Permanent - Flexocor Combination

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Well, the Scoop IS part of the Set-up like I mentioned earlier. The bass must be set to match your playing and not mine or someone elses. Also, the set-up must also be what works best on that particular Bass. For me, I will yeild to the Bass when it comes between what the Bass needs and what I want. I can be flexible in my playing but the Bass is what it is and can't make choices.

Also, wood moves in time most often and small degrees can show up especially at the change of seasons and with newer Basses. Different Strings also pull the neck differently, press the top different and so on. Once you settle in and stop adjusting things and trying strings, the Bass will get a well deserved break and do its thing naturally. Then as the Bass matures, adjust it as needed to keep both you and your Bass happy!

[Jeff Moote]

A follow up on my original post following the installation of the new strings:

All have settled in nicely, with the Perms getting a bit darker over time. I had a problem with the A and ended up with a Flex A on, which I do like. As of now with the reg Flex G, D and A and Perm E, I'm happy with the balance and tone.

About the A string: shortly after installing the strings I noticed the A had a really bad wolf tone on the fundamental and octave, etc. I tried to deal with it for awhile, and quickly realized that all notes were not sounding their best on that string. I contacted Pirastro to let them know, and they immediately offered to send a new string. I told them to send a Flexocor A in case it was the gauge that was disagreeing with my bass. The string was sent promptly by airmail from Germany. I'm very pleased with Pirastro customer service, and I will let them know this.

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On a separate note, in the future I may listen to Ken and try a stark Flex E with this set. I don't feel that I'd appreciate the extra tension of a full stark set, but I do think that I would like a Flex E on there to match the rest. The Perm is nice, and brighter than the Flex, which I like in an E string, but it stands out when I play alone. It will of course be buried in the orchestra though, and should serve well.