Solo Strings tuned down

[Eli_Upright12]

I did a search but didnt come up with anything real helpful, what strings has everyone found to sound good both at solo and orchestra pitch? Currently I'm playing Obligatos, but lately I've been playing alot more solo repertoire that calls for solo tuning. I talked to me luthier and he said that the obligatos don't like being changed often and they sound floppy when tuned down a whole step. well thanks for any help you can give me. laters

[Pat Harris]

I don't think it makes much difference what string you use as long as you keep it in a certain tuning. I use Thomastik (sp) solo strings and they work great on my bass. I leave them in orchestral tuning though, because they're great for jazz pizz and solo playing. They are a bit too light for orchestral work. However, once you crank a set up to "solo" pitch, they're going to be stretched out when you try and go back to orchestral pitch. That has been my experience, and the results aren't that useful. Thus, I either transpose piano parts or purchase transposed piano parts for standard tuning.

-Pat

[Eli_Upright12]

Thanks pat, hmm well it seems there's not much of an alternative t just having two sets of strings then is there.

[Verth]

Sure there is!

Play in fifths!

[rdwhit]

Originally Posted by Pat Harris

I don't think it makes much difference what string you use as long as you keep it in a certain tuning. I use Thomastik (sp) solo strings and they work great on my bass. I leave them in orchestral tuning though, because they're great for jazz pizz and solo playing. They are a bit too light for orchestral work. However, once you crank a set up to "solo" pitch, they're going to be stretched out when you try and go back to orchestral pitch. That has been my experience, and the results aren't that useful. Thus, I either transpose piano parts or purchase transposed piano parts for standard tuning.

-Pat

I agree. However, when I was in college I sometimes use thomastic solo strings & tuned them up & down when needed. This did deaden the strings some, but I accepted the compromise. It was an accepable way to get through solo tuning pieces and regular tuning for och & jazz.You will lose some volume when You tune them down Though. If You have a set, concider this, if not , go with the transposed piano parts.