gut string advice

gbarchus · #1 03-12-2010, 10:46 PM

I just got back into upright bass this last year after a 10 year layoff. I bought a carved Romanian bass and had Spiro Mediums put on it. Maybe it's the time off the bass or my old hands but I couldn't deal with the tension. Since I'm relearning many things, I decided to get a bow and Belcantos. Still, I'm having a difficult time with the tension but it's better.

Ten years ago I enjoyed playing a '60s blonde Kay bass with LaBella guts. At that time I was playing country swing, bluegrass and rockabily. I originally started with classical music when I was a child and after getting the bow, I dutifully pulled out my copy of Simandl.

I'm thinking of getting some gut strings again because of the tension issue with my hands. I think the steel strings are slowing my progress but it could just be the time off the bass. I've been conscientiously reading the threads to figure out what strings to get; my how prices have gone up since I bought the set of LaBellas.

Although I've gleaned a lot from reading, with all due respect to the experienced players here, I'm not at the point of being able to determine which Gamut G string (Pistoy or Lyon), much less what gauge, is best for me.

In the last year I've already tried two Spirocore sets but I'm willing to pay the $500, if necessary, to get a good gut set. I'm determined to make as much progress as I am capable of but, hopefully, without the pain.

What are your recommendations for someone like me who wants some gut strings basically to "get back up to speed" on bowing, reading and playing?

Gale

ctxbass · #2 03-13-2010, 01:42 AM

If the issue is tension and not sound, I would suggest holding off on the gut and using solo gauge strings tuned down to orchestra pitch. Gut strings (the good ones) are expensive and not "set it, forget it".

gbarchus · #3 03-13-2010, 03:45 AM

Thanks ctxbass!

I thought I might be able to "kill two birds..." since I had been playing with gut strings for over 10 years and love the sound and the feel.

I have an EUB with Spirocore Solo which is no problem for me. I originally thought the Mittel on my carved bass would give me the "jazzier" sound I was after not realizing how much more additional tension they would have.

But, you're right. I should tune down for awhile and see what happens.

GAle

bassbuddie · #4 03-13-2010, 04:57 AM

I am using right now Labella Red Label Nylon wound on gut. I love them, they are very similar to the KAplan golden spiral wich are not available anymore. I used to play with Gamut Gut, wich are very good too, you have the Pirastro Chorda, Labella makes plain guts too. I am sure you will have a lot of suggestions. It depends on the budget and the taste.

davpal · #5 03-14-2010, 07:33 PM

If you want low tension try Velvet strings - any variety. Read about them on TB to figure out which ones might fill your needs. Very easy on the hands but require different technique than most other strings... perhaps like those old guts you remember...?

gbarchus · #6 03-15-2010, 12:47 AM

Thanks Dave,

I'll do my homework.

Gale

kenyar0 · #7 03-16-2010, 06:49 AM

I can only comment on the tension, since I don't play with a bow, I only pluck the strings with my fingers.
I only play old blues (à la Willie Dixon etc.), early (Dixieland) jazz, country etc. on it.

I recently restringed my cheap Chinese DB with LENZNER plain gut strings. I started to play the DB at 52 years of age and I just couldn't handle the tension of even the lightest steel strings. Then I put Presto nylonwound ultra light gauge on it and that was fine. They were very confortable to play.

Now I switched to gut and I must say that I regret not doing it earlier, because they are a breeze to play, extremely soft and light to the touch, even lighter than the Presto's.(and they sound better...at least for the old school music I always play on it, that is of course a matter of personal taste).

Drawback: they get out of tune very easily.

In the low tension department these LENZNER gut strings score very high IMHO.

Hope this helps a bit...

gbarchus · #8 03-16-2010, 09:06 AM

thanks Kenyar0!

Anyone know how Lezners are under the bow?

Gale

Judy Cash · #9 03-24-2010, 04:17 PM

Hi,
I've recently started to play upright bass without bow. I plan to play rockabilly with intensive slapping, but I also want to try some early jazz stuff as time goes by. Right now i have steel pizzicato jazz strings on my DB, but they are quite old, and i want to change them. Slapping terribly hurts with these strings though. I thought i'll get used to them, but now I don't think so. I know almost nothing about gut and nylon strings. So I need some advice in what to put on my bass?
Thanks, Judy

Peder Waern · #10 03-24-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbarchus

thanks Kenyar0!

Anyone know how Lezners are under the bow?

Gale

I currently have a Lezner G -string. Great sound for pizz, not very great for arco. It's very nasal and doesn't blend at all with my other strings (velvet animas, quite a dark arco sound). However I've heard other players find them nice for arco particualry those with a flatback bass for some reason.

salcott · #11 03-24-2010, 08:44 PM

I'm very happy with the Clef guts w/plain G-D and wound A-E, both pizz and arco.

Phil Rowan · #12 03-24-2010, 09:29 PM

I've used Leznzers D and G and didn't dig 'em much, even pizz. IME waaay too low tension.

gbarchus · #13 03-25-2010, 12:39 AM

I have a flatback bass!

Gale