When we released the original HYBRID set, it quickly became very popular. Players found a real alternative to the usual steel and synthetic-core strings on the market: A string with a rich, complex, and natural tone, with just the right amount of sustain for melodic playing and soloistic lines, without ever sounding synthetic or artificial.
Many musicians immediately felt at home on the HYBRID. And at the same time, a group of players began asking for a different aesthetic. Those coming from plain gut strings or Oliv G were looking for a feel and response that goes even further toward traditional gut: a stronger initial punch, more "meat" under the fingers, that satisfying percussive energy.
These conversations led to the idea of extending the HYBRID family. HYBRID Oak was developed for players who enjoy the sound of gut, but want the reliability, consistency, and versatility of a modern steel-wound string.
We worked closely with musicians who were searching for this character.
One of them was Hervé Jeanne, a long-time explorer in the world of bass strings and the creator of the well-known YouTube channel String Matrix.
Hervé had been on a long search for a set that matched his own musical preferences, so he immediately understood what this project was aiming for. Throughout the development, he became an important partner by testing prototypes, offering detailed feedback, and helping us refine the ideas behind Oak. And at the end of this process, Hervé found the qualities he had been looking for.
We will publish the YouTube video with his review on the HYBRID Oak here soon.
