What is the core material of the SuperFlexible High C string?

The string features a rope core, which consists of braided steel strands rather than a single solid wire. This design is intended to increase elasticity and reduce overall stiffness compared to traditional steel strings.

What is the benefit of the chrome winding?

The chrome winding provides two main advantages: it improves tuning stability by resisting environmental changes and contributes to a smoother, more flexible feel under the fingers. It also helps produce a deeper, darker sound.

Is this string suitable for 3/4 size double basses?

This specific model is designed for 4/4 (full-size) double basses. While it might physically fit some 3/4 instruments, the tension and length are optimized for the larger 4/4 scale length.

Does the SuperFlexible High C sound bright or dark?

This string is designed to have a dark tone. It is specifically engineered for players who want to avoid the bright, metallic sound often associated with steel strings while still maintaining clear projection.

What type of end does the string have?

The Thomastik SuperFlexible Double Bass High C string comes with a ball end, making it compatible with most standard double bass tailpieces.

How does the 'High C' tuning differ from standard tuning?

A High C string is used for an E-A-D-G-C tuning, adding a fifth string above the standard G. This extends the upper range of the instrument, which is useful for solo repertoire and certain orchestral passages.

Is this string considered high or low tension?

It is described as a high-gauge string. This gauge provides a balance between loud volume and projection while the rope core ensures it remains comfortable and flexible to play.

Who is the primary target audience for this string?

It is primarily designed for professional double bass players who require a dependable, dark-sounding string for orchestral or solo use that offers better elasticity than solid steel cores.

How does the rope core affect the playing experience?

The rope core reduces the physical stiffness of the string. This makes it easier to press down against the fingerboard and more responsive to vibrato compared to a solid steel core string.

How does this compare to Thomastik Spirocore strings?

While both are made by Thomastik, the SuperFlexible is generally darker and less 'growly' than the Spirocore. SuperFlexible focuses on a balanced, orchestral tone rather than the long sustain and brightness favored by jazz players.

What is the typical price range for this single string?

In the UK market, this single High C string typically retails for approximately GBP 35.

Does this string require a long break-in period?

Thanks to the chrome winding and rope core, the SuperFlexible series is designed for high tuning stability, which generally results in a shorter break-in period than gut or some synthetic strings.

Gear article

Thomastik SuperFlexible Orchestra Double Bass High C String (4/4 Size)

The Thomastik SuperFlexible Orchestra Double Bass High C string is a specialized rope-core string designed for 4/4 size instruments, offering a balance of high elasticity and tuning stability. It is engineered to provide a dark, deep tonal character with clear projection, making it a preferred choice for professional orchestral players seeking a less brittle high-register sound.

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Overview

The Thomastik SuperFlexible series represents a significant advancement in string technology, moving away from solid steel cores toward a braided rope core construction. This specific High C string is tailored for the upper register of the double bass, providing a bridge between the physical durability of metal strings and the tactile flexibility typically associated with synthetic or gut cores. The 4/4 size ensures compatibility with standard full-sized orchestral basses, featuring a ball end for secure tailpiece installation.

Construction and Mechanics

The defining technical feature of this string is its steel rope core, which is designed to reduce overall stiffness. By utilising a braided structure rather than a solid wire, the string achieves a higher degree of elasticity. This core is wrapped in a chrome winding, a material choice that enhances tuning stability and contributes to the string's longevity. The combination of these materials allows for a high-gauge string that remains comfortable under the fingers while maintaining the tension necessary for orchestral projection.

Tonal Character

Unlike many steel strings that can lean towards a bright or metallic timbre, the SuperFlexible High C is characterised by a dark, deep tone. It is specifically voiced to avoid the 'whiny' or overly bright characteristics often found in high-register strings. Despite this darker profile, the string maintains clear projection, ensuring that the double bass remains audible within a large ensemble. The chrome winding adds a layer of warmth and helps the string speak with a rich, rounded attack.

Player Suitability

This string is primarily targeted at professional players and advanced students who require a dependable High C for solo work or specific orchestral arrangements. Its reduced stiffness makes it suitable for players who find traditional steel strings too rigid or difficult to vibrate. Because it offers a great balance between volume and comfort, it is an ideal choice for musicians who perform for extended periods and require a string that responds quickly to the bow without excessive physical effort.

Comparison to Alternatives

In the broader landscape of bowed instrument strings, the SuperFlexible High C occupies a middle ground between the bright, aggressive projection of the Thomastik Spirocore series and the softer feel of synthetic strings like D'Addario Zyex. While products like the D'Addario Helicore or Larsen strings offer various gauges and core types for violins and cellos, the SuperFlexible Double Bass string stands out for its specific 'rope core' elasticity, which is generally more forgiving than the solid cores found in entry-level orchestral strings.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the core material of the SuperFlexible High C string?: The string features a rope core, which consists of braided steel strands rather than a single solid wire. This design is intended to increase elasticity and reduce overall stiffness compared to traditional steel strings.
What is the benefit of the chrome winding?: The chrome winding provides two main advantages: it improves tuning stability by resisting environmental changes and contributes to a smoother, more flexible feel under the fingers. It also helps produce a deeper, darker sound.
Is this string suitable for 3/4 size double basses?: This specific model is designed for 4/4 (full-size) double basses. While it might physically fit some 3/4 instruments, the tension and length are optimized for the larger 4/4 scale length.
Does the SuperFlexible High C sound bright or dark?: This string is designed to have a dark tone. It is specifically engineered for players who want to avoid the bright, metallic sound often associated with steel strings while still maintaining clear projection.
What type of end does the string have?: The Thomastik SuperFlexible Double Bass High C string comes with a ball end, making it compatible with most standard double bass tailpieces.
How does the 'High C' tuning differ from standard tuning?: A High C string is used for an E-A-D-G-C tuning, adding a fifth string above the standard G. This extends the upper range of the instrument, which is useful for solo repertoire and certain orchestral passages.
Is this string considered high or low tension?: It is described as a high-gauge string. This gauge provides a balance between loud volume and projection while the rope core ensures it remains comfortable and flexible to play.
Who is the primary target audience for this string?: It is primarily designed for professional double bass players who require a dependable, dark-sounding string for orchestral or solo use that offers better elasticity than solid steel cores.
How does the rope core affect the playing experience?: The rope core reduces the physical stiffness of the string. This makes it easier to press down against the fingerboard and more responsive to vibrato compared to a solid steel core string.
How does this compare to Thomastik Spirocore strings?: While both are made by Thomastik, the SuperFlexible is generally darker and less 'growly' than the Spirocore. SuperFlexible focuses on a balanced, orchestral tone rather than the long sustain and brightness favored by jazz players.
What is the typical price range for this single string?: In the UK market, this single High C string typically retails for approximately GBP 35.
Does this string require a long break-in period?: Thanks to the chrome winding and rope core, the SuperFlexible series is designed for high tuning stability, which generally results in a shorter break-in period than gut or some synthetic strings.