string reccomendations?

[nathanmcnathan]

I know this is probably something posted on here a lot, but here it goes: I'm looking for a set of strings that won't cost me too much (I'm a high-school student), and that'll respond well with a bow, last long, and have a dark tone, and preferrably a somewhat higher tension. My bass (unfortunately) has really low action, and because the strings I'm using right now are so loose, I'm getting buzz on my G - not the nice jazz kind of buzz, but an annoying buzz. I do play mostly jazz, but I like using a bow, so I want strings that have that dark and warm sound. my price range is around $100 to $150 CAN.
Thanks!

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Helicore orchestras. Many people here probably have a used set they could send you.

What would help is if you could identify the strings on the bass currently as a reference. What color are the silks at each end?

[nathanmcnathan]

I was thinking of Helicores - I saw them online, seems like they're good for all around use, and not too expensive. As for my strings, they're cheap factory strings

[Jake deVilliers]

Thomastik SuperFlex would suit you well. Cheap like borscht, too.

[bolo]

I like the T-I Superflexibles for jazz too. They are boingy at first, but mellow out. I tried the Helicore pizz (not orchestral) a while back, and after a month or so became duly unimpressed. YMMV. But I trust clink, so the Helicore orchestrals might certainly be worth a try too.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Steve, thanks for the nod, but I'm not much of a string junkie. I recommend the Helicores because they are stiff, dark and cheap (dirty?) if you can get a used set. As many basses come strung with them already and get replaced, there are probably a million sets in drawers.
I would never buy a set new for this purpose, but if they are maybe $30-40 bucks?

[bolo]

Dig. I'm no string guru either. Nathan said dark. You confirmed. Just wondering how they sound for pizz.

Actually wondering now how much Nathan plays pizz v. arco. He said "jazz but likes to use the bow," so I assumed it was mostly pizz but w/ bowed solo's and the like. I think the T-I's would cover that okay.

Do you scat when you solo too Nathan? Think Slam Stewart. I know a guy who does that and actually lost a gig as a result because his singing annoyed the band leader. I took his spot. And I keep my scat to myself.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Nathan,
How high are your strings now? If they are 5mm or higher on the G and maybe 8mm on the E and buzzing, your bass needs help. Measure at the bottom end of the fingerboard.

Steve, I haven't used the Supers but would expect them to be lower in tension.
For the record, I don't like the Helicore Orchestras much but they might just fit the bill.

[nathanmcnathan]

OK, I measured my string height:
G - 4.5-5mm
D - 6mm
A - 7.5mm
E - 8.5mm

I think that I might be wrong about having really low action from what I'm used to (my school's bass has strings about 1cm off the board). Opinions?

[MilesC]

I'd recommend Pirastro Flexocors(regular) or Chromcors. I'm a high school student too. Last year, for our school play I had Chromcors on my bass and they worked out well as a pizz. string and they were bowable and had a big tone. I have Flexocor Originals on my bass now (which are pretty much the opposite of a good pizz. string) because probably 85% of what I play is orchestral music. One of my stand partners played Flexcors(regular) and I found that they had a darker tone. They might be a bit pricey but I can say that with strings, the price is usually worth it.
One of my friends in the Charlotte Symphony plays detuned Helicore Solos and they were actually good pizz. strings. For my first strings, I chose the Chromcors because I didn't want Helicore Orchrestrals like everyone else. For the best price, go to bobshouseofbasses.com.

[nathanmcnathan]

I'd like to get strings from somewhere here in Canada - anybody know any good places I can order online?

[Jake deVilliers]

There's Long & McQuade and there's these guys: http://www.violins.on.ca/

Not particularly cheap but.....

[martinc]

Originally Posted by nathanmcnathan

I'd like to get strings from somewhere here in Canada - anybody know any good places I can order online?

Nathan:

Heinl's in Toronto sell by phone.....there's a toll free number and they ship stuff out quickly.
They have dropped their string prices quite a bit recently so its worth checking out. They are still more expensive than ordering from the U-S though. Until the recent drop in prices they charged full list for their strings unless you owned a business.
Check their website for more info:
www.georgeheinl.com

[nathanmcnathan]

They've lowered thier prices? I've got some stuff from Heinl's before - bow, rosin, etc. I might give that a try. Or I could try to find a set in New York this week (school trip)

[martinc]

Originally Posted by nathanmcnathan

They've lowered thier prices? I've got some stuff from Heinl's before - bow, rosin, etc. I might give that a try. Or I could try to find a set in New York this week (school trip)

Or....if you want to buy a set in Toronto...Long and McQuade at Bloor and Ossington carry D'Addario's and a few other popular strings. Also Remeny Music on Bloor across from the old Varsity Stadium has some too. I was there a couple of weeks ago and they are nowhere near as snotty as they used to be.
Both places are quite reasonable (for Canada) for complete sets.

[nathanmcnathan]

Ok, thanks!!!

[Mark Clout]

Try the Sound Post in Toronto. Very fast delivery.