Hey everybody,

What's the deal with replacing your top two steel strings with gut strings? Does anyone here do this?

I've seen a few people with their basses set up that way (and from picture of Mingus' bass, I think he had it that way also), and I dug their sound. I was considering ordering two LaBellas and giving it a try. Is there anything I should know before I attempt this?

It seemed to be a big thing in the 60's-70's as I recall, at least every bassist in North Jersey I knew in the Union went that way.

I second Ed's comment -- I don't miss 'em, either. Frankly, I think the state of the art for metal-based strings has come ahead leaps and bounds in the past 30 yrs.

Jeez, I'm a geezer! Or at least I sound like one.

Originally posted by AlexFeldman
Hey everybody,

What's the deal with replacing your top two steel strings with gut strings? Does anyone here do this?

I've seen a few people with their basses set up that way (and from picture of Mingus' bass, I think he had it that way also), and I dug their sound. I was considering ordering two LaBellas and giving it a try. Is there anything I should know before I attempt this?

I use Pirastro Oliv, all four strings are gut wrapped in steel. I love 'em.

I don't think Ming used any steel. I think I recall him ranting against them in an interview I read. As best as I can tell from his sound he didn't use steel.

Thanks guys. Time for my monthly ritual: smack self in the back the head to relieve any GAS I might be having and just try to improve /what/ I'm playing. :)

Speaking of Mingus, you all should check out the new Mingus boxed set... there's a great hour long interview with his producer Nesuhi Ertegun.