obligato solo vs. dominant solo E

[Kevinlee]

I'd like some feedback or comparison on the obligato solo vs. dominant solo E string and A string. I'm trying to find a good match for plain gut G & D so I would be using them tuned at orchestra pitch.

Which has a softer, lower tension feel?
Which has a thicker diameter?
Which would be considered a better blend with the plain guts?
Which string seems louder or to project more?


Kevinlee

[AMJBASS]

I think you will find the Obligato will roll more than the Dominant. I am a big fan of Thomastik Dominants. I also love the Obligatos. They are quite similar. I think you will find that the Dominants are a bit louder. I think they have a bit more "attack" than the Obligatos as well. You might consider a regular Dominant E. They are fairly thick. I think it would match up nicely with Gut strings.

[Adrian Cho]

I'm considering Dominants with guts as well although I don't really like plain gut on the D and I'm using an Oliv instead - I do have plain gut on the G. I got a new bass and have found very sadly that the Eudoxas on the bottom two strings are not working for me. I'm going to switch to an Oliv A to see if that makes my situation better but that still leaves me in a predicament with the E.

My concern with mixing the Dominants with the gut is how it will be for arco.

[AMJBASS]

Dominants are great for arco. The bassists in the TSO use Dominants I believe.

[Chasarms]

The Dominant is an excellent Arco string. It is very popular among chellists and violinists, and the bass string has a very sweet tone under the bow. Especially the D and G. The E and A are fine but don't project nearly as well as a more traditionally arco string like a Flexocor.