All steel strings options

[Les Fret]

The only set of strings I have used on my bass so far are Spiricore weichs.
Although I like them (especially for pizz) I am looking for some other options to try. Maybe also a string which is better for bowing.
I play 60% classical arco/40% pizz.

The problem is that I also use a Biesele magnetic pickup when I play with my bands. I think these magnetic pickups will only work well with all steel strings (?).
So my string options are limited I guess.
What other (steel) strings can you recommend?

[Eric Hochberg]

I say stay where you are unless you are willing to give up the mag pickup, which will widen you string choices considerably for an arco/pizz string.

[Jason Sypher]

...and perhaps find a new improved sound

[Les Fret]

A really need this magnetic pickup for feedback problems. I have tried many things already and this is the only thing that works for me when playing in medium to loud situations. I also have a Full Circle pickup. Sometimes I mix the two, but mostly I end up using the Biesele.

So no other steel options? or other strings that will work with a magnetic pickup?

[Francois Blais]

Depends on the kind of pizz tone you want.
Orchestral strings will bow better, but the pizz tone will be different; less sustain, darker, etc.

[bribass]

Originally Posted by Les Fret

A really need this magnetic pickup for feedback problems. I have tried many things already and this is the only thing that works for me when playing in medium to loud situations. I also have a Full Circle pickup. Sometimes I mix the two, but mostly I end up using the Biesele.

So no other steel options? or other strings that will work with a magnetic pickup?

I like Thomastic Superflexibles G, D & A. They are all steel braided rope core. They will work just fine w/ a magnetic pu. More arco friendly than Spirocores, but still great for piz as well. Once they break in I find they are somewhat warmer than Spiros, but still retain many of their advantages for piz playing. They may be a bit stiffer than you're used to coming from Spiro Weichs. They only come in solo gage or medium Orchestra. I use the mediums w/ a Spiro Mittel E. On that bass they do not feel too stiff or high tension at all, but this is very bass dependent and subjective.
Somewhat cheaper than Spiros too .

On my other bass I use a SF G w/ Spiro Mitt A,D and E.

I don't like the SF E as much. It's hard to beat a Spiro Mitt E for power and clarity.

[Les Fret]

Good suggestion Bribass!

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

Depends on the kind of pizz tone you want.
Orchestral strings will bow better, but the pizz tone will be different; less sustain, darker, etc.

I like a bright pizz tone with a longer sustain. I don't like a dark and muffled tone.
I have absolutely no idea what other strings then the Spiros (and the Superflexibles) will work with a magnetic pickup and still have a good arco sound when playing classical (without pickup of course).
So any more suggestions are very welcome. Just trying to find out my options.

[Francois Blais]

Corellis

[Les Fret]

you mean these?
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...S_STRINGS.html

is the light tension much lighter than the Spiros weichs? or is the medium tension about the same tension as the Spiros weich?

glad to see I have more options

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by Les Fret

you mean these?
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...S_STRINGS.html

is the light tension much lighter than the Spiros weichs? or is the medium tension about the same tension as the Spiros weich?

glad to see I have more options

The real tensions should Read (M)edium, (F)orte, (TX)tra forte.
The mediums are very thin and light strings.
The TX are possibly about the same tension as Spiro weichs, but this isn't based on numbers, just feel.

[martinc]

Just to clarify.....the Corelli's that are the most like the Spiro Weichs in size, sound and feel are the 380 TX.
I don't think Bob Gollihur carries those. They are nickel-wrapped steel. I have used them in the past and liked them better than the Spiro Weichs. Not as much twang.
The 370 tungsten strings are much thinner in all their tension categories.

[jmacdbass]

here are a few things that helped me

bass on the left amp on the right slightly forward

some other tricks:

-small nerf football in the bridge

-1 inch foam used for insulation in windows (think A/C) in the F holes

or both

depending on the instrument you can also use scotch tape over the f holes also

i use a magnetic pickup sometimes too but these other "tricks" work in a pinch and sound more natural - i use to play in some pretty loud bands with 3 drummers and a electric 5 string violin plugged into a fender twin = IE LOUD


i also find 2 amps separated and standing slightly behind works well

sometimes a rubber practice mute will help also

J

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by martinc

Just to clarify.....the Corelli's that are the most like the Spiro Weichs in size, sound and feel are the 380 TX.

Thanks Martin.
The E string in the 380TX set is horrible though.
However: Bob G now carries them, and they're very affordable...

[martinc]

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

Thanks Martin.
The E string in the 380TX set is horrible though.
However: Bob G now carries them, and they're very affordable...

Francois: That's good to know. I have bought them from Lemur and Quinn Violins before.
Corelli 380TX's are a good string. They don't last as long as the Spiro regs or Weichs but they don't cost as much either. And I agree with your comment about the 380 TX E string. I used them mostly on a Kay C-1 I had for a while and they put a bit of life into it. They also sound good on my Eberle but it likes Anima's better.

[Les Fret]

Originally Posted by martinc

The 370 tungsten strings are much thinner in all their tension categories.

so your saying that even the heaviest 370's set (TX) is thinner and has less tension then the Spiros weichs?

So far my options are:
-Corelli 370 TX (or 380?)
-Thomastic flexicore

[Eric Hochberg]

I suggest the G and D Corelli 380 TX, which are very nice for bowing and good for pizz and keep your Spiro E and A. That should be a usable combo. I had little to no success with the Corelli E and A string on my bass. Or try the Superflexibles. Or Spiro solos tuned down.

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by Les Fret

Thomastic flexicore

Flexocors are made by Pirastro, and they're orchestral strings.
Not what you're looking for. (at least for pizz)

[martinc]

Originally Posted by Les Fret

so your saying that even the heaviest 370's set (TX) is thinner and has less tension then the Spiros weichs?

So far my options are:
-Corelli 370 TX (or 380?)
-Thomastic flexicore

Les Fret: I have never used the 370's...but they are known for being much thinner than other manufacturer's gauges eg Med v Med. I have only used the 380 TX. Check out this info from Lemur :

http://www.lemurmusic.com/Corelli-Do...partments/186/

Also check out Bob Gollihur's website. He used to use Corelli 370's (tungsten wrap) ..maybe he still does. He could tell you more about tension.
I can tell you from experience that the 380 TX are similar in gauge and tension to Spirocore Weichs. The sound is quite similar too but I found the 380 TX to have less twang than the Spiro Weichs. I like that but others may not.
I can also tell you that the finish on the 380 TX is not as smooth as the Spiro Weichs but if you rub them with 0000 steel wool they quickly become very smooth.

[Les Fret]

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

Flexocors are made by Pirastro, and they're orchestral strings.
Not what you're looking for. (at least for pizz)

Sorry I meant Thomastic Superflexibles as suggested by Bribass

[TroyK]

Superflexibles are going to be much heavier strings than the things you are comparing them to, unless you're talking about solo gauge at orch pitch (which I've read very little about with Superflexibles over the years).

It's fair to compare them in gauge and tension to Spriocore Mittels, but perceptions vary a little bit on either side of them.