Which Strings for Me?

mpf · #1 07-03-2010, 09:11 AM

I have read a lot of the posts here and spoken with a lot of friends about which strings to use, but thought I'd try to get some specific advice . . .

I switched to upright from bass guitar a few months ago, and absolutely love it. No going back! My upright was previously used by a kid in orchestras, all arco. The strings on my upright are at least several years old, and I want to put on new strings.

I play 100% pizzicato, mostly amplified (using a K&K Sound Bass Max pickup) in swing/blues/country bands, usually competing with electric guitars and drums. I actually love the sound that I'm getting -- it's punchy but has a nice warm tone at the same time. Plus, it's what I'm used to and really the only sound I know. I am pretty sure that I have old D'addario Helicore Hybrid's on my bass now (green w/gold at ball ends, solid colors at peg ends).

Other players say my bass plays real "tight". On the other hand, their uprights play way too loose and spaghetti-like for me (they play mostly bluegrass). I guess what I would like to try is something similar to what I have, but maybe something that plays a little looser (but not too loose).

I am interested in the Helicore Pizzicatos, but I assume that they will feel just like the Hybrids. Others have suggested Supernils and Pirastro Obligato Mediums.

Any tips and suggestions on strings I might like would be greatly appreciated!

reedo35 · #2 07-03-2010, 09:22 AM

The Helicores are pretty Stiff, IMO. Obligatos sound great in the living room, then kind of wimp out on the gig. Evahs might have a bit more tension, but sound more like what you're going for. or if you want to drop a load of cash on a really good Pizz string, look at the Velvet Animas.

AMJBASS · #3 07-03-2010, 09:37 AM

I'd get a set of Spirocores. They come in a few different gauges(Orchestra or Mittel is most common). They last a LONG time, and have a very strong sound. They also sound particularly good amplified. Probably the most popular string out there. Obligatos don't tend to last very long. I would stay away from Helicores. The price may look decent, but IMO they are inconsistant. You may like them, but I have gone though probably 6-8 sets of them and always end up switching them out for Spirocores...

reedo35 · #4 07-03-2010, 09:58 AM

Spiros are pretty much the standard Pizz string, The only thing is, I hate the sound of them when they are new.
Very bright and twangy, but then they settle in after a few months, and they do last for years.

Eddue · #5 07-03-2010, 03:11 PM

Another alternative (and less expensive) are the Superflexibles. Not as bright as the Spirocores but a good sounding and long lasting string.

mpf · #6 07-04-2010, 05:15 AM

Thanks everyone, this has really helped me narrow my search. Obviously, if you read up on any string you'll find both positives and negatives, so at some point I'm going to just have to start my education and just choose one . . .

I'm interested in the Spirocores, but they sound like they may be harder to play than my Heliocore Hybrids, and I definitely do not want that. I'm interested in the Obligatos, but more than one person mentions that they are not great on stage, which concerns me, and also that they don't last as long as other strings. I haven't found a lot of relevant posts about the Evahs and Superflexibles, so I'm not sure about them.

I'm kind of back thinking about the Heliocore Medium Pizz. I assume they are not harder to play than the hybrids, and may even be more suitable for the kind of music I play.

Any more comments would be appreciated. Otherwise, I'll report back once I've made the plunge.

reedo35 · #7 07-04-2010, 06:29 AM

Spirocore Weichs actually have less tension than the Helicores. And as a Bass player that is switching, they feel like Flatwound BG Strings.

RustyAxe · #8 07-04-2010, 01:55 PM

I just removed a year old set of Obligatos (they were past their prime, I think). Replaced them with Spirocore Orch. Mittels. Not much difference in the feel, really, maybe a little "tighter" (ie, more tension) but not difficult at all. The "Smittels" are bright, especially the G. I find if I'm careful about my attack they sound fine, and really good amplified. Looking forward to them mellowing in time.