New Strings for Engelhardt Es9

[epy]

Hello folks, I am looking to replace the strings on my Es9. I've looked through the forums a bit and checked out some other websites. I've come up with the following list:

• Labella Black Nylon
• Presto Jazzicato
• Pirastro Jazzer
• "Evah Pirazzi

I'm open to all other string sets though since this is my first time buying new strings.

I am using the bass for an indie folk rock band (www.iaminlimbo.com) but also play jazz on the side for fun. So about 80% pizz and 20% arco.

I'm not sure how too describe the tone I'm looking for....

I'm not sure about the tension mainly because i have tendinitis in my thumbs and fingers now which makes it difficult to play for a long time with my current strings. What would you suggest for weaker hands?

I will update this after with the strings i currently have. Its which ever set comes with the Es9. I purchased it from gollihur a year or so ago.

thanks a lot!

[Fletcher Lanning]

Spiro Weichs should work pretty well on that bass, and they are pretty low tension.

[Eric Hochberg]

Spiro Solos for even less tension.

[Steve Killingsworth]

I owned an ES-9 for several years and tried out several strings on it (Spiro orchs, Labella 7710, Helicores) and settled on Obligatos. They gave a nice mix of tone and playability. I wore out several sets before I sold the bass.

[CrazyZeke]

Epy,

I too just purchased the Englehardt EG-9 (the same minus the violin corners) and have had great success with the Sprios Weichs. It took about a month for them to settle down and then the fat tone began... BTW, thanks to Jerry Fretwell of Fretwell Bass in Staunton, VA for helping me with this bass - He did a great set-up also!

Have fun with your ES-9!

[Flo'Daddy]

I have set up quite a few basses and have found that Engelhardt and Kay are very similar (I own a Kay); I recommend Corelli 370's myself. They work great for arco and pizz and are smaller diameter strings, so they're easier on the left hand.

I have found that they don't work as well on my carved top bass, due to the lack of output (I have a 7/8 bass; on that I use Obligato strings), but thought you might also research the Corelli's.

Every instrument is different, so it can be daunting...

Good luck and I hope you find what is right for you!
John

[ztpbassman]

I took my s-9 to David Gage about 3 months back and had the fingerboard planed and then bought some spiro weichs after trying out some other strings at the shop. It had Corelli's before that.
My Juzek has Labella 7710's on it and I like them on that bass, but when I put them on the Engel a while back I didn't dig them.
So, now, after playing the weichs for a while with the new setup, I felt something lacking, so I put a set of the black tape wound 7710's on the bass, and wham, it just worked this time. To me, they make me sound more in tune. I find the pitch much more centered while they seem a shade more forgiving, intonation wise, than the Spiros. Who knows? And I like the chubbiness of the strings and the fact they last forever. They bow for spit, but the musical world can live without my arco, very well, thank you.
One man's opinion.