Corelli 370TX and D'Addario Hybrids

[punkjazzben]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've had work done on my double bass and I'm about to contact a luthier who is going to help me out with a few things.

First off, I currently have a set of Corelli 370TX's on (black and red silk). I slapped these on while I was studying classical - my teacher was right into Rabbath and these were the strings she used. Fabulous, cello-like, arco sound. Easy to bow. My main problem was that they seemed a bit thin in an orchestra setting and they are definitely not suited for jazz playing, unless I'm doing something wrong. They seem to have very high tension, and the 'thump' from my finger resting on the next string is a bit too loud (because of the effort it takes to pizz with volume in a jazz style.. again, unless I'm doing something wrong.)

But, right now I have no classical gig and there's none in the forseeable future. I do, however, play in an acoustic rock band on electric bass and we want to incorporate double bass every so often as well as do laid-back acoustic sets. I am also thinking of putting together a jazz trio.

I have a set of D'Addario Hybrids laying around. If I remember correctly, they are lower tension and definitely more suited to pizz playing. Perhaps not as smooth for arco, but maybe a bit warmer in tone. So I'm thinking of getting these put on. Unfortunately it's these or nothing, because I haven't got the cash for new strings.

As far as I remember, and by the feel of it, my bridge is currently set up for solo arco playing. Again, good for bowing, but high enough to get more 'thump' than 'mwah' when playing jazz - so not so good. So I think it needs lowering. I don't have an adjustable bridge, BTW.

My question is: will a string change AND bridge adjustment help make my bass better for jazz playing? Or, should I just try the strings first, since there is a difference in tension and that in itself may make it easier to play?

Cheers,
Ben

[Violen]

Change the strings. I have experience with Helicore hybrids and love them for jazz, and they dont bow too bad either.

Plus its free. If it works, you're done. if it doesn't, look into getting your bridge set up the way you like.

[punkjazzben]

Originally Posted by Violen

Change the strings. I have experience with Helicore hybrids and love them for jazz, and they dont bow too bad either.

Plus its free. If it works, you're done. if it doesn't, look into getting your bridge set up the way you like.

Thanks. I had never changed strings myself before, but I found good instructions in the stickies and went for it. Can definitely feel the lower tension on the Hybrids and my E has a bigger sound with more sustain. Already it is easier to play.

I will do some measurements and some research because I'm sure my bridge could come down, but it's no longer as urgent. I might consider having an adjustable bridge fitted so I can move things around myself.

Now, I have an expensive set of Corellis to do something with...

[Kael]

I have corelli fortes on my engelhardt and helicore hybrid mediums on my chadwick. Those corelli's are WAY looser in feel than the helicores. Those corelli TX must be one heck of a step up in tension/feel if the helicores you replaced yours with feel looser.

Unless of course your helicores are the light version. That would make sense.

[rprowse]

I've played Corelli TX. They're certainly stiffer than a weich string, but not that stiff. They bow really well.

[engedi1]

You can always sell the corelli here on tb. If you need a great, lower tension, easy responding string for jazz, why not spirocore weich? I just put a set on a month ago and have been really impressed. They also now very nicely, which matters since I do a lot of arco solos. I think I saw a set in the classifieds here for $50...