Seeking String Advice

[jAcKyL8643]

I will start with the guidelines for posting for advice...

1. What are you using the bass for.

Jazz, with Classical studies to support it. Jazz is my primary focus, and I would like to sound acceptable in an Orchestral setting as well, but solo Classical music is not my interest. (Also the bass is fully-carved Romanian)

2. What kind of sound are you looking for?

Loud, Dark and Sustained. I also like a little old-school feel if possible.. =D

3. What kind of feel are you looking for?

I have very low action, and I like a smooth feel when I am playing thumb position stuff. I really don't care too much about the feel on the E and A strings, but smoother would be a bonus.

4. What strings have you used in the past and what did you like/dislike about them?

The first strings I ever purchased (after whatever garbage was on my bass when I bought it) were Pirastro Jazzers. They had all the volume and sustain I could ever dream of but I really felt restricted on the arco side, especially on the G string and in thumb position.

My most recent set was Obligatos. They allowed me to use the lower action I wanted and I enjoyed the softer feel as far as technique goes. Unfortunately, I think I lost a lot of my explosiveness with the Obligatos. (They also died on me pretty fast)

So I've read a billion string posts and talked to my teacher (classical) and I still don't quite know what to do. From what I've read I think I defiantly want to try a mixed set, unless there is some solution I'm not seeing. I'm looking at either Spiros or Jazzers on the bottom with something softer (but still with the tone I want) on top.

I really have no idea what stings blend well and would produce the tone and feel I'm looking for...

So have at it!

[jAcKyL8643]

Do you think you know how much I practice? Do you presume I care about gear more then the music because I want string advice? Please only post something constructive in the future.

[hdiddy]

Check out the thread on Evah Pirazzi Weichs:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528891

Dark, bowable, sustained - or so they tell me. Might be what you're looking for.

[AndreasH]

Originally Posted by canuck_bass

Play your instrument with whatever strings are on there, and most importantly start practicing and become less gear oriented.

That's just irrelevant. The guy asked about strings and not about practice advices. Since where in the DB "strings" section, I think we should stick to string-conversation. Also, finding the right strings for your hands (and/or your bass) can really make things happen IMO.

jAcKyL8643:

There was a thread a while ago about Spiro Mittels E+A, Evah D and Oliv G. Maybe that could be something? Or maybe jus a whole set of regular Evahs?

[salcott]

I'd give EPs a shot. They seem to be pretty easy to sell if you don't get along with them. I'm a believer in not mixing unless all else fails.

[ERIC A]

"The sound is in your hands" seems to be the mantra. I agree that the sound is in your hands, but the strings and bass help. If that wasn't the case why did Ray Brown, Sam Jones etc.. make the switch from Gut to Steel. Why don't we all just play plywood basses?I think what always stays consistent is your style. You can tell the difference in Ray's sound from the early Oscar P. Trio days to his later solo recordings. I believe that is true of Sam Jones as well. So, help the guy out. Personally, I am 95% pizz, so I am not sure what good advice I could give.