Helicore (D'Addario)
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What the manufacturer says:
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Reviews
P. Archer (1/26/16)
Bright (Tone)
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Rich (Complexity)
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As a folk fiddler player, these are my strings of choice. They feel thin under the fingers and respond instantly. They hardly ever need tuning and have a very fast response. I have tried many quality strings but none suit my style like these. The only negative thing I have found is that the A string unwinds around 1st position B natural after 6 months or so. I took this up with D'Addario and they replaced a couple. This means that I end up replacing only the A string. It seems the rest of the set could last for ever. I do have very dry hands and never sweat, so this may be why. I love them.
M. Wittmann (4/28/15)
Bright (Tone)
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Neutral (Complexity)
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Loud (Projection)
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These strings were installed on my beginner violin, a Yamaha V7G.
The G and D strings are surprisingly warm sounding for metal core strings, but also not very complex.
The A string always was a problem, because it did not ring as good as the other three strings.
The E string is very bright and loud, but also harsh sounding with a slight tendency to whistle.
These strings are also quite soft with the left hand even though their tension is high.
I recently replaced the Helicores with the Larsen Virtuosos. I am very happy with them.
The G and D strings are surprisingly warm sounding for metal core strings, but also not very complex.
The A string always was a problem, because it did not ring as good as the other three strings.
The E string is very bright and loud, but also harsh sounding with a slight tendency to whistle.
These strings are also quite soft with the left hand even though their tension is high.
I recently replaced the Helicores with the Larsen Virtuosos. I am very happy with them.
H. Thomas (4/5/15)
Bright (Tone)
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Clean (Complexity)
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Loud (Projection)
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I've been using Helicores for about 9 months now, and have been impressed with them. I play mainly folk/jazz/bluegrass, so the brightness is important to cut through in a band setting.
My only problem is that the A started unwinding at the first finger position after just 3 months - perhaps I hadn't been careful with fingernails etc. I ordered a titanium wound A replacement and have had no problems so far.
Very reliable in terms of tuning, stability in different temperatures/humidity etc.
A good string that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any fiddler.
My only problem is that the A started unwinding at the first finger position after just 3 months - perhaps I hadn't been careful with fingernails etc. I ordered a titanium wound A replacement and have had no problems so far.
Very reliable in terms of tuning, stability in different temperatures/humidity etc.
A good string that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any fiddler.
R. McDonnell (4/1/14)
Bright (Tone)
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Neutral (Complexity)
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Loud (Projection)
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As far as steel strings go, helicores are easily my favorite. They have a stranded steel rope core, which makes for a very quick response. Helicores are surprisingly warm for a steel string. They have a fair number of overtones; a trait not typically associated with steel. The were quite nice on an newer German violin that I used to play, however, they can be a touch shrill on some instruments. The e is nothing remarkable, but it works fine. Finally, the set has a very long lifespan. If you are on a budget and need a good, solid, long lasting set, helicores are a good bet
J. Penurious (11/13/13)
Bright (Tone)
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Loud (Projection)
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Depending on the instrument, as always, these strings are awesome. Soft and nice under the fingers and a delightfully narrower string diameter make these strings fantastically responsive. One might find fewer overtones due to them being a metal string, but their other attributes make up for any absences of overtones. They are warm and penetrating, long lasting as well. They are a good deal worth trying out in my opinion.
H. Jansberg (5/15/13)
Neutral (Tone)
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Neutral (Complexity)
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Loud (Projection)
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I really like this string - but a strings attributes are dependent on the violin; If the violin is dark, complex and loud the string will sound the same (comparatively)
S. Welling (4/3/2013)
Bright (Tone)
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Clean (Complexity)
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Very Loud (Projection)
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One of the best metal core strings out there. These are almost comparable to synthetic strings. They still have a brightness to it that you will get with all metal strings, but they are much more flexible under the fingers. I would recommend these to any student looking to get a bit smoother sound out of their instrument as well as any professional that wants a brighter tone like violinist/fiddler Mark O'Connor.