Spiros for newbie?

tinyd · #1 11-17-2008, 09:55 AM

Hi all
I'm about to order my first DB, on which I intend to play Jazz and Cuban / Salsa. I've read all the newbie string links, and while there is a ton of useful information, it seems to me that it's probably going to take a bit of experimentation before I know which strings are going to be best in the long run. However, it seems to me that the closest things to 'default' strings are Spirocore mediums.

I'm ordering my bass from an online retailer (Thomann) and they apparently do a reasonable setup job so I think it's best if I specify the strings when I order the bass so that it's adjusted for the strings.

So are the spiros a reasonable place to start, or does anyone have any strong opinions in another direction?

Thanks in advance for any insights.....

conte2music · #2 11-17-2008, 10:04 AM

Spiros are it. Consider weichs...they'll be a bit more bowable (get a bow too!), and more forgiving to your hands as you begin to gain stamina.

Be careful about ordering an instrument you've never touched

EggyToast · #3 11-17-2008, 10:05 AM

Well, "default" strings usually mean "strings you use to ship the bass, and then replace once you have it set up" ;D Seriously though, Spiros are a common "everyman" string that a lot of people, both amateur and professional, like a lot. I think most people have a set around even they're not strung up currently. I think you'd be perfectly happy with them as a starter set, since many people keep them on long past the starter phase!

jlilley · #4 11-17-2008, 12:19 PM

Two things to remember about Spiros:
Don't judge them until they are broken in, they tend to start off really bright.
They are a great base line string, if you don't like them it is easy to realize that you want something darker, higher/lower tension etc...
Good Luck,
John

Peck_Time · #5 11-17-2008, 01:40 PM

Re setups: Thomann might get your bass 'playable' but I would bet that it will be improved 200% by a good setup from a good luthier. I've bought two mail-order basses (a carved Christopher and a ply Cleveland) from two double-bass specialists, and both needed setups when they arrived. In the Clevelands case, it had just crossed 1/2 the world and the bridge and soundpost needed adjusting. My Christopher needed a bit of work on the nut , fingerboard and soundpost to make it right for my strings and preferences.

tinyd · #6 11-17-2008, 03:20 PM

Thanks very much for the helpful replies - I think I'll try the mediums - I know it's not the most meaningful comparison but I like big strings and a high action on BG so I think I might be OK.

As to the whole mail order thing, I'd love to go and try a few out before committing but where I live in Ireland this isn't possible, plus stuff is expensive here and I can get a Strunal hybrid from Thomann for a lot less that what I'd pay for an inferior bass in a shop. I'm definitely going for a luthier setup though and a bow will be next on the shopping list after the bass arrives.

Thanks again and any more opinions will be gratefully received!

clink · #7 11-17-2008, 04:51 PM

I think the Spiros are a good choice for you. Please try to remember that a new bass can sound bright at first, so another string MIGHT be better on that particular bass. However, Spirocores are the most popular jazz string because they seem to sound good on most basses. You really won't know which string is right for your bass without some experimentation, but Spirocores are a pretty safe bet.

Andrew McGregor · #8 11-18-2008, 11:07 AM

Just use the Weichs... Mittels are orchestra strings, they don't give so much of that jazz tone. As I understand it, Spiro Weich is pretty much the canonical steel jazz string.

dkziemann · #9 11-18-2008, 11:23 AM

I always use the mittels for jazz and find they have a better tone. Too light and you can't pull the bottom end out of the instrument.

Uncletoad · #10 11-18-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

Just use the Weichs... Mittels are orchestra strings, they don't give so much of that jazz tone. As I understand it, Spiro Weich is pretty much the canonical steel jazz string.

Bahhh. That's silly. Its at least 50/50 or more with Mittels.

Kevin Hsieh · #11 11-18-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

Just use the Weichs... Mittels are orchestra strings, they don't give so much of that jazz tone. As I understand it, Spiro Weich is pretty much the canonical steel jazz string.

Hmmm... let's ask every jazz cat in New York that use Mittels, why they use mittels even though they say orchestral on the packaging. something must be wrong here if every other bass i sit in on is strung with spirocore mittels.

All silly comments aside, I started out on my bass with Spirocore Mittels. But I wasn't happy with something... so I switched to weichs. Then I wasn't happy with those, then I switched back. Then i wasn't happy with those, then I switched to Weichs again. Then I switched to Helicores

Paul Warburton · #12 11-18-2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

Just use the Weichs... Mittels are orchestra strings, they don't give so much of that jazz tone. As I understand it, Spiro Weich is pretty much the canonical steel jazz string.

NOW you tell me.

Eric Hochberg · #13 11-18-2008, 02:29 PM

You can't go wrong with either Weichs or Mittels for jazz. If you want a bit easier time physically, try the Weichs. I find they bow a bit easier, too. They are both of the highest quality in their class and style of string.

bonaventura · #14 11-19-2008, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Hsieh

Hmmm... let's ask every jazz cat in New York that use Mittels, why they use mittels even though they say orchestral on the packaging. something must be wrong here if every other bass i sit in on is strung with spirocore mittels....

Hmmm... last time i looked, the Weich package says "orchestral" on it too. also says "suitable for arco" -- and they are.

my bass currently has a Spiro Mittel E, Weich A, and Belcanto D and G. It's a great mix for jazz, pizz and arco.

marvin spangles · #15 12-08-2008, 06:18 AM

[quote=tinyd;6541399]Hi all
I'm about to order my first DB, on which I intend to play Jazz and Cuban / Salsa.
Hi Looks like you need a string that will cut through a large ensemble. You can't go to far wrong with the Spirocore Mittels. they are a bright string with tons of sustain.. incidentally I am Irish too. I use Spiros for Jazz and Belcantos for pit work and classical. I have used Evah Pirazzis for over a year and loved them. I have decided to skip the hybrid thing and use the best string fit for purpose . A lot depends on your bass. It does sound as if you will not be using the bow. I'd advise any specialist pizz string. The spiros are built to be abused. You could also consider Dominants or Pirastro Jazzers. I have used both and they all have their merits. If you want to talk more PM me . Good luck with your new bass.