H.E. Woolsey Strings first impression

JAS · #1 06-14-2005, 01:23 PM

I just got these strings today. They are pretty interesting so far. They are about the same thickness as the Eurosonic Ultra Lights that I was using. The G is a bit thicker and the other strings are a bit thinner I think than the Eurosonics.

They sound very much like gut. The G and D especially. All 4 strings are a very even tension. The E and A are steel and the G and D I belive are aluminum wrapped on a synthetic material, but they sound good together-very even.

They were $190. So that is a lot of money, but I think alot of bassists here especially those who like like gut might like these.

I am going to give them a week or so and see how they settle in. Right now they are a little too boomy for what I like. They have a big fundamental, but I like some growl and a singing sound, so I will see how they turn out.

As far as arco goes, these are the best arco strings I have ever used. For sure. They have kind of a gut sound, but very smooth and very easy to play.

You can only get these strings by calling H. E. Woolsey at Boaz Music in L.A. (310-559-1213)

You can't order them of his website, and I don't know if he uses email. He is an older man, who designed and made these strings himself.

massimobio · #2 06-15-2005, 09:25 AM

If you've ever tried the Velvet Anima could you compare to them please?
Size, feel, sound, etc.
Thanks.

JAS · #3 06-15-2005, 10:03 AM

I have tried the Animas. I think people who like the Animas would definately like these. They are about the same thickness, but have a little more tension which lets you have lower action. One of the main things that I didn't like about the Animas was that I had to have higher action than I like because the tension was so low. These are definately low tension strings though.

I think they are a little too thumpy for me pizz wise. They feel nice and sound great with the bow. They are probably the loudest strings I have used for both arco and pizz.

These are for sure an alternative to Animas, Obligatos, and Gut strings. I don't think they are what I am looking for though, so if anyone is interested PM me.