What strings for fifths tuning?

paulunger · #1 09-09-2006, 03:45 PM

Hey guys, I would really appreciate everyone's input. I have been experimenting with tuning my bass in fifths. This is for strictly orchestral playing. I am have slight problems with two of the strings.
The low 'C' string I am using (a Jargar) just does not speak well or have much clarity. I have read that Joel Quarrington uses a Thomastik and a friend also uses a Thomastik on his 5 stringer, but I am concerned about the extreme brightness and twangyness that it may project. Plus the other members of our bass section have a definate bias against using Thomastiks in the orchestra. What do you guys use? and/or can you think of another 'C' string that will give me more bite and clarity?
Also, I am finding that the 'A' string tuned down to a "G" is not ideal. I have tried a F# solo string tuned up but did not like thickness of it. Is there a an extremely tense 'A' string out there that will work better when tuned down to a 'G'? or maybe an extremely narrow gauge F# solo that will feel closer to a normal 'A' string thickness?
Your thoughts and experiences would be greatly appreciated. Again, this is for orchestral playing only, not for jazz.
Thanks.

Snakewood · #2 09-09-2006, 04:09 PM

Here's what Joel Quarrington uses. It gives him a beautiful even tone:

A-1st String from Solo Set - Thomastik Dominants
D-2nd String from Orchestral Set - Thomastik Dominants
G-4th String from Solo Set (F# tuned to G) - Thomastik Dominants
C-5th String from Orchestral Set (Low B tuned to C) - Thomastik Dominants OR Spirocore

More information at Joel's website: www.joelquarrington.com

good luck...Joel believes this is the most ideal set...send him an e-mail with your questions.

pat1151 · #3 09-09-2006, 04:10 PM

supposidly Pirastro makes a set of obligato's designed for 5ths tuning. I suggest searching the forum for more on that.

paulunger · #4 09-09-2006, 04:22 PM

Wow, thanks for the quick replies! Yes, I have searched and read most posts on this topic. I love Joel Quarrington's playing, but playing on Thomastiks in my orchestra is just a no-no. Maybe the low C string Thomastik will not produce the problem I am in fear of, but I don't want to spend $$$ to find out. I'm looking for a C string that will have the bite and clarity close to a Thomastik, but not be a Thomastik. Hopefully, some of you out there have tried some different C strings and can offer your experiences and thoughts.
I have tried the Obligatos. Pirastro even sent me some fifth tuning prototypes to try, but I really did not like the way they sounded and played as an orchestral string.

**Francois Blais** · #5 09-10-2006, 10:25 AM

Corelli? (low B and low C)
Helicore? (low B)
Jazzer? (low B)
FlatChrome (low B)
Permanent? (low B)
Kolstein Varicore? (low B and low C)

bikerbassplayer · #6 09-10-2006, 01:59 PM

I love Joel Quarrington's playing, but playing on Thomastiks in my orchestra is just a no-no.

I guess Im getting to old and grumpy but I do not beleive
it is the sections decision/choice of what strings I use in
the two orchestra's I play in !

pat1151 · #7 09-10-2006, 03:43 PM

well, if it helps Joel uses Thomastics rather than spirocores... those may be more suited for orchestra than the spirocores.

paulunger · #8 09-10-2006, 05:26 PM

Thanks for the suggestions Francois. I am continuing my experiments with strings borrowed from colleauges. This week I will try a Flexicore heavy gauge 'A' string and a Thomastik Superfexible 'C' string.
I have high hopes that the heavy gauge Flexicore will work wel when tuned down to a 'G'. (I have Flexicore meduim gauge on the top two strings)
I will also look into other 'C' strings options. Probably the Helicore, heavy Flexicore and Permanent next, since those are generally what I and most orchestral players I know use for their regular 'E' strings. The Flat Chrome and Kolstein are worth looking into, but I do not have much experience with them and may have trouble finding someone who has one I can borrow.
Also, I shouldn't blame my section mates for not having the option of using Thomastiks. I love them on my jazz bass (spirocores), but I do not believe they work well as an orchestral string. And yes, I could put whatever strings I want on my bass, but it would not blend well with the rest of the section.
I have also tried Dominants in the past and I can not recall "why", but I know that I definately did not like them.
BTW If any of you have any old 'C' strings you would like to get rid of or sell for a nominal fee, please contact me.

Reuben · #9 09-14-2006, 09:00 AM

Hey Paul,

I know this may sound crazy but for the low C you might try a Helicore Orchestra. I don't generally like Helicores, but I played someone's low C and thought it had some decent pop.

say hi to Val! I hope all is great down there in Texas!

R

paulunger · #10 09-14-2006, 01:03 PM

Reuben, how have you been?! I really enjoyed your last two CD's, "Intersections" & "Fugitive Dreams". Thanks for the tip. I use to use a Helicore "E" string with Flexocors on top. I just wasn't sure if their "C" string had the same properties as their "E" string. And since I'm not sure if I am going to stay with this tuning, I am hesitant to invest money into "C" strings. With your recommendation, I think I will try a Helicore next. It also helps that the Heliocore "C" strings is half the price of a Pirastro.
Let me know next time your passing through Texas.

Vunz · #11 09-15-2006, 02:06 AM

I use all Pirastro Permanents: low B tuned to C, Solo F sharp tuned to G, orchtestral d, solo A. This set, on my bass at least, is perfect for both pizz and arco. On my Fichter EUB I use a Thomastik Spirocore orchestral "Red Mitchell" set, which is specifically designed for fifths tuning.

Cheers,

Vincent

Blazemourne · #12 09-15-2006, 02:52 PM

Doesn't Joel Quarrington use a Thomastik Dominant low C, not a low B tuned to C?

http://www.joelquarrington.com/index...d=13&Itemid=31

And I don't think there is a Thomastik Dominant B, there is only C.

http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/strings/index.html

paulunger · #13 09-17-2006, 05:16 PM

Vincent (and anyone else out there),
I was wondering what your experiences have been with various strings. One problem I have is the thickness of a F# solo string tuned up to a G. I tried this with a Pirastro Chromesteel and its thickness was very uncomfortable. I have been using a Flexocor stark gauge A string tuned down to a G (my top two strings are Flexocors). It feels good but is still a little flabby.
Have you tried a variety of F# solo strings? Have you tried other C strings?

Thanks.

toman · #14 09-18-2006, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakewood

Here's what Joel Quarrington uses. It gives him a beautiful even tone:

A-1st String from Solo Set - Thomastik Dominants
D-2nd String from Orchestral Set - Thomastik Dominants
G-4th String from Solo Set (F# tuned to G) - Thomastik Dominants
C-5th String from Orchestral Set (Low B tuned to C) - Thomastik Dominants OR Spirocore

More information at Joel's website: www.joelquarrington.com

good luck...Joel believes this is the most ideal set...send him an e-mail with your questions.

I have this setup. I don't play in fifths, so I've only had it on my bass for short periods of time, say no more than a week, and I have not done any setup work to accomdate it other than to enlarge the bridge and nut slots for the C. My experience is that these strings, at least on my bass, do not match up very well either in tone or feel. I sometimes use a low C with regular tuning, and I know some guys also use a high C too. Usually in Spirocores, which I like in all applications and gauges. My two favorite strings in all have to be spiros and oliv, although I have yet to find an A and E that match really well with the oliv D and G. I think on a really great bass, the oliv A and E would be great, but my bass is not that great. I think though that they make a set of spiros in fifths tuning? If so, I'd get that, even for orchestra use. I love those strings.

Vunz · #15 09-18-2006, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulunger

Vincent (and anyone else out there),
I was wondering what your experiences have been with various strings. One problem I have is the thickness of a F# solo string tuned up to a G. I tried this with a Pirastro Chromesteel and its thickness was very uncomfortable. I have been using a Flexocor stark gauge A string tuned down to a G (my top two strings are Flexocors). It feels good but is still a little flabby.
Have you tried a variety of F# solo strings? Have you tried other C strings?

Thanks.

The only strings I tried for fifths tuning are the ones that I mentioned above, and I find both very comfortable to play. Not to thick to my taste, nor too stiff or flabby.

Cheers,

Vincent