Simply for Strings is Australian musicians’ first choice for violins, violas, cellos, basses, bows, strings, servicing and accessories. We love advising customers on everything string. Here at Simply for Strings we have a tendency to get quite excited about any new developments in the strings world. Larsen Medium cello strings are well known to all cellists, but with the release of the Larsen Magnacore Arioso strings, cellists now have more power to choose from. Our resident cellists, Michael, tested these strings extensively on some of our favourite in-store cellos.
From Larsen: "The Magnacore Arioso C and G deliver a lower tension without compromising sound volume. Liberating your overall sound and providing easy response and effortless playing in the lower register. The Magnacore Arioso G and C strings are made on a concentric multi-stranded steel core and wound with high-grade tungsten and precision rolled flat wire. Experience a new freedom of expression without a compromise in power. Well suited to both older Italian as well as modern instruments. For the gourmet musician experimenting with new combinations of sound texture and colour."
For this review, we took one of our own branded cello models, Cadenza, which is usually fitted with Larsen Medium strings. Having two examples of this model in stock was useful for comparison and assessment of the new strings.
We are accustomed to the sound and performance quality of Larsen Medium, which is a good orchestral string, has a well-rounded tone with plenty of appropriate brightness and reasonably quick response to demands of the bow. We frequently recommend Larsen strings for their tonal quality and longevity.
We have also fitted Larsen Magnacore strings to many cellos for our regular customers. Our experience with Magnacore is a fuller, more powerful tone and greater responsiveness, with a fuller range of tone colour and dynamic control available.
In this review, I fitted the Magnacore Arioso C & G, with Larsen Soloist A & D. As stated, the other cello had its usual Larsen Medium set. Alternating playing between both cellos, I was interested to see the difference. This model is already excellent with the usual set, and quite popular with our clientele. It speaks out clearly, with a good balance between the strings, and has a well-rounded tone.
The Soloist A & D really lifted the character considerably, and the cello was able to sing more clearly, giving greater range of expression and more distinct dynamics. Likewise the Magnacore Arioso C & G (the real reason for this trial) gave such an improved result. They have the increased power and expressive response that we expect from the Magnacore. Good balance and clarity, yet retaining that “thicker” sound that is distinctive to Magnacore. I found them very easy to play, the entire length of the strings - even on the C.
The Magnacore Arioso is slightly lower tension than the regular version, giving the C & G strings a sweeter sound; they responded very well to a big vibrato. Also, perhaps because of the lighter tension, I felt they were more immediately responsive to quicker, lighter bow strokes. All in all, I found them quite satisfying to play on.
Shop Larsen Magnacore Arioso Cello Strings online with free shipping Australia wide.
Larsen provided these complimentary strings to us without any review obligations.
ABOUT THE CELLO STRING LIBRARY
Simply for Strings has created a trial ‘String Library’ for cellists to visit on appointment and try different string sets and/or combinations, so that we can help with their search for the sound and response they need. Here you can try before you buy, with our guidance and assistance. In this appointment, we’ll have a discussion with you before we start fitting up to three different sets on your cello. We let you trial the strings in-store to determine which strings may suit you and your needs best. And if you need, we can play your cello for you, so you can hear it as both listener and player. It’s an obligation free appointment, all you need to do is bring your cello, and prepare to fall in love with some new strings!
Read more about our Cello String Library here and visit our blog for more cello resources.
