Problems with String Sound

[Jenmo]

I have been a "lurker" and this is my first post. I recently went through a "mid life crisis" and instead of buying a new red Mustang I had my bass (1972 Pollman) re-conditioned (I have owned it since 1979) and set up with a new bridge, tailpiece and strings. I splurged and put on Olives on my G and D string, Eudoxa A and Flexocor, extended E. I was going for a deeper, fuller and louder sound. I am generally pleased with the "new" sound, however, I have a problem with the Olives. They have been on the bass over a month and extensively played. However, sometimes they are sound rather scratchy. I have experimented with bow speed, ect., with not too much success. My bow was rehaired in May. Anyone have any ideas? Could it be the rosin I am using - Pops? Do these strings need any special care? I live in Colorado and it is rather dry.

Thanks!
Jennifer M.

[Bobby King]

Gut core strings like Oliv produce a sound that's quite different from a steel string. I would describe it as having more midrange and being more "grainy" or "throaty" when played arco. Oliv is a metal wrapped string however, and that reduces a great deal of the scratchiness associated with plain gut. I've never found them to be "scratchy", but everyone's bass is different and their playing technique varies. These things affect how a string will sound.

Nevertheless, finding the right string for you and your bass takes a lot of experimenting (and $). If you've been lurking on this forum, no doubt you've noticed the great neurosis with which many of us pursue the holy grail of stringdom. But I do believe that when you find a string that pleases you sound-wise and in it's response, it can be very inspiring. If you've given them time and you're not happy, I'd suggest trying something else. You can always sell strings like those used on this forum and get some of your money back.

While I have enjoyed bowing on Oliv, my favorite arco strings have been Flexicor, Obligato and recently, Corelli. What strings had you been using previously, BTW?

[GriffithLea]

I'm just curious to know how you decided to try this mix, instead of having all of the strings be the same type. Again, just curious. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with it. I myself have mixed strings on a bass, but it was from the starting point of all one type, and moving gradually to another type. I went from Thomastik Spirocores (which I perceived as too bright and harsh) to Eudoxas, one at a time, starting with the G. The Eudoxas sounded much better to me, and suited the orchestra/chamber playing I was doing at the time.

That was quite a while ago. I've been on hiatus. I''ve recently started playing again, on a borrowed bass with Helicore Hybrid Lights. These seem to be much like the Spirocores. I'm waiting on my Solano bass order to be finished, and I'll probably start it out with Helicore Orchestra Mediums, and experiment from there.

The dry climate will be harder on the gut strings, I think, though it helps that they're wound and not open gut. Humidity control will help them and your bass.

You might try other rosins. I've long used Carlsson, and have recently discovered Oak. Oak is without a doubt the best rosin I've ever used.

I'd really like to know how your bass would sound with Eudoxa G and D as well as A (and E!) . Maybe Eudoxas don't come in a long E anymore, though.

Good luck!

[Jenmo]

Thanks for your suggestions/thoughts! I tried this combination based upon others - including this forums - thoughts. I have used a variety of strings in the past - last set I had on were Kolsteins - I liked the sound but they did not seem to cut through the orchestra. Maybe I will try those new strings everyone is talking about

[GriffithLea]

Which new strings do you mean? Or am I not getting an inside joke?