Pyramid Strings

BPeder · #1 12-13-2007, 08:39 PM

There is some talk among the electric bassists here at TB about Pyramid strings. They are probably best known as one of the big factors in the "San Francisco sound". As a big fan of the tones produced by Phil Lesh and Jack Cassady in the late 60s and early 70s, I'm all for it. What I would like to see though, is some discussion of the Pyramid strings for double bass. Can anyone chime in? I have a set on my fretless Benedict five string electric that I love. But I was wondering how they stack up on string bass. I currently have Spirocore weichs on my Upton Hybrid and wonder if anyone has any opinion on how the Pyramids compare? What does a pure nickel string like the Pyramid offer? Do the Pyramids seem a bit pricey to anyone? As always, I look forward to your opinions. Cheers!

**Francois Blais** · #2 12-14-2007, 06:22 AM

Martinc shouldn't be long to jump in! 3....2....1....

Jake deVilliers · #3 12-14-2007, 11:57 AM

Martin's computer crashed, so he'll be a few minutes.........

Greg Clinkingbeard · #4 12-14-2007, 03:12 PM

BPeder,
I briefly had the weichs on my Upton also and didn't like them. It needed some higher tension strings to get it going. I suspect you have found that to be true also. No experience with the Pyramids.

TroyK · #5 12-14-2007, 04:52 PM

Not a very common or popular string for doublebassist. In general, I wouldn't take what you know about electric bass strings and project them onto double basses. It's a different instrument, different manfacturers.

You don't really want your DB to sound like your EBG do you? So, what do you want it to sound like? What playing characteristics to you want it to have? That will get you to a DB string choice.

My opinion anyway. I don't even think it's easy to buy Pyramid strings for DB, but you could probably find a set somewhere.

Uncletoad · #6 12-14-2007, 05:00 PM

I have a Pyramid E.

It's ordinary at best.

Not worth the trouble to me.

TroyK · #7 12-14-2007, 05:21 PM

A few years ago, a EBGist posted a poll about would we all buy DR strings if we convinced the company to start making them for DB? I think 1% said "yes". Very low participation in response even, because it's not even an interesting question. Even among people who double and may love DR strings on their EBGs, it means nothing to them on the DB.

Of course we were lying. We'll buy f***** anything that hits the market, rave about it, get over it, then blast it, then praise it's virtues, while selling it used in the classifieds, but not because it was made by DR.

Uncletoad · #8 12-14-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Of course we were lying. We'll buy f***** anything that hits the market, rave about it, get over it, then blast it, then praise it's virtues, while selling it used in the classifieds, but not because it was made by DR.

Testify there brother Troy. Do we have an AMEN.

TroyK · #9 12-14-2007, 06:30 PM

AMEN!

By the way, I'm interested in trading some slightly used DR double bass strings for Spirocores of any age or condition. The DRs are great strings, just not quite right for my bass. I think they might be just what you've been looking for, though.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #10 12-14-2007, 07:48 PM

Extremely Lo-Riders or Not so High Beams?

jrlynch · #11 12-14-2007, 11:26 PM

i bought a set of pyramids for my warwick thumb some time ago ... a garbage string, the D broke at the bridge within a week, the thomastik jazz flats run circles around them, but that's slabworld ... meanwhile, i adore the sound of the evahs on my upton hybrid ... is almost as if they were made for it ...

jeff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPeder

There is some talk among the electric bassists here at TB about Pyramid strings. They are probably best known as one of the big factors in the "San Francisco sound". As a big fan of the tones produced by Phil Lesh and Jack Cassady in the late 60s and early 70s, I'm all for it. What I would like to see though, is some discussion of the Pyramid strings for double bass. Can anyone chime in? I have a set on my fretless Benedict five string electric that I love. But I was wondering how they stack up on string bass. I currently have Spirocore weichs on my Upton Hybrid and wonder if anyone has any opinion on how the Pyramids compare? What does a pure nickel string like the Pyramid offer? Do the Pyramids seem a bit pricey to anyone? As always, I look forward to your opinions. Cheers!

Greg Clinkingbeard · #12 12-15-2007, 08:42 AM

Jeff,
Interesting. But the Stark E stays!!!

just kidding.

Ludwig · #13 12-16-2007, 01:44 AM

Pyramid is a manufactor with different types of strings. The types ultraflex and soloflex are useable, I didn't like any of the other pyramid strings. The nylons are very hard to bow and have little sustain, I didn't like the sound. The pyramid gold are similiar to thomastik precision, but not as good.
Just saying "I play Pyramid" is like saying "I play Pirastro" or I play Thomastik" without the specific type of string.
The pyramid strings sold for double bass I know are:
Pyramid Soloflex - pretty nice strings compared to their price
Pyramid Ultraflex - can be compared to Thomastik Superflexible, but brighter
Pyramid Gold - like Thomastik Precision, harsh in sound.
Pyramid Aluminium - just crap
Pyramid Nylon - maybe for slapping, not good for anything else
All are more on the cheap side for double bass strings.

For other instruments there are other names and type to choose from. I have Pyramid SyntaCore on one of my cellos and like it well.

martinc · #14 12-16-2007, 06:07 AM

I'm baaaaack. Brand spanking new computer and ready to take on the world again

.

Re: Pyramid strings:
To add to Ludwig's comments.......
I have been using the Pyramid Soloflex (top of the line) on my ply Eberle for the past 18 months.
They are a beautifully-made steel ropecore string. Very smooth to the touch. This is hard to describe but...I can "feel" the note so much better with my left hand after I play it. Better than any of the million other strings I have tried over the past 10 years. This makes for easy playing.
It's very close to a Spirocore Weich in dimensions, sound and tension..... but without the zing. Especially the G. Too bad the Weich G is not like that.
The fundamental of the Soloflex is stronger than the Weich. I love the strong tone without the heavy tension. I have not tried the Soloflex E but I have read a review of it in a magazine which says the E is the weakest string in the set.
Also the Soloflex work very well with a pick-up ( I have the Bass Max).
Now the downside

I have had to return a new D and A I ordered recently because the windings were loose when I installed them. However the original ones I bought have stood up very well.
Also they are not available readily in North America. I order my strings directly from Pyramid in Germany. Max Junger has been great to deal with...he answers my e mails promptly and has sent replacements quickly. Usually takes a week to get them in the mail.
I have never been happier with the sound of a steel string. I gave up on guts (G and D) because of unravelling but the Soloflex have such a strong tone (very gut-like) and volume that I don't miss the guts at all.