String Bass Virgin, but, a Codger

[nachodaddy]

Been a guitarist & singer for over 45 years, always loved the sound of upright bass, though. So, on Superbowl Sunday, I bought a used Engelhardt ES-9 with bag, bow, pickup, & a nice stand that you can play from. That night, during the game, I came down with the flu from hell which lasted until mid March. I hardly got to play enough to even get my newly expected blisters on my right hand! The seller & I are from the same hometown(the land of Uncle Remus) and we were close in age, me 3 years older. He told me the strings were 5 years old, so, they are zonked. So, I'll hold this to two immediate questions, then I'll drive y'all crazy at the double bass forums. Since I'm interested in jazz standards, what string will give the longest, strongest sustain? I think I've picked the luthier to do my setup, but, I'd still like to know who y'all would recommend within a few hours of, or even in, Chattanooga. Thanx in advance for responses.

[pjro00751]

I’ve been playing jazz here in Puerto Rico for the last 16 years and I have tried so many strings with different prices, materials, Corelli, thomastiks, D’addario, lenzner guts, velvet bass, hellicore and others. My friend I quit spending money in expensive strings. A friend of mine recommend the LaBella 7720L Light tension Professional series, only $152.10 set.
The sound is in your touch.

[nachodaddy]

Howdy pjro, was that a recommendation on those LaBella's or what? Most bassers I've talked to recommended the Thomastik Spirocore weicht's for a laminated bass. Over a 2 year period, doesn't seem to be much difference between $152 & $196.