflexible string lies midway
between solid-core strings and the advanced spiral-core type. In
the manufacture of the Superflexible string, solid-core has been
replaced by a cable-type structure made up of braided steel threads.
This type of structure is known to reduce the string's stiffness
- in other words the elasticity of the string is greatly improved.
Yes indeed. We fitted a set of strings to one of our instruments
and were well pleased with the results. The sound cut through well
with loads of volume and clarity. Even better - the sound was very
even right across the five strings.
Yes - it was absolutely brilliant. With the bow the string felt
nice and tight and responded really quickly to both legato strokes
and attacking strokes in both pianissimo and forte. Just the job.
Yes indeed. Players with a low C-extension and for those with
low tension instruments - possibly the result of a low-angled neck
or a short string-length - should also benefit really well from
using or experimenting with this make of string.
Yes - a simple Roman numeral stamped on to
one side of the ball end of each string has made putting a string
onto the wrong cog virtually impossible. The G-string being identified
as 'I' -
the E-string being identified as 'IV'. On the other
side of the ball end an 'O' identifies that the string
is of Orchestral pitch - an 'S' identifies the string
as being for Solo tuning.
Yes - each string comes with a small felt pad on the ball-end
that serves to cushion the back of the tailpiece from the ball.
Direct contact between steel ball and ebony tailpiece can potentially
be the cause of a buzz - so we think that this is a very nice touch
indeed.
The strings are only available in Medium tension.
The Thomastic Superflexible string is an excellent
choice for players of both pizzicato and bowed music. The strings "speak" and
respond quickly with good carrying power, purity and volume - they
also have excellent tuning stability and are incredibly durable.
Quite deservedly then - there is a growing number of users of this
very dependable string and the price is really good too.
Set number: 42 (4/4 size); 2887,O (3/4 size)
String length: 4/4 - 110cm; 3/4 - 104-106cm
Gauge: 4/4 G - 1.27mm, D - 1.90mm, A - 2.09mm, E - 2.75mm
Tension: 4/4-size G - 32.0kg , D - 32.0kg, A - 34.0kg, E - 34.0kg
Tension: 3/4-size G - 28.5kg, D - 30.0kg, A - 31.0kg, E - 32.0kg
String description: Steel rope core, chrome wound
Pegbox colour code: Light blue
Tailpiece colour code: Light blue
Special orders 4/4 size: Low C (40), Low B (41), Extension C (44),
High-C (35)
Special orders 3/4 size: None
Special sizes: 1/2 (Set No 2883,0), Low B (2883,6),
Special sizes string length: 1/2 - 96.5cm
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