D'Addario Kaplan Cello String - Single A String - KS511 4/4M - Cello Strings - 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension

I've been very satisfied with Hellicore cello strings as they have produced excellent tones for my cellos. Several months ago, I've read and watched reviews on Kaplan strings, and wanted to try them out myself. I ordered the set via Amazon at that time, but I did not change the strings until recently, for the Hellicore strings were doing fine, and such a practicality overrode my curiosity to find any difference the Kaplan rings would deliver. (BTW, that was one way to say "I was too lazy to restring. LOL)The current price difference between these sets is about $70 if bought at Amazon, but the real question is "are the Kaplan strings that much better than the Hellicore strings, worthy of the price difference?" For me, the answer is "yes" for now. I immediately noticed the improved tone; better responses on all strings (much more so on the C and D strings) and they produced less metallic sound than the Hellicore. Also, at the time of restringing, the Kaplan strings did not require frequent tuning; that exceeded my expectation, for all other strings, including Hellicore required such until they got stretched and settled down for at least a few days.I will provide updated review in a few months. Until then, happy playing!

I've been playing cello for about 25 years and have played mostly school cellos and rentals and my own Hammond Ashley. I'm used to Helicore strings which are bright and sometimes squeaky. I put these Kaplans on my Hammond Ashley and it sounds like a much more expensive cello! It's richer and fuller and sounds like a professional cello instead of a student cello. I wish I'd restrung with these years ago and I would have enjoyed playing much more than when I felt like I was fighting my cello to make a decent sound because of the squeaky Helicores. Kaplan are the sound you and your cello and everyone else has been looking for! If you are a student or have students, pop Kaplans on NOW so you'll get to enjoy that lovely richness without enduring years of squeaky frustration!

D'Addario Kaplan Cello Single A String, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension broke after only a few hours playing time.Sound quality was fine, but nothing spectacular.Over 40 years experience with stringed instruments -- very disappointed with this durability at this price point.

I bought the D'Addario Kaplan Cello String Set for my daughter to replace the well worn strings she played all through high school. As she's since graduated to college orchestra, I thought it was time for an upgrade, and after some research I decided on this set. Though her cello is a relatively inexpensive student model, the improvement in tone and playability is remarkable. Her comment after playing on the new strings was, "Wow! If I'd had these strings in high school orchestra, I would have been first chair the whole time."I would have to agree, a pro quality string upgrade on a student quality instrument is well worth the investment. I wish I had done it when she was starting out, though at the time $150+ for new strings seemed like a lot considering I had no idea if she would stick with her music studies. In retrospect, it seems like a bargain!

2/1/25 I wish to update my review of D'Addario. Within 48 hours I did receive a phone reply from D'Addario in regard to the two strings that had the ball end pop off while replacing all the strings on my cello. They apologized for the strings failing and noted that it occasionally happens to more than one string in a set as the strings from one batch are all made at the same time.Matt, from customer service, offered to replace the strings which I appreciated especially considering that they were just under $200.00 for the set of four.I received a follow-up email giving me details of what they needed from me in order to replace the strings:Picture of the defective string(s)Picture of your order confirmationPicture of the batch code(s) located on the inside packaging (see attached examples)Verify specifically which strings set you purchasedVerify your shipping addressAs the strings were replaced during the cello tune up, the luthier who did the work had not returned the empty string box to me, but fortunately the email also stated:"If you no longer have some of this information don't worry about it. Once I receive your reply, I'll send youreplacement strings!"I am looking forward to receiving the replacement strings, so my cello doesn't look shaggy with figure eight knots holding the lower end of the strings to the tuner. And if the other strings being from the same lot, it is possible they balls will pop off them as well.1/28/24 Tone wise this is a decent string.I have been playing cello for 65 years and though cello strings last a fair amount of time, I have been playing long enough that this is not my first set to be changed. I have also been playing guitar for 60 years and currently have 18 of them in my collection, many have had D'Addario strings which have proven to be a nice string.This time however D"Addario, so far, has really let me down.I paid just under $200.00 for this set of 4 strings for my cello. I was having a luthier fine tune my guitar and asked him to change the strings for me while he was at it. The ball on the G and A string each snapped off before reaching pitch. Since this luthier specializes in orchestral instruments, is considered one of the top luthiers here in Las Vegas, and has been working as a luthier for 40 years, I have to assume he knows what he is doing, plus I was right there as he was ding the work. My point is that the strings were being handled correctly when the two strings had the balls pop off.I tried to contact D"Addario but was only able to reach a recording letting me know that someone would try to get back to me with 48 hours. In my opinion, that means that are either having a huge amount of problems or are simply far understaffed.Either way I am disappointed with paying $50 per string and having two of them break during installation, and what I perceive as a lack of available customer service.

Gorgeous warm sound on my cello so soft and smooth not sharp and harsh

Strings are pretty great especially for the price I paid. They produce a great sound than my previous set would buy again

Kaplan strings are WONDERFUL! They start out a little on the metallic side (like Helicores), but once they're played in (about a week), they warm up beautifully. All my section mates ask me about my cello strings and what I use. They project and sound as good as strings that cost twice as much, and I've had them on my cello for six months without them going "false". They hold their tune and stay clear and clean!