Thick/Flexible steel or synthetic strings? - Page 2

AMJBASS · #21 03-19-2005, 08:59 AM

While Obligatos are nice strings, I think the Velvet(both Anima and Garbo) are a step above. I think you might find the Obligatos to be easier to bow, but for volume and feel the Velvet wins.

JerryH · #22 03-23-2005, 01:38 AM

I am just a newbie here on DB side.
Just got my first big bass couple weeks ago and would like to change the strings to a bit smoother and growlier style. I read the good things about Velvets.
My concern is where to get the Velvet Animas?

**Francois Blais** · #23 03-23-2005, 04:01 AM

Lemur Music

crocau · #24 03-23-2005, 11:59 AM

If I were to have two pizz basses, and one with gut strings, I would certainly put spirocore weich on the other. You can't go wrong with a set of spiro, and it is the classic modern sound. Definition, darkness, sustain, growl, they have it all !

AMJBASS · #25 03-23-2005, 12:38 PM

Another string that I forgot to mention is the Labella 7710 Black tape wound. They feel really really nice(similar to gut). Soft and smooth. They have a fairly bright sound with lots of growl similar to Spirocore. The diameter is thicker than most steel strings, so it wouldn't be hard to adjust.

Steve Killingsworth · #26 03-23-2005, 02:22 PM

I tried the 7710s and didn't like the feel (slimey) or the sound (twangy). Perhaps it was just my bass or my prejudices but they couldn't hold a candle to Obligatos.

**Francois Blais** · #27 03-23-2005, 02:55 PM

They have a completely different construction:
the Obligatos are flat outer metal winding on synthetic core.
the 7710 are flat black nylon tape on standard steel rope-core.
What differentiates the 7710 from regular steel strings is just the outer wrap.

Giacomo · #28 03-25-2005, 06:45 AM

A month or so ago I ordered and received from Lou Roten a set of Velvet Compas 180 Orchestra strings, based on a number of positive comments here; Monte was even gracious enough to clear up the consusion about the new formula, etc., and that sits on the top of this string forum. For a variety of reasons, I have not yet put them on, a major reason being that they are not particularly user friendly, at least to me, since they have to be tied at both ends. I don't want to screw this up since these strings are not cheap. I want to have a luthier put them on at the same time he does some other minor work.

Now, after reading the comments about Velvet Garbo and Velvet Anima in this thread, I'm asking myself if I made a $250. mistake? The descriptions and comments about Anima and Garbo seem what I am looking for.

It seems no one is talking about the Compas any longer. I'm interested in pizz, and do not bow. I play swing, big band, old-timey, bluegrass, etc. So you may be asking why did did I buy these orchestral strings and all the baggage that, at least in my mind, comes with them. I dunno. At the time, it seemed like a good idea.

So, am I trapped in Velvet Hell? Shoul I call Lou and ask him if I can return the Compas for an Anima or Garbo set? Or just forge ahead and see what happens?

Why the heck do they make them anyway so that you have to tie both ends ?

Bijoux · #29 03-25-2005, 12:11 PM

I got the anima set. I play Jazz, and love these strings. They can also be bowed. I played a bass with the Garbo set years ago, and they seemed at the moment very close to the anima set that I have.
Anyway, I heard a few times people saying that they'll have their Luthier put the strings on.
Well, yes, they are a little tricky, not as easy as any regular type strings.
But come on, how hard can it be to put strings on a bass???
unless you do something really stupid you can't ruin any strings.
Come on guys, just a few extra twists and there you have it!

masmasbasso · #30 03-25-2005, 01:19 PM

I was a little worried about the 180's when I got them, so I had my luthier put them on. He got realy frustrated at first and then figured it out. I eventually switched to another string for a while, but decided to give the 180's another try. They were pretty easy to put on the second time around. I decided to just dive on in and do it. It's not that hard. Just remember that they are going to stretch. So line them up a little bit closer to the tailpiece than they need to be so they line up and none of the wrapped string hits the tuners once you tighten them up.

The 180s are great with the bow and are a little more modern sounding than the Animas or Garbos. I think my favorite Velvets are the Animas. The set of Animas I have are getting kind of old, but I tried the G and D with a new set of Spiro mediums that I just put on and I liked the results. I used to play with mixed set gut and Spiros when I was in school.