Looking for brighter "Hybrid" type string

[Robin Ruscio]

I've not really changed much in my gear setup in over 5 years, and have recently been wanting a brighter sound and realized there are many new strings out there to try than when I last shopped.

I'm primarily a pro jazz player, though I play a lot with the bow as well and need something suitable for both pizz and arco.

I have a 1904 Hawkes English bass that is very large, rich, resonant, and dark. It can get boomy on the bottom and I wish it had a more projecting kind of sound, especially when competing with drums and larger ensembles. I have to add in some highs on the amp and studio.

I've been using D'adarrio Helicore Hybrids for over a decade and have generally found them a good string. I'd like something a little brighter than the Hybrids. (I tried a set of light gauge Hybrids and they were horribly thin sounding and I got rid of them quick.) I tried Spirocores as well 6 years ago and they were so miserable and scratchy with the bow and harsh on the hands (even after breaking in) that I haven't tried them since.

I am borrowing some Spiro solos (which I used on a different bass back in college in the late 90's), though I am more interested in some Pirastro Flat Chromsteels that I just installed on my D and G's. They seem brighter than the Hybrids and bow well, though they may be too metallic sounding. I'm not sure if this set I borrowed have been played on much (they're from a luth) so I will keep them on for a week or two and see how they break in.

Are there any must try strings given what I'm after? I'm a little overwhelmed by the Pirastro selection though I suspect there may be another choice or two than the Flat Chromesteels.

Basically, something brighter than Hybrids but not as bright as Spiro's.

Thanks!

[MaxJohnson]

I personally love the Flat-Chromesteels, but they do have that little bit of metallic sound, although it mellows out after about a week. I also like the Jazzers, which are somewhat of a gamble because depending on the instrument (and the player) they can bow very poorly or pretty decent, but they are loud, clear and present strings.

[Eric Hochberg]

If you like the heli hybrids, why not try the heli pizz? They are brighter. Personally, for that class of string, I think spiros are superior in all ways.

[William Hoffman]

Originally Posted by Robin Ruscio

...I tried Spirocores as well 6 years ago and they were so miserable and scratchy with the bow and harsh on the hands (even after breaking in) that I haven't tried them since...

Which set of Spiros was that? If it was Mittels (red-red), you might consider the softer Weichs, they're easier on the hands and also respond a bit quicker to the bow. The scratchy-twangy G string can be substituted out for a more arco-friendly G. I am in a similar situation with a dark sounding carved bass. Currently I've got Spiro Stark E, Spiro Mittel A and D, Belcanto G.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

If you like the heli hybrids, why not try the heli pizz? They are brighter. Personally, for that class of string, I think spiros are superior in all ways.

+1. I tried both and the Spiros were a world better on my bass. Spiros darken up in time too.

Also, we are not really talking about 'hybrid' strings were. Those generally have a core of something other than steel. Helicore Hybrids are still steel strings I believe they just have more dampening material then the pizzicatos (and slightly heavier gauge) but not as much as the orchestras (and slightly lighter gauge).

[Robin Ruscio]

I've got some standard (mittels) and solo gauge Spiro's here, so I'll be trying those again as well. I'm not sure how much different the solo gauge will be than the Weichs. I'll try them, but I played Spiro's at the beginning of my career and moved on for good reasons.

I'm really wondering if there's another string besides the FCS's that Pirastro makes. The jazzer was appealing but if it's not good with the bow then that's a deal breaker.

As for Heli jazz strings, I'm still worried about bow response.

[Robin Ruscio]

Originally Posted by fingers

Also, we are not really talking about 'hybrid' strings were. Those generally have a core of something other than steel. Helicore Hybrids are still steel strings I believe they just have more dampening material then the pizzicatos (and slightly heavier gauge) but not as much as the orchestras (and slightly lighter gauge).

When I said Hybrid strings, I was referring to a string that is suitable for pizz and arco, such my current Helicore "Hybrids", which are labeled as such because they are between D'addario's jazz and orchestra string. I'm not sure if you're talking about string construction or bow/pizz suitability, but I was talking about the latter.

In either case, I've found the Heli Hybrids very well suited to my needs and am wondering if a competitor (such as Pirastro) is making something similar that may be a bit brighter. I'm not really worried about how they are made as long as they have the properties I'm looking for. I thought I should just check in since I haven't tried any new strings that have come out in a decade.

[Eric Hochberg]

I think the solos tuned orchestra may be darker. Spiro weichs would be my suggestion for you to try if you don't like the solos. I think they bow easier than mittels. I second Hoffman's post above.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by Robin Ruscio

In either case, I've found the Heli Hybrids very well suited to my needs and am wondering if a competitor (such as Pirastro) is making something similar that may be a bit brighter. I'm not really worried about how they are made as long as they have the properties I'm looking for. I thought I should just check in since I haven't tried any new strings that have come out in a decade.

Some guys really like Obligatos. They are pretty bright and bow well. They were less great for pizz for me but they are great arco.

[Robin Ruscio]

How are the Spiro solo's tuned down different then Weich's? I gather their both lighter gauge but not sure if there's anything else in design difference, or which is actually the heavier gauge string.

[Robin Ruscio]

Originally Posted by fingers

Some guys really like Obligatos. They are pretty bright and bow well. They were less great for pizz for me but they are great arco.

I was looking at those. Are they brighter than Helicore Hybrids, do you think?

If the FCS I have on now are too metallic still in a few weeks, I may try those.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by Robin Ruscio

I was looking at those. Are they brighter than Helicore Hybrids, do you think?

If the FCS I have on now are too metallic still in a few weeks, I may try those.

I think they are about as bright but more complex. I felt like the Helicore Hybrids were very one dimensional sounding strings on my bass. Obligatos sounded fuller with a nice cut on top. I just couldn't get used to the pizz feel and since I am a 99% pizz guy I had to switch. The Evah Pirazzi's (also Pirastro) are MUCH better pizz and bow really nicely too but they are a bit darker but also louder and more complex.

[TroyK]

I like the FCSs, especially the strings you're using. I am using mostly Jazzers now, though, not for the first time. I'm not an accomplished arco player or I might a different choice, but I don't find them difficult to bow (my instrument, my bow, etc).

The Jazzers are a nice set, but the E and A, I think are especially good to compensate for other Pirastro sets if you've got problem with their lower strings. I've used them over Evah Pirazzis, FCS, Obligatos and currently, I have the full set with an Orig Flat Chrome G string, which makes me oh so very happy.

As I've documented elsewhere, the Jazzers are closer to Spirocore Mittels in gauge, but in between Mittel and Weich in tension it seems. A very nice string, as are the FCS.

Hope that helps.

[pbasswil]

Originally Posted by Robin Ruscio

(re. Obligatos) I was looking at those. Are they brighter than Helicore Hybrids, do you think?

If the FCS I have on now are too metallic still in a few weeks, I may try those.

Robin,

I have an almost brand new set of standard-gauge Obligatos that I just bought from Golihur.
They feel great, and are medium bright -- at least as bright as Helicore Hybrids, if not a bit more. I love the feel of them.

However, I'm currently in love with an older, thuddier sound -- like Eugene Wright, or Vince Guaraldi's bass player. For me, on my instrument, for my sound, the Obligatos have a bit too much sustain and growl.

So after putting about 5 hours on these, I'm ready to try something thuddier. String hell continues for me. :^/

If you would be interested, I'd sell these virtually-new regular Obligatos for $95 (I just paid $172). Basic, I'll have saved you most of the stretch/break-in period -- which is quite a few hours on Ob's.

Peter Wilson

[Robin Ruscio]

Originally Posted by fingers

I think they are about as bright but more complex. I felt like the Helicore Hybrids were very one dimensional sounding strings on my bass. Obligatos sounded fuller with a nice cut on top. I just couldn't get used to the pizz feel and since I am a 99% pizz guy I had to switch. The Evah Pirazzi's (also Pirastro) are MUCH better pizz and bow really nicely too but they are a bit darker but also louder and more complex.

OBligatos- Sounds like I should try them. What's wrong with their pizz feel? Are they thumpy like and arco string? Pirastro says they're good for both.

The Evah's I've tried on one of my student's basses. They are too dark for my taste, and not as powerful sounding on his bass as the hybrids.

[Robin Ruscio]

Originally Posted by pbasswil

Robin,

I have an almost brand new set of standard-gauge Obligatos that I just bought from Golihur.
They feel great, and are medium bright -- at least as bright as Helicore Hybrids, if not a bit more. I love the feel of them.

However, I'm currently in love with an older, thuddier sound -- like Eugene Wright, or Vince Guaraldi's bass player. For me, on my instrument, for my sound, the Obligatos have a bit too much sustain and growl.

So after putting about 5 hours on these, I'm ready to try something thuddier. String hell continues for me. :^/

If you would be interested, I'd sell these virtually-new regular Obligatos for $95 (I just paid $172). Basic, I'll have saved you most of the stretch/break-in period -- which is quite a few hours on Ob's.

Peter Wilson

You have a PM!

[Tommy el Gato]

Permanents are worth a shot, although the E and A may become way too dark for you very quickly. The G and D, however, I would compare to a brighter, louder, more present, and better projecting Helicore hybrid. One of my teachers described the pizz as being "buttery." I really dig it with Spiro Reds on the E and A, but YMMV.

[Marc Piane]

I pull hard. Obligatos bottom out tonewise if you pull too hard.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by pbasswil

However, I'm currently in love with an older, thuddier sound -- like Eugene Wright, or Vince Guaraldi's bass player...............

GUTS ARE SO MUCH FUN!!!

If that's the sound you want, guts are the only way to get it.
Go right to it and don't look back.

The icons represent your emotions during the gut conversion.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by clink

The icons represent your emotions during the gut conversion.

lol