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Strings [DB] Double bass strings discussion


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  #1  
Old 03-08-2011, 01:07 PM
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Aluminum wound vs. steel wound?

Hi all.

Just wondering what the difference in sound is between aluminum wound and steel wound double bass strings. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks a lot
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Old 03-08-2011, 01:10 PM
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Aluminum wound bass string?
Which brand is it?
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  #3  
Old 03-08-2011, 01:18 PM
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They're made in China. The aluminum-wound ones are Alice, A1000. The steel ones I don't know, but I assume that by the same manufacturer. Both are very cheap. I was also wondering which ones are easier on your fingers
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Old 03-08-2011, 04:27 PM
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It's going to be tough to find anyone with experience with those 2 strings who can comment. Aluminum is a very unusual winding material. If I was forced to chose between those, I would chose the steel version.

But...there are so many other strings to chose from. I suspect price is an issue, so I'll not lecture you, but...
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Old 03-08-2011, 07:04 PM
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I've not tried either (either!), but quality concerns aside, I would expect an aluminium-wound string to be either (1) very light-weight compared to a steel string of similar gauge and as such less capable of producing low-end & volumes (due to the low energy levels imparted by the low vibrating mass and a corresponding higher resonant frequency of the string) or (2) an overly thick string to compensate for the mass-deficiency. Given that their principle interest is unlikely to be: "Tone First" (and most likely: "Cut every possible corner/Use as little material as possible/Save every possible penny"), I'd anticipate the former scenario, meaning a weak & thin sounding string. We also don't know what the string core is; it could be an incredibly inflexible string which will limit vibration and exascerbate the deficiencies. You'd probably find yourself hammering away excessively to get volume, which, to answer part of your question, would be unnecessarily tiring on your hands. If budget is a concern, you'd be far better off spending a little more & getting a decent set of second hand strings on the TB Classifieds. You could easily waste the price of a decent second hand pair on a few of these.

Incidentally, the Corelli Forte TX's are a great example of the opposite application of materials; by using a heavier winding material (tungsten), they increase the mass of the string for a given diameter/gauge and can therefore get away with a decent sounding string that is thinner (and easier to play) than similar steel counterparts.

Good luck in your string safari...
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Last edited by swingingoodtime : 03-08-2011 at 07:10 PM.
  #6  
Old 03-08-2011, 07:29 PM
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Honestly, I suggest you look at better string choices, if possible.
The least expensive, but still good quality, sets nowadays are probably the Corelli 380 series (nickel) and the D'Addario Preludes. (steel)
Both are about $75 a piece.
The Corellis will be brighter and easier to play.
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  #7  
Old 03-09-2011, 05:02 AM
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Thanks everyone for your input. I'll consider all your options.
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  #8  
Old 03-09-2011, 06:40 AM
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I remember having aluminium strings on my first bass, more than 30 years ago. I don't remember the sound but I do remember my black fingers after practicing... And I'm a white guy, by the way.
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