Tension of Spiro Solos when tuned down to orchestral pitch

**Basschair** · #1 10-29-2006, 07:53 AM

I wasn't able to find anything on this after searching, so here it goes:

My bass likes slightly higher tension. Right now I've got Corelli TX D,G, Spiro Weich A, and a Spiro Solo E (tuned down from F#). The Corellis are doing alright, though they just aren't as nice as the Fortes. The Weich A is pretty good, though it doesn't have the sustain I'd like and is causing major wolftone problems...more so than usual at any rate.

The Solo E (which took the place of a Flat Chromesteel) is fantastic! It feels more tense than the FCS string (even when tuned down to E), is brighter, is still warm, etc., etc.

I'm a little concerned that part of this is due to the tension already being exerted by the TX's and the Weich, and that if I replace them with solos tuned down, the overall tension will lessen, and the whole thing might go quiet.

Basically, what I'm wondering is if anyone can estimate the tension of solos when they are tuned down a whole step, or if anyone already knows what it is?

TroyK · #2 10-29-2006, 10:18 AM

THey'll be somewhat less tense the the Weiches. I liked them a lot better then weiches, but I think my bass likes lower tension.

I'm confused, you started off saying that your bass like high tension, then you said you were using and experimenting with low tension strings. Did I misunderstand?

-tk

relacey · #3 10-29-2006, 10:42 AM

Here's my best estimate on this for a 105 cm string length:

A -> G 25.4 kg (56 lb)
E -> D 26.2 kg (57.8 lb)
B -> A 26.2 kg (57.8 lb)
F# -> E 26.2 kg (57.8 lb)

I got these numbers by taking the string diameters posted by Jake DeVillers and the tension data from T-I Then using the string tension calculator by Arto Wikla, I estimated the effective density of each string. With that established I entered the new pitch in the calculator and read off the new, lower string tension.

Usual disclaimer's apply.

**Basschair** · #4 10-29-2006, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

THey'll be somewhat less tense the the Weiches. I liked them a lot better then weiches, but I think my bass likes lower tension.

I'm confused, you started off saying that your bass like high tension, then you said you were using and experimenting with low tension strings. Did I misunderstand?

-tk

Nope, you're right: it speaks more clearly with higher tension strings. I'm really just trying to find that happy medium, where my fingers/hands are happy, yet the bass still sounds strong. I used to have Corelli 370M's on it back in the day just because I loved the feel. Then Fortes, then Flat Chromesteels which I loved (tried original flat chrome and dominants, didn't really dig either). Now that I have a new bridge and am set on bettering the instrument as well as my playing, I'm trying to branch out to find the strings that do the best with it for pizz/arco while still being kind to my hands.

So far, the solo sounds great tuned down to E, but I've got to give it a few more weeks worth of playing before I can pass sound judgement on the TX's, the Weich, and the solo...

basstef · #5 10-29-2006, 03:03 PM

Spiro solos tuned to orchestral pitch are great strings. They sound quite different from both Weichs and Mittels. Being a Velvet Garbo user for a long time, I recently tried something else which could be more friendly with the bow. The spiro solos have that dark sound, but still warm and with a good sustain. They work very well when bowed too. What I don't like is the G string...way too thin. That's why I left the garbo G on, so my bow problem is just half solved

When pizz the whole set is extremely well balanced. You may need to raise your action up a bit though, since they need more room to vibrate than Weichs or Mittels.

gp_bass · #6 11-01-2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basstef

Spiro solos tuned to orchestral pitch are great strings. They sound quite different from both Weichs and Mittels. Being a Velvet Garbo user for a long time, I recently tried something else which could be more friendly with the bow. The spiro solos have that dark sound, but still warm and with a good sustain. They work very well when bowed too. What I don't like is the G string...way too thin. That's why I left the garbo G on, so my bow problem is just half solved

When pizz the whole set is extremely well balanced. You may need to raise your action up a bit though, since they need more room to vibrate than Weichs or Mittels.

I've been thinking about switiching from Animas to these for the same reason. I've also been hesitating because I don't want to go back to a thin steel G. I don't want to keep the Anima G, though because it makes bowing a pain.

Any thoughts on another combo? An Oliv G would be great, but they're pricey and have all the gut-core issues that I'm glad are behind me.

Anybody got another suggestion for a thicker, bowable, good pizz G? Obligato? Something else?

I'm sure this has been covered in some other thread somewhere...

**Basschair** · #7 11-01-2006, 08:58 AM

I don't know about the G (yet), but here's an update on my experience after a few more days:

My bass is strung Corelli 370 TX G and D, Spiro Weich A, and Spiro solo F# tuned down to E. Initially, the TX's were just way too bright and metallic. Still, I gave it a bit of time and playing, and more time and more playing. They are just starting to settle in a bit more, enough to merit more patience. As far as the Spiros go, I'm absolutely thrilled with the results. It's definitely different for me (bowing-wise), but is forcing me to concentrate more upon my right hand which I've been needing to do anyway. The E/A tension isn't too high, but the strings have more mass (or seem to) than the Flat Chromesteels, and so they are creating an overall stronger sound.

In another couple of weeks, if the TX's don't work out, I'll give consideration to spiros for the D/G. For now, they are doing well...