These strings are not so major in Japan, but they are used by Brouwer and others. The treble strings are carbon, but they have a reputation for having a soft sound that doesn’t sound like carbon. This is my first time to try knoblocks, so I’m looking forward to it.
The following article is a summary of the string reviews/feedback/information articles on this blog:
- Treble strings are carbon, bass strings are nylon and carbon composite core wire
- The second and fifth strings are colored red
- Soft sounding carbon strings for sure
- Bass strings with a firm, taut sound
- First impressions are good, now if only availability and price were better
- (PS) : I took it off after a week because of the tension
Treble strings are carbon, bass strings are nylon and carbon composite core wire
As mentioned in the article below, there are three lines of Knobloch strings. One of them is the Activeus Double Silver, which uses a nylon and carbon composite material in the core wire of the bass strings.
The set I try this time uses the carbon treble strings with the bass strings.
Knobloch carbon strings have a reputation for having a soft sound that doesn’t sound like carbon strings, and they also have a firm sound on the bass strings.
The back of the package describes the sound trend like this. I’m sorry to say that this is the only Knobloch string I have, so I have no way to compare them.
The second and fifth strings are colored red
When you open the package, you will find a further package with bass strings and treble strings inside. I guess they can do this because they sell a combination of each series of treble and bass strings.
The bass strings are properly packaged in an air-tight package to prevent rust. …Hmm? What’s that unfamiliar red color…
It seems that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd strings and 4th, 5th, 6th strings are in one package, so the 2nd and 5th strings are marked in red to make it easier to distinguish between them. 1st,3rd, 4th and 6th strings can be recognized by their thickness, but it’s a bit hard to tell when the 5th string is added, so that’s kind of nice.
The 2nd string also has a reddish tip. The strings themselves look normal.
However, the tip of one of the bass strings has a loop on it like in the picture above, which is a bit of a hindrance. Because of this, I had to cut it off. It might be better if I put it through from the other side.
PS: I checked with Knobloch, and they said that this metal loop is a manufacturing issue, and cutting it off is the correct way to use it.
Soft sounding carbon strings for sure
The treble strings have a soft sound that is hard to believe that they are carbon strings, just as the reputation says. I have never heard such a soft sound.
The sound is not muddy, so it will be suitable for everyone. The strings have the tensile strength of carbon strings, so they are not soft and low tension.
A similar sounding one would be Diamante from Dogal’s.
Bass strings with a firm, taut sound
The bass strings have a harder feel. They are not flexible strings like the Cantiga of Savarez, etc., and rather the kind of strings that you would expect to have a firm sound.
It still has a firm and taut sound when played. It seems to work well with the treble strings.
First impressions are good, now if only availability and price were better
It was a pretty good string as an impression right after I put it on. It has the sound of a carbon string without the kink, but not muffled, and seems to be a string that anyone can use.
The problem is availability and price. In Japan, there are not many shops that sell it, and the price is a bit expensive (even in other countries).
I’m still looking to add more reviews in the future, including longevity, but first impressions are good.
(PS) : I took it off after a week because of the tension
It was certainly quite an interesting string with a clear sound without the kink of carbon. I think the closest thing to it is the Dogal Diamante.
However, the tension is too strong for my hand. So I took it off in a week. It was a waste of money.
If nylon strings sound too blurred, but carbon strings are too close together, these strings are worth a try.
I would like to try another one with less tension too.
