In need of new strings

[stencilman]

I have a smaller bass and I'm really looking for a big, powerful sound out of it.

I do mainly arco but I want really resonant pizz as well. As for my sound, I just want strings that stand out (bright/dark doesnt really matter). Tension doesn't really matter either. As of now, I'm using about the cheapest strings you can find (I don't even know the brand, but its blue and yellow on the ends.) They're not really bad, but they have a pretty empty sound and don't resonate for very long.

I've heard a lot about the Evah Pirazzi weichs, and I'm wondering how they are for arco and pizz, and if they're loud strings or not. Any recommendations would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

[SLivinghouse]

I got some Corelli 370 strings lately from Bob Gollihur music after researching the topic here (thanks Francois for all of the great posts!) and really like them. I play about 50/50 pizz/arco and they bow easily. Good pizz sound. I tried the middle size and it is a bit thinner (physically) and than the Helicore they replaced. The E string ran a little long so I had to improvise some spacers, but once got them on I really really like them. They are fairly bright at first but settle down. I think they cost about half as much as the EPs as well. Some folks have recommended the Superflexibles for a hybrid too. Search the word "hybrid" - lots of post on the subject.
Good luck.
Steve

[Uncletoad]

Can you tell us about your bass? What is it? How long have you lived with it? etc.

[stencilman]

It's a 3/4 American bass from a local instrument company. Nothing really fancy but it has a good tone... I don't really know the details past that. I just know it has the cheapest strings you can find slapped on, and I'd really like some new ones.

I've had it for a year and a halfish and will be upgrading soon. Thanks in advance for any help.

And thanks SLivinghouse! I'll look into the Corellis.

[Francois Blais]

If I had to choose between Corellis and Superflexibles, I'd go with the Superflex immediately.
They have much more "meat" than Corellis.
However they feel stiffer so it depends on your liking.

[sjd007]

Originally Posted by stencilman

I just know it has the cheapest strings you can find slapped on, and I'd really like some new ones.

Well, they may be cheap but I found some strings on ebay that you can get for $70 for 5 whole sets (yup, 20 individual strings). I have a niggling feeling they may be the ones on my bass. . Now, they are cheap!!

Needless to say I have just purchased some belcantos as I play primarily arco. Should make a little difference, no?

[TroyK]

Originally Posted by sjd007

Should make a little difference, no?

Yes. Belcantos are nice strings.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by stencilman

I've heard a lot about the Evah Pirazzi weichs, and I'm wondering how they are for arco and pizz...

On my bass, excellent for arco and pizz.

Originally Posted by stencilman

...and if they're loud strings or not

On my bass, quite powerful.

[Uncletoad]

Strings are neither loud nor soft. The bass is doing the work. Same set of strings on two basses will potentially sound very different.

Tension plays a big part. If your bass likes lower tension strings it will often be louder with them than higher tension strings. Likewise a tight bass requires higher tensions to get all you can from the bass.

If you're bass isn't capable of a powerful sound you can use any strings you want and it won't be powerful. However if your bass is tight use high tension strings to get more volume and if it's loose try low tension strings.

Arco friendly hybrid strings are things like Belcanto, Evah Pirrazi in both gages, Dominants, Corelli, Superflexibles...and more.

Is your bass plywood or carved? Ply basses that are on the inexepensive side can sound pretty flat with plastic core strings like Dominants and Evahs. In that case steel core strings like Belcanto or Superflex may be more natural sounding. Carved basses that are reasonably resonant sound amazing with Belcanto and the pizz is usable.