Jargar Medium Cello strings are some of the most popular affordable strings on the market. Here is our review of them!
Jargar Classic strings (in the Medium tension) are an industry standard. They produce a good quality, generically cello sound, and offer a strong and warm tone. They give a good response to the bow, with a good dynamic range and expressive qualities. They are very long-lasting and forgiving of rough treatment, making them a great option for student cellists.
The different varieties and tensions of the Jargar Classic range are useful because not all cellos are the same.
On many cellos the standard Classic Medium set is ideal. However, there are some idiosyncrasies with the cello design and it is not uncommon to find cellos with a much more dull and less responsive C string: the G string can have the same difficulty but usually less than the C. Sometimes the D or the A on a particular cello could be the dull one, and more commonly the A string can be too bright, producing either a harsh or “thin” sound which is quite unpleasant and doesn’t balance well with the rest of the cello. Jargar, as do all the best makers, offers solutions to help with these needs.
- In the basic Classic set there are 3 options: Dolce (soft), Medium, and Forte (loud).
- An overly bright and harsh A or D string can often be corrected with the Dolce option;
- Any string that is too soft or dull can potentially be helped with the Forte option. This is often preferable for the C and G strings;
- It is not unusual to pair Jargar Classic Medium A & D with Jargar Classic Forte G & C to bring a better balance to the cello.
- Sometimes the lower strings need more vibrant response: these can be helped with the Jargar Silver Sound G & C, with their more highly flexible steel core and silver winding, offering a response more like that of wound gut.
- Where the A and/or D is too weak or thin sounding the Forte choice would be the first option but where it is exceptionally weak, a great solution is to balance the sound with Jargar Special. This A and D offering is basically made the same as the standard Classic strings, but they are a little thicker and offer a more rounded, fuller and more powerful sound.
How to Fit Jargar Cello Strings to Your Cello
Over many years I have particularly noticed that the Jargar Medium A string is more likely to break while relatively new, if extreme care is not taken while tuning. The string performs well and sounds great, and can last a very long time if it survives the first few weeks. We strongly advise the following simple steps to protect the string during tuning.
When fitting all strings, use a soft graphite pencil (HB or softer) to line the grooves on your bridge and on the nut. This lubricates and reduces drag on the string.
When tuning with the peg, always loosen the string slightly first before tightening to the required tension. This seems to help by making sure the metal windings are not stuck to the nut groove.
Turn the peg slowly and don’t bring it fully up to tension in one turn. Do it gradually. Remember, especially while the string is new, the steel doesn’t want to be tightened too quickly. Never overtune. Pluck or bow constantly while raising the pitch, to ensure you don’t go over the mark. It is sure to snap!
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.
