What is the core material of the Pirastro Flexocor High C?

The string features a high-tensile rope core made of carbon steel. This provides greater flexibility and a wider variety of tonal possibilities compared to a solid steel core.

Is this string suitable for 4/4 size double basses?

This specific model is designed for 3/4 size double basses. While it may fit some larger instruments depending on the tailpiece-to-bridge length, it is optimised for the 3/4 scale.

What winding material is used on the Flexocor High C?

The string is wound with chrome steel. This material is chosen for its warmth and its contribution to a classic orchestral sound.

How does the sustain of this string compare to jazz strings?

The sustain is relatively short when played pizzicato. This makes it more suitable for a classic orchestral sound rather than the long-ringing sustain typical of jazz strings.

Is the Flexocor High C designed for bowing or plucking?

It is primarily designed for arco (bowed) play. It is engineered to be extremely responsive under the bow, requiring less effort to produce a clear tone.

What is the typical price for this individual string?

The typical price for the Pirastro Flexocor Solo 3/4 High C string is approximately GBP 56.

Does the string have a ball end or a loop end?

This specific model features a ball end. This is the standard termination for double bass strings to secure them into the tailpiece.

What tuning is this string intended for?

It is intended for High C tuning. This is often used by soloists or in specific orchestral setups to extend the upper range of the double bass.

How does the rope core affect the playability?

The carbon steel rope core increases flexibility. This makes the string feel more supple under the fingers and more responsive to the nuances of the bow.

Is this string part of the 'Solo' or 'Orchestra' tuning set?

This is a Solo High C string. While Flexocor strings are used in orchestral settings, the High C is a specific addition for soloistic or five-string configurations.

Can I use this string for jazz pizzicato?

While you can use it for pizzicato, its short sustain and orchestral voicing mean it will not provide the 'growl' or long decay usually desired by jazz bassists.

How stable is the pitch on these strings?

Pirastro Flexocor strings are known for being very stable. The high-tensile steel core ensures that the string stays in tune even with changes in temperature or humidity.

Gear article

Pirastro Flexocor Solo 3/4 Double Bass High C String

The Pirastro Flexocor Solo High C is a premium double bass string designed for 3/4 size instruments, featuring a high-tensile carbon steel rope core and chrome steel winding. It is specifically engineered for arco performance, offering high responsiveness and a warm, orchestral tone with short sustain.

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Overview

The Pirastro Flexocor Solo 3/4 Double Bass High C string is a specialised component of the Flexocor series, tailored for players who require an extended upper range for soloistic performance. Unlike standard orchestral strings, this High C variant allows for melodic clarity in higher registers while maintaining the structural integrity required for 3/4 size upright basses. It is priced at approximately £56 per individual string.

Technical Composition

At the heart of the Flexocor design is a high-tensile rope core made from carbon steel. This construction provides significantly more flexibility than traditional solid steel cores, allowing for a broader range of tonal possibilities. The core is wound with chrome steel, a material chosen for its durability and its ability to contribute warmth to the overall sound profile. The string is finished with a ball end, ensuring compatibility with standard double bass tailpieces.

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Performance and Bow Response

Pirastro has engineered this string primarily for arco (bowed) play. One of its defining characteristics is its extreme responsiveness; it requires minimal effort and touch from the player to 'speak' or initiate vibration under the bow. This high level of sensitivity makes it a preferred choice for intricate solo passages and demanding orchestral works where articulation must be precise and immediate.

Tonal Character and Sustain

The sound of the Flexocor High C is described as warm and stable, typical of a classic orchestral bass aesthetic. While it excels in arco performance, its pizzicato (plucked) characteristics are distinct. The string features a short sustain when plucked, which helps maintain a traditional, focused orchestral sound rather than the long-ringing sustain often associated with jazz-oriented strings like the Thomastik Spirocore series.

Suitability and Comparisons

This string is best suited for classical soloists and orchestral players who utilise a five-string bass or a high-C setup on a four-string bass for solo repertoire. Compared to alternative steel strings such as the D'Addario Helicore or Zyex series, the Flexocor offers a more bow-centric design. While brands like Ernie Ball or Dunlop cater to electric and ukulele players with different winding technologies, Pirastro focuses here on the specific tension and resonance requirements of the double bass.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the core material of the Pirastro Flexocor High C?: The string features a high-tensile rope core made of carbon steel. This provides greater flexibility and a wider variety of tonal possibilities compared to a solid steel core.
Is this string suitable for 4/4 size double basses?: This specific model is designed for 3/4 size double basses. While it may fit some larger instruments depending on the tailpiece-to-bridge length, it is optimised for the 3/4 scale.
What winding material is used on the Flexocor High C?: The string is wound with chrome steel. This material is chosen for its warmth and its contribution to a classic orchestral sound.
How does the sustain of this string compare to jazz strings?: The sustain is relatively short when played pizzicato. This makes it more suitable for a classic orchestral sound rather than the long-ringing sustain typical of jazz strings.
Is the Flexocor High C designed for bowing or plucking?: It is primarily designed for arco (bowed) play. It is engineered to be extremely responsive under the bow, requiring less effort to produce a clear tone.
What is the typical price for this individual string?: The typical price for the Pirastro Flexocor Solo 3/4 High C string is approximately GBP 56.
Does the string have a ball end or a loop end?: This specific model features a ball end. This is the standard termination for double bass strings to secure them into the tailpiece.
What tuning is this string intended for?: It is intended for High C tuning. This is often used by soloists or in specific orchestral setups to extend the upper range of the double bass.
How does the rope core affect the playability?: The carbon steel rope core increases flexibility. This makes the string feel more supple under the fingers and more responsive to the nuances of the bow.
Is this string part of the 'Solo' or 'Orchestra' tuning set?: This is a Solo High C string. While Flexocor strings are used in orchestral settings, the High C is a specific addition for soloistic or five-string configurations.
Can I use this string for jazz pizzicato?: While you can use it for pizzicato, its short sustain and orchestral voicing mean it will not provide the 'growl' or long decay usually desired by jazz bassists.
How stable is the pitch on these strings?: Pirastro Flexocor strings are known for being very stable. The high-tensile steel core ensures that the string stays in tune even with changes in temperature or humidity.