Need help identifying string

[ksdaddy]

This may sound off-topic at first but stick with me.

The other day I picked up a $10 1954 Kay 3/4 cello. It looks like it was thrown out of the back of the bus many times. It had three strings on it. I added the missing A string, a generic Super Sensitive. The G string is also a Super Sensitive based on the online color chart I found. I haven't identified the C string, as there is only a tiny bit of silk left on the tailpiece end.

The D string appears to be gut (or synthetic) wrapped in aluminum. The silk on both ends is yellow with purple/lavender stripes. The tone of this string is so much nicer than the other three. It seems more responsive, louder, and yet not harsh at all.

I'd like to identify this string if possible and then find out if a similar set can be bought for my bass. I have a 1940 M-1 that currently has Pirastro Obligatos. I like those strings fine, but I've toyed with the notion of gut (or synthetic) forever.

I should point out I'm not a trained or educated bass player, I just noodle on it for my own enjoyment. I have a bow but never use it; I just thump along with songs now and then.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Francois Blais]

I suggest you email Chris Quinn about this.
He's a cellist so he may have the right answer quickly.

[DavidMP]

Originally Posted by ksdaddy

The D string appears to be gut (or synthetic) wrapped in aluminum. The silk on both ends is yellow with purple/lavender stripes.

Larsen strings. A common combination on cello is Obligatos or Spirocores on C and G and Larsens on D and A.
(2nd hand info, sister is a professional cello player)

[Francois Blais]

Larsen doesn't make bass strings, BTW.
(if you were wondering about it)