E & A Wrapped Gut History

[ERIC A]

Does anybody know if Jimmy Blanton, Bob Haggert, Walter Page (the popular bassist from the 40's back) etc.. used all plain gut strings, or were the wrapped E & A strings already available?

Thanks!!!

[Bobby King]

Great question, Eric! And if anyone knows the answer, add '50s players like Oscar Pettiford and Paul Chambers.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by ERIC A

Does anybody know if Jimmy Blanton, Bob Haggert, Walter Page (the popular bassist from the 40's back) etc.. used all plain gut strings, or were the wrapped E & A strings already available?

Thanks!!!

I believe wrapped Gut is about 200 years old or so from what I have read.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Read this; http://www.ifshinviolins.com/features_guide.html

[gor-gy]

the first wound gut string are mentioned by Brossard ( 1712 ) and Forqueray (1767) ( look at www.damianstrings.com ). plain gut are only use by slappers ( blues, hillbilly, western swing, and balkan music, don't forget that slap bass is balkan technique with a very long tradition it's not born in usa !!!...) for a smooth slap sound, "all gut string player" use wound E /A and plain D /G , in 60's many bassist use a complete wound gut , OLIV, EUDOXA, and now PIZZICATO ( www.pirastro.com ), this is the only gut maker to make different wound, real fat silver, round silver, flat chromsteel, for me the best gut set is Pirastro CHORDA, if you want PC sound ( or blanton, pettiford, stewart... ) try this one you don't regret it...( sorry for my english)