Introduction: As my coworker Jeff Anderson says, "it is a good time to be a small cellist!" Both Larsen and Piastro have recently come out with fractional-size cello strings, which is an exciting development in the string scene.
About: Until recently, the market for fractional cello strings was dominated by Helicore. They offered reasonably-priced strings that sounded good, but didn't tend to age well. Also, for my taste, they were a little floppy, particularly the C and G strings. (In all fairness, there was also a higher-tension version available, which I quite like, except for the above-mentioned Helicore propensity to start buzzing after just a few months of play).
Fit & Finish: Most string players have come to associate both Larsen and Evah Pirazzi with quality, and these small-sized strings are no exception. In very general terms, I would say the Larsens have a somewhat warmer tone, while the Evahs, with their higher tension, project strongly; choosing between them is largely a matter of personal preference, as well as the needs of the individual instrument.
Cost: In terms of price, both Evahs and Larsens compare well to the Helicore fractionals. At House of Note, where I work, a set of fractional Helicores retails at $233.50, while the Evahs run at $225; the Larsens seem like a real steal at $184.00.
Conclusion: Since, in every string instrument, there is an infinity of variables (not including the player's idiosyncrasies, strengths, and weaknesses), having a wealth of string choices to balance out the needs and limitations, as well as the potential, of player and instrument, is definitely a good thing. So next time you are out shopping for strings, give the Larsens or the Evahs a try -- they might kick your child's playing up into the next dimension!
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