Superflexible Solos Tuned Down - String Tension

flyingmarcel · #1 12-24-2007, 10:11 AM

Hello,

Can someone give me an idea of the tension of these strings when tuned down? I currently am using the Spiro Weichs and am looking for something similar in tension - Would these be more or less?

Based on the string tension chart listed, It seems the Superflexibles are Relatively high in tension (comparable to Spiro Mediums), which is more that I would want, but I thought solos might be a good compromise.

Also, from any users of this set up, are these strings pretty floppy at standard tuning? Can bringing the string height up a bit improve on this problem?

Thanks,

fm

T-34 · #2 12-25-2007, 03:41 PM

Well, I have no experience with the solo strings but regular "orchestra" gauge superflexibles are indeed rather high tension, sure higher than Spyro Meds, especially E string, almost as stiff as Spyro Stark. I love Superflex G and D after 2 months of break-in period (hated them when they were new)

flyingmarcel · #3 02-04-2008, 01:13 AM

Still Interested in maybe trying this set up - Anyone with any experience?

Thanks,

fm

**Francois Blais** · #4 02-04-2008, 12:22 PM

You'd better get solo Spiros than solo Superflexs, IMHO.
They have a much better tone, and you'll likely get less rattles on the FB.

flyingmarcel · #5 02-04-2008, 12:33 PM

Hi Francois,

Thanks for the reply. I'm wondering if you could talk a little about the differences between the solo spiros tuned down and the spiro weichs, which I am currently using. Are the solos (tuned down) just a lower tension version of the Spiro Mediums ie. Thicker gauge string, but low tension like the Weichs?

My main reason for going with the Superflexibles would be that I have used them previously and really liked their sonic qualities, but don't want to inflict their high tension on my bass. I like the Weichs very much as well (on the bass for over 2 years), but just feel it might be time for a change.....

Thanks,

fm

KSB - Ken Smith · #6 02-04-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

You'd better get solo Spiros than solo Superflexs, IMHO.
They have a much better tone, and you'll likely get less rattles on the FB.

Aren't the Ropecore Superflexibles tighter feeling than the Spirocores? I seem to recall in the old days that was the case. I have only tried one of my Basses with the SF's rescntly and they had quite the tension. I had Red's on that same Bass several years ago and these seemed tighter. All things being equal I would assume the same differences with the Solo gauges. Plus, the SF's bow better and sound deeper with more fundamental. The Spiros have more Buzz/sustain but not much music in that fizzle to my ear.

TroyK · #7 02-04-2008, 06:47 PM

I had Spirocore solos tuned down on my bass a few years ago and really liked them. I tried weiches on the E and A when I wanted a bit more tension and really didn't like the change sonically. The solos out of the pack had a really nice tone and it only got better as I went. I had a good arco experience with them too, sat up that way.

They were somewhat lower tension than the Weiches seemed to be, but there was also a difference is feel and sound that I can't quite put my fingers on.

You might think about Pirastro Jazzers if you can't get comfortable with the idea of tuning solos down.

-tk

**Francois Blais** · #8 02-04-2008, 08:05 PM

As Troy said, the solos sound much warmer than the weichs.
At least the bottom strings.
The solo G may be too shrill though.
You may want to use something else, or use a rubber tone filter with it.

KrispyJones · #9 02-16-2008, 08:51 AM

i did use spiros solo and they had a little bit more tension than the superflexibles solo. the superflexibles are the "loosest" strings i tried besides guts and supernils! at least the loosest steels i ever played and i tried a lot of different strings !

you can hear a studio recording with superflexibles solo
recorded with a mic and a little bit of mag pu signal

http://www.myspace.com/elephantcircus

theres also SLAP bass in following songs:

Let's Go California
and God's Grace (please scroll down )

Reuben · #10 02-20-2008, 01:19 PM

Check this out:

http://www.twosistersinc.com/sounds.html

I am not the bassist on these tracks, but I engineered the recording, and I can
tell you the bassist (the great Dave Hofstra) was using a spirocore solo set tuned to orchestra pitch. Sounds huge!

I myself am OK with weichs. Any less tension and I can't bow them without rattles.