Oliv G--Taking the Plunge

[Mingus Fingus]

Hey All,

Finally, after about a year and a half can say that my Evah's need to be replaced. The A and E are actually still pretty usable, the D is on it's way out, and the G is pretty much shot (really noticeable when amplified). It kinda just splats when I pull it hard. So, with some generous holiday money from the family I'm going to stick with the Evah D, A, and E, and spring for the Oliv G.

The Evah's have been perfect for me, and I don't see myself trying out a new string for a long time, but everything I've read tells me that I'll like the Oliv G even a little more. I know some people here have tried this combo...any last objections before I make the order tomorrow? Lemur has a pretty great holiday sale on Evah's right now. Might get the Oliv from Bob's House of Basses because it's about 8 bucks cheaper.

Adam.

[Eric Hochberg]

I tried the Oliv G with spiros and obligatos. I think it depends on your playing style whether or not you will like it. If you are more of a basic, type of player (think Charlie Haden) it may work well for you, but if your chops are up and you like to use them in a more intricate way, especially in thumb position, I think the oliv is too slow in response and will also have a wider excursion than the Evahs, which I find fairly stiff.

I loved its sound at home, but when I got on a gig with it, I just couldn't maneuver on it like I wanted to and the sound was a bit less focused than the other strings. It was also less stable tuning wise than other strings I have used.

[Marcus Johnson]

I got along great with the oliv G. They responded quickly enough on my bass. Because the Evahs soften up quite a bit over time, I think it would match up nicely. Beautiful sounding G string.

[Mingus Fingus]

thanks for the feedback, guys. read a lot of back posts on this, and marcus some of yours were a main factor in me wanting to spring for the oliv g. no pressure though, i wont come after you if i dont like it.

i put the evah's on when i was studying regularly with michael formanek, and he thought the oliv would match them well also. that's what got me thinking about it, and now i finally have a little money to make it happen. thanks!

[Mark Carlsen]

The Olive G is a great string ... I have the G and D on a big bass I call Puff Daddy which has old spiro's on the A and E . I use this bass primarly for no amp gigs and it is fun to play. You must be aware of the windings may come loose if you don't oil the string in the dry winter monthes...I use unscented mineral oil. I believe the gut core shrinks in the dry humidity and the winding can come loose. Other than that it is a great string...very good w. the bow also...

[Dave Whitla]

I have an Olive G with Evah D, A, E on my second bass (Upton)- the one I'll be using for gigs with less arco. I had the same for a while on my old French bass and really liked it, but in the end I went back to all Evahs. I'm really happy with both combinations, for both arco and pizz .

[bonaventura]

Adam please post your impressions.