All eight of the Il Cannone strings are designed to be mutually compatible. To accompany and to support one another to produce the optimal sound colour from the instrument. We encourage experimentation and the following information will help to explain the main differences to our existing product range.
C strings
The main difference between Il Cannone C in comparison to Magnacore C is a distinct, defined and long lasting core sound which provides a more focused sound. This applies to both Il Cannone C variants. Magnacore C strong provides the most focused C in the Magnacore family offering a somewhat broader, less centered core basis than the Il Cannone. That being said, major artists such as Gautier Capuçon and Daniel Müller-Schott still prefer their beloved Magnacore strong. Il Cannone is a new and versatile add-on to our portfolio rather than a superior replacement. Different rather than better subject to personal preference.
The Direct & Focused C offers a sound not known from a Larsen C before whereas the Warm & Broad C approaches the Magnacore C medium. Warmer and broader but with the new core basis. The second difference is ‘playability’. The Magnacore C Arioso, because of its low tension, offers the easiest playability in pianissimo in the Magnacore family. The Il Cannone C strings get very close to this level despite the higher medium tension.
G strings
The Il Cannone G strings are designed to partner and support the other strings in the set, especially the new C strings. In comparison to the popular Magnacore G strings, the Il Cannone G variants solve one issue: there is no potential metallic sound when playing open strings, the sound is uniform across all positions. Another difference to the Magnacore G is the flexible construction of the Il Cannone G. This provides easier playability and a faster response. However, players preferring the resistance of a string to bow and finger will probably prefer the Magnacore G and observe them to be faster in response. Again, Il Cannone is a great and versatile add-on to our portfolio and not necessarily a better replacement.
D strings
The Il Cannone D Direct & Focused delivers a clear and projecting sound. Its character is close to our Magnacore Arioso D, but at a lower string tension level. This strengthens the A string in its projection and makes the sound more open. The Warm & Broad D string has a beautiful almost saturated warmth as with our Magnacore D medium yet offers more clarity in sound and is more powerful than the Magnacore without an increase in tension.
A strings
Our new and patent pending Direct & Focused A string combines qualities of several of our popular A strings: the singing quality of the Arioso A, the edge of the Magnacore A and the sound body of the Soloist A. The testing cellists reported very easy playability and sound response plus considerable durability. The Il Cannone Warm & Broad A string adds distinctly more warmth and body and is the ideal choice for very bright sounding instruments needing these qualities from the A string. The optimum result here would be combining the Warm & Broad A & D. Alternatively, combine the Warm & Broad A with the Direct & Focused D to open up the sound and to add greater clarity.
