Jargar Superior Cello Strings Review

I have been using the Jargar Superior Cello Strings that Jargar sent me to try for about a month now. They are on a cello that, to me, seemed a tad too bright with Spirocore C and G, and Larsen D and A. The D and A strings were extremely harsh and brassy to me. They gave a sound that was not that pleasant. They were the set that came on my cello, Belle. The C and G strings with the Spirocore strings were fine. I prefer a warmer sounder than they gave, but the overall sound of the C and G strings was pretty good. I hope this explanation makes it easier to grasp the sounds from my cello, Belle. If you have heard this Spirocore/Larsen combo on another cello, maybe comparing the sound on that cello with my description will help imagining what Belle needs.

I installed the Jargar Superior on Belle. They did not need stretching time. They remained in tune quite well. For the first hour or two, I used my fine tuners to adjust, periodically. The next day when I picked Belle up off her stand, the strings were still in tune. Did not even need fine tuning. This has been the case since I installed them, little or just a tad fine tuning when picking up. The sonata I am working on gives the G, D and A strings quite a workout. I have only had to use the fine tuners once in a while. Now, even less. All strings need adjusting a tad periodically after being used heavily and that is all that is needing to be done with the Jargar Superior strings from the beginning.

The sound was warm and sweet and clear from installation. They remain so today. I have been playing my cello a lot since my new instructor. When I had lessons a few years ago, I did not play as often (a reflection of the great encouragement and instruction I receive from my instructor). I get 4-5 hours of practice time in many days, but at least 3 hours of enjoyable practice and play time every day, now. The Jargar Strings are getting a workout. They are still just as warm and clear as they were when I installed them.

I certainly do not play as often as a professional cellist, but a professional cellist is probably easier on the strings than I am, due to better bowing technique. I am probably a bit harsh on the strings because I am still working on bowing. The strings are standing up to my “abusive” bowing. 😂

Will I purchase Jargar Superior Strings? Yes, I will. I have two other cellos and would like to put them on Ada.

Ada is a 1973 German made cello. She has a narrow waist. She also has a “belly bulge”. The belly protrudes under the bridge more than my other cellos. The bridge needs more of a curve at the legs. She bellows. Wonderful. I think these Jargar Superiors will sound beautiful on her.

Monte is a normal shaped cello (or what I call, “normal”). She is very quiet. Probably not at the same student level as Ada and Belle. Belle is advanced student or intermediate. I believe Ada is the same. Monte would probably be a step below, but not like a beginner level. Just mentioned to maybe give some idea of what you would expect to hear from him. I do not think the Jargar will work on him. He needs to be perked up, but not brightened, because I prefer warm. He needs more life added to him though. I am not sure the Jargar Superior will work with him. The Jargar Superior do create lovely volume, but they are a little too warm for Monte. Monte has Perpetuals on him at the moment. They are duds on him. If you have heard Perpetuals on a cello suited for Perpetuals, hopefully, that will give you an idea of Monte’s needs. This may help you understand the Jargar Superior sound.

In my review I sent to Erik at Jargar, for being sent the strings, I mentioned that “warm and brilliant” did not describe the sound and was confusing. He said he has mentioned that because he has received questions about that. He has suggested they change that description. I told him that I did understand it the minute they were bowed. I also said that what came to my mind was, “Warm, Yet Clear”. He liked that description. I told him to feel free to use it. LOL

So if you have heard warm strings but were put off because they were muddled and you had trouble with intonation, try Jargar Superior. They have warmth, but the notes are clear. This makes it easier for a student to learn intonation. I love the sound of Obligatos on my violin but the warm sound is also “muddled”. I have been told that that is the issue with warm strings for students. I could not hear the sounds for correct intonation. I removed them. I will put them back on my violin after my intonation improves. That may give you an idea of what is meant by my description, “Warm, Yet Clear”. Remember, this is a review of Jargar Superior, not the original Jargar Classic. These are warmer.