Weak G string with Spirocores

[WillBuckingham]

I have spirocores on both of my basses, and they both suffer from having weak "g" strings. My old carved bass is even and loud on the other 3 strings, and the "g" string is just noticeably softer and deader sounding. On my ply bass, the problem is exaggerated. Is this a common issue? Is it typical of spiro's? Is there a quick fix in switching to a different string for the "G".?

-Will

[bribass]

Although I often think Spiro G strings are too "whiny" and "pingy" sounding, I don't think they are inherently weaker or softer in volume compared to the other three. This problem may very well be due to sound post fit or placement in your basses. Bad fit or a post that has moved out of its optimum position can effect volume and eveness accross the instrument drastically. On carved basses this can happen just because of seasonal changes in the weather.

That being said on my Prescott I get great results w/ Spiro Mittel E, A and D w/ a Superflexible G. They match together seemlessly and I find the Superflex G to be a great improvement over a Spiro G for piz AND arco.
BG

[Chris Fitzgerald]

For me, the biggest determining factor of the relative strength of any string is the height. Try this experiment: raise the bass side adjuster wheel a full turn, but don't move the treble side wheel at all. The effect this will have is to tilt the bridge toward the treble side, which will actually increase the height of the G string in relation to the fingerboard. After trying this, does your G string sound any stronger? If so, you may want to have your bridge recut with a little more height on the G string.

[rdwhit]

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

For me, the biggest determining factor of the relative strength of any string is the height. Try this experiment: raise the bass side adjuster wheel a full turn, but don't move the treble side wheel at all. The effect this will have is to tilt the bridge toward the treble side, which will actually increase the height of the G string in relation to the fingerboard. After trying this, does your G string sound any stronger? If so, you may want to have your bridge recut with a little more height on the G string.

but if you use the bow very much, having the bridge cut with the g string higher could give you problems with bowing the d string without hiting the g. minus the bow, i agree with dr. fitz

[rdwhit]

just read your profile, doesn't look like you you bow much. feel free to ignore me, CF does.(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.....bitter dregs)

[stockbass]

spiros are IMO extremely consistent.
- check soundpost.
- I think many basses have to little height for the G string. if possible try to raise it a little.
- You can also try to record the bass and see if there is a noticable different in sound. sometimes the physical feeling can restrict the ability to hear how the bass actually sounds.

just my 2cents

[MilesC]

When I first bought my bass, it had Spirocores and they sounded just like the Suiper-Sensitive student strings. I didn't like them at all. The sustain was tooo long and they sounded really 'metallic.' I replaced them with Pirastro Chromcors and I do not regert it in the least. Thats my experience with Spirocores.