The Low B, Anyone Play a 5 String?

[GFDBGuy]

OK, I bought a high end 7/8 Christopher 5 Busseto string (600 series). It came with Helicore Hybreds and they sound terrible for arco. I plan to use this bass primarily for orchestra. I find that on the B string the fundamental disappears below D. Anybody have a favorite low B string that bows freely? Looking for advice.

Thanks, GF

[anonymous12251111]

Originally Posted by GFDBGuy

OK, I bought a high end 7/8 Christopher 5 Busseto string (600 series). It came with Helicore Hybreds and they sound terrible for arco. I plan to use this bass primarily for orchestra. I find that on the B string the fundamental disappears below D. Anybody have a favorite low B string that bows freely? Looking for advice.

Thanks, GF

Original Flexocore is very nice. Very dark, robust, and easy to get the note started. It may be too dark for your bass, but I highly recommend it.

[Joe Ergle]

I was going to make a thread about this too. Does anyone know if the Belcanto B is any good? I have a 4string set of Belcantos that make an awful combination with the fat wobbly dead B that's currently on it. Obviously I mostly play arco, so I need something that sounds dark and open, is easy to bow, and would match pretty well with my Belcantos (while avoiding something as expensive as a Belcanto B hahah...).

[damonsmith]

I had a 6 string EUB that came with a terrible heliocore B, then I got a 7 string that came with a helicore B that is great for both arco and pizz. I think they got better recently. I use Spiros for the double bass, though.

[GFDBGuy]

Ok, So I've put on a set of Corelli 370M with a Low B Corelli Forte. The low B is not working out. I've managed to actually send a distributer some M gauge B strings. I should have it by the end of October. I'll keep you posted.

Geoff

[Dr Rod]

Spirocore, both mittel and stark

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by Dr Rod

Spirocore, both mittel and stark

Yup, I had a Mittel B on my Azola EUB. It was mind blowing.

[Paul Warburton]

1888 Joseph Bohmann. Thomastik Orchestras top to bottom.
The B is well over 15 years old. I try putting a new one on, and end up putting the old one back because I love it so much.

[David Potts]

Did D'Addario ever proceed with High Tension B. I know in the 90's they were trialling some. I was sent one to try for comment. I think the contact lady's name was Sandy Neill?

DP

[T-Bal]

I have read on this forum that Pirastro Jazzer B, not to mention the E, both work great for some folks (yes, for orchestra work!) I currently have Jazzer E and A, and I would tend to agree - the E is clear but not overly bright or scratchy, and responds well. If I did more bowing I would look for a different A, however.

[Dr Rod]

Originally Posted by T-Bal

I have read on this forum that Pirastro Jazzer B, not to mention the E, both work great for some folks (yes, for orchestra work!) I currently have Jazzer E and A, and I would tend to agree - the E is clear but not overly bright or scratchy, and responds well. If I did more bowing I would look for a different A, however.

Yes, the Jazzers sound incredible, but they have a short life. Whereas spirocores actually sound pretty nasty for the first 6 weeks, but then they never die.