Originally Posted by Uncletoad (Post 7006885)

This is very bass dependent. Quick responding basses can sound more poofy with Weichs. Don't think they have as much low end but they sound less "string" and more "wood" or "air". They are almost always quieter and have less overall sound than Mittel on the same bass. Mittels on those basses have more power longer notes and generally more of that Spiro buzz thing--at least until they get pretty old.

Arco the Mittel almost always has more power volume and projection on quick responding basses whereas the Weichs have less power and volume but sometimes are easier to get a note going.

Tighter less forgiving basses need more tension to get moving and there Wiechs sound particularly wimpy. Little poof and lots of buzz. Mittels then have more power and low end on tighter basses. They drive them harder and can create poof that you can't get with Weichs on the same bass.

Arco the Mittles will make a tight bass roar where Weichs will seem like they never get it going.

This is not always true. You have to try them both on the same bass to know for yourself.

For some unknown reason Solos to standard pitch throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing. Especially resonant quick to respond instruments roar under the Solos and with Mittels can sometimes choke. Solos never get the Volume of mittels but sometimes the wood and air they bring is worth the lower output.

Overall I prefer power and volume and will pick up air as I can get it. Higher tensions allow me to play lighter if I want and still have a quick front end to the note. Wiechs and Solos move a tad to slow on my basses for my tastes pizz so I stick with Mittels. I get plenty enough air with them in spite of the higher tension.