the Ultimate Solution

Reuben · #1 07-23-2007, 09:21 PM

Bassist friends,

After years of experimentation, resulting in many dollars spent and many hours wasted comparing and contrasting, and reading and sweating I have found the solution to my string woes.

For the last 5 days I have practiced between 3 and 5 hours every day (except today, when I practiced for 2 hours, but had a rehearsal and a gig), and everything about my setup, the strings, the action, bow, all feel completely fine.

I think I have finally found the ultimate solution to all my problems. It turned out to be really simple. I set the strings at the height where it's basically comfortable and fun to play, and then I practice till I just can't listen anymore. I'm having the most fun, ever. And my playing has improved like, overnight.

I am not saying that what works for me will work for you, and I'm not even going to tell you what strings I currently have on, but I feel practically reborn.

your pal,

jallenbass · #2 07-23-2007, 10:02 PM

That's a pretty funny story. But seriously, what strings are you using?

damonsmith · #3 07-23-2007, 10:28 PM

I settled on a basic set up and practice years ago. I got nearly the same effect as you describe just by re-introducing the 12 major scales back into my daily practice and getting my bass repaired and set up well.

damonsmith · #4 07-23-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallenbass

That's a pretty funny story. But seriously, what strings are you using?

While I don't know for sure what Reuben is using, generally when bassist reach this stage they settle on spirocores.....

Randy Ward · #5 07-24-2007, 05:49 AM

This is from a post of mine some time back. I considered making the sage advice my signature.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Ward

Chuck Bergeron is a friend of mine:

http://www.chuckbergeron.com/miamibasspage.htm

And about a year ago we were talking about strings at a gig of his and I was going on and on about a weird combination I was using at the time. He said something I thought was pretty wise:

It's good for you to be trying all this stuff to find your sound, I did the same thing. But like it or not you'll just end up with some Spirocores and start to worry more about your playing, you've already got your sound.

Uncletoad · #6 07-24-2007, 10:52 AM

I'm the poster child for string explorations.

I've tried a ton. I may try more. Recently when I sold all my strings I ended up with pretty much only Spirocore Mittels. I played a couple gigs with them and discovered once again how great they sound and realized I'd rather play dead Spirocore Mittels than just about anything else.

I've got a love affair with gut tops and suspect I may play them for quite awhile. Push me in a corner and I'm Spirocore all the way.

Marcus Johnson · #7 07-24-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

Push me in a corner and I'm Spirocore all the way.

Same here. Mine (weichs) have developed a bit of a honk when amplified in the area where I transition into thumb position, but other than that, they're great.

mburd · #8 07-24-2007, 12:55 PM

so..topic closed.
That was simple..

Let's do that over in amplification too.

oops..Now what are we going to fuss about?
Please...not GOLF..

Uncletoad · #9 07-24-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mburd

so..topic closed.
That was simple..

Let's do that over in amplification too.

oops..Now what are we going to fuss about?
Please...not GOLF..

We could just move directly into internet porn from here.

CamMcIntyre · #10 07-24-2007, 02:17 PM

I dig what you guys are saying. I haven't tried many strings-Spiro Mittels (came on my Cleveland) & Spiro Weichs. From what i've read here, been told, etc i don't plan on experimenting much with strings until i get another bass. That bass will either be strung w/some sort of arco string & setup or guts.

The sound that i am getting with my NS Cleveland ply & Weichs makes me happy, even more so when i hear it recorded via a good mic. A memory that i think will be burned into my brain is from this past Spring's Combo Recording Session @ Chicago Recording Company. We were getting levels on my bass-there was a mic out in front probably 3-4 feet from me, just about splitting the distance between bridge and bass side f-hole, and then my realist into a DI. I don't have a clue what the mix was, but hot damn i couldn't believe my ears. I was happy despite having the flu.

Uncletoad · #11 07-24-2007, 02:26 PM

Lest we loose track of the original point, it was not that Spirocores were the best string but that

Strings Don't Matter if you practice enough.

drurb · #12 07-24-2007, 02:39 PM

...and with that, I hereby move that the mods close the Strings forum. It should be replaced with the title Just Buy Spiros. Can I get a second?

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #13 07-24-2007, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

...and with that, I hereby move that the mods close the Strings forum. It should be replaced with the title Just Buy Spiros. Can I get a second?

Not as long as I'm playing Dominants, Jeremy's playing guts, and Francois still mixes four different strings every 3 days.

Damon?

Uncletoad · #14 07-24-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

Not as long as I'm playing Dominants, Jeremy's playing guts, and Francois still mixes four different strings every 3 days.

Damon?

Marcus Johnson · #15 07-24-2007, 03:15 PM

Just to confuse things even further, on a whim, I tried weed whacker cord on my La Scala, and surprisingly, it gave me everything I have been looking for. Huge, fat, organic gutlike sound. Tons of volume, even the arco wasn't that bad. And it cost me next to nothing! Gotta love it, I'm converted.

Marcus Johnson · #16 07-24-2007, 03:16 PM

Just kidding, of course I didn't do that!

Reuben · #17 07-24-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mburd

so..topic closed.
That was simple..

Let's do that over in amplification too.

I'm ready!

I'm *this* close to dumping my Walter Woods and various cabs and just buying a GK MB150. I'm sick of spending several minutes setting up my stuff and worrying about beer getting spilled on the Woods, and dragging an extra bag all the time for the head. I play these bars in the neighborhood that have house bass amps (polytone, swr, peavey) and for better or worse, it always sounds like me.

There's a guy here in NYC who has the nicest amp sound I've ever heard, and he uses a Woods like mine, and an Aguilar 1x12. The other night I heard him through the SWR LA-15 a local bar just got, and he sounded exactly like he does through the Walter Woods, maybe even better.

Think about it: if I sell my Woods and my Epifani 12 I could get like $2400, easily. Pay $720 for a new GK combo, and another $80 for the gig bag and I make $1680 profit! Talk me out of it!

Uncletoad · #18 07-24-2007, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reuben

Think about it: if I sell my Woods and my Epifani 12 I could get like $2400, easily. Pay $720 for a new GK combo, and another $80 for the gig bag and I make $1680 profit! Talk me out of it!

No argument from me. I hate the sound of the GK combo but I'll bet I could use one.

BTW if you've got a blue light Ultra Woods you are at $3000 now.

Reuben · #19 07-24-2007, 04:07 PM

My Woods is an amber light (super hi power). I think I can get $2000 for it.

damonsmith · #20 07-24-2007, 04:38 PM

I love my little GK. It gets a great sound. I won't pretend it is as good as a Walter Woods. But it is more convienent especially when I need to get it fixed.
My attitude is that I have a nice, strong sound unamplified. If the other musicians want to hear they can quiet down, if they need to play so loud I need an amp - they get what they get.
I can personally attest to Reuben's great acoustic sound- so sell it!