Frequent Changing of Strings

[kwd]

I have my bass equipped with strings that claim to be suitable for both arco and pizz playing. The pizz sound is very good. However, while the D and G strings bow and pluck well I have a difficult time getting the fundamental out of the E and A strings when bowed. I've resorted to putting on E and A orchestra strings for my lessons and lesson practicing and swapping back to the original strings for jazz rehearsals and gigs. I don't mind changing the strings, but I wonder if the frequent releasing and applying of tension is going to cause the sound post to wander.

Thoughts?

[Don Higdon]

If you're changing Obligatos, you'll kill them in a short time. Steel strings should not be a problem. I know a NYC player that for a short time had to switch strings back and forth between gut and steel twice a day. Arnold knows her, too (Louise)
Change one string at a time and bring it up to pitch before changing the other.

[toman]

heh. I remember switching between solo strings and orchestra strings like four or five times a week... fun stuff. Get to either spend half an hour changing strings, or play on tuned down solo strings that feel (and sound) like silly putty... I think someone needs to invent a neck that moves up and down somehow to switch between solo and standard tuning. Or maybe not, that might be pretty wierd to play on.

[Francois Blais]

How about getting a better hybrid string, that would work good for both jobs?
Which strings are you using now?

[kwd]

I'm using Helicore Hybrids. I don't want to sound like I'm bashing D'Addario. I think it's a good string, but this might best I can expect with a hybrid. Using a hybrid is really a compromise. I'd certainly be interested to know about other hybrid options, but from the other posts it sounds as if I'm going to be consigned to the string changing routine if I want the best sound for the context.

Lemur offers a string by Picato. Their rope core jazz string is supposed be good choice jazz players who played bowed solos. Does anyone have experience with that string?

I really appreciate all of the posts.

-kwd

[Don Higdon]

On my basses, the only string that performed well for both arco and pizz is the Obligato. Do some thread research. It is one of the most discussed strings.
The E is a little soft and slightly slow getting started with the bow. I don't have any trouble compensating for this; others act like the sky is falling. I have used them on my orchestra bass for an entire season.
I put Pirastro Flat-Chromesteel (white tail with ruby spiral)on for orchestra use and was surprised by their long sustain when played pizz.
They are on the bright side.

[Francois Blais]

The Kolstein Varicor Excels are also an excellent hybrid string.

Thomastik Dominants too, but they're a bit stiff, and might not fit a bass with longer scale, or if the bridge-tailpiece distance is too wide. (they're made in 3/4 only)

[toman]

I've played the flat-cromesteels like Don says on a number of basses, and if I played any amount of jazz I'd probably put them on mine. the bow easily and still sound pretty clear and clean for pizz.

[kwd]

I've really appreciated all of the posts. I received timely responses for my original question and valuable suggestions for strings that might be a better choice for my situation.