Sorry, yet another string selection thread!

Masters2010 · #1 08-02-2006, 09:44 PM

Well, I've been searching the forums for the last 45 minutes on what strings I should maybe put on my bass, and I've had some trouble actually selecting something. I'm not really even sure if I need new strings, but I would like to try something new to see how they compare to what I currently have.

I went to Kolstein to have something fixed on my bass, and while I was there he put on new strings, so I assume they're his. They have yellow and purple wrap if that helps at all. My bass is a Kolstein Fendt, and I play almost only classical. I'll occasionaly play jazz here or there, but I want my strings to be mainly focused for my arco. I would say my playing is split 50-50 between solo and orchestra playing.

Sorry I couldn't resort to a previous thread, but it just seems strings are so specific to each person, and the bass they play. For all I know, the ones I have right now might be my favorites, but I'd just like to try something new. Thanks!

Patrick W.

Kickin'Fruit · #2 08-02-2006, 09:51 PM

do like we all do, buy them and then if you don't like them: the saga continues...

Peck_Time · #3 08-02-2006, 10:39 PM

Need more info please: What strings have you tried, what did you like about them, what sound are you going for, etc.

I'm not a classical player at all, but I read all the strings threads. There seem to be 5 or 6 common string brands that pop up for arco, not to mention the hybrid strings.

Spirocore Orchestra, Jargar, 2 types of Flexocore, Flatchromesteel, Corelli...

Masters2010 · #4 08-02-2006, 10:52 PM

That's the thing, I've really only tried Kolstein strings, so I don't know how they compare in sound, and what other sound I might be looking for. I think I may just grap a set of one of the often recommended arco strings, then just see how they compare to what I have now.

KSB - Ken Smith · #5 08-03-2006, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masters2010

That's the thing, I've really only tried Kolstein strings, so I don't know how they compare in sound, and what other sound I might be looking for. I think I may just grap a set of one of the often recommended arco strings, then just see how they compare to what I have now.

Get out of Jail. Get some regular Flexocors and maybe with the Stark 'E' if your E is weak sounding or flabby on your Bass now. If you like it heavy, get the Flexocor Stark set. These ARE the best bowing strings in the world and about the same price as most. Don't get the Orig. Flexs. They will sound dead on the bottom and the G is not as smooth.

I have regular gauge Flexocors on my Loveri and they play great. I have Stark/heavy gauge on my Prescott and have used nad preferred that gauge on most of my Basses. Heck, I even do jazz gigs with these strings. A good Bass also helps as you rarly get more than a thud with an orch. string pizz. I get the growl and punch I need without having to change over to a Jazz string. It sounds more old school jazz but still works for me.

Read this about my search and save some leg work of your own; Flexocor strings info from Ken Smith

I know Barrie for decades and have used his Orchestra Strings. Last week I stopped in on the way back from Jeff Bollbachs place with my restored Bisiach in hand. I played several Basses with his new Perlon core strings. I wouldn't use them myself as I still prefer the Flexocors.

Jake · #6 08-03-2006, 04:43 AM

I really don't like those pink and yellow Kolstein strings. The G strings are especially bad. They're very nasal and hard sounding. They are called the Vari-Cores. I can't really think of any good use for them. They might be good strictly for holding a sound post in place, but that's about it. The first classical strings I used were the Helicores, the blue ones. I liked them okay but they wear out fast then start sounding real bad. I used the Original Flexocores for a long time with a Helicore E and like those a lot actually. Now though, after hearing Ken rave about the regular Flexocors on TB for a while, I ordered a set of the Stark gauge. I have also heard Charles Barr sound great with those strings on a not that great bass. I'll write a post about those when I try them.

Masters2010 · #7 08-03-2006, 05:26 AM

Thanks for the help guys, that was exactly what I was looking for. I'll order some tonight. Is lemur the best source for bass supplies? It's the only stored I know of.

KSB - Ken Smith · #8 08-03-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masters2010

Thanks for the help guys, that was exactly what I was looking for. I'll order some tonight. Is lemur the best source for bass supplies? It's the only stored I know of.

www.juststrings.com

Masters2010 · #9 08-05-2006, 08:13 AM

I ordered the flexocores with the stark E Ken, I'll see how I like them.

Jake · #10 08-06-2006, 01:52 PM

I just got my bass with the Flexocore starks on it. Ken, does the A take a while to calm down? Mine is kind harsh and hard sounding. I like G quite a bit. I saw Max Dimoff's bass with regular Flex DG and Original Flex EA. I may try that if the E and A don't settle in.