What strings are you using on your Upton bass?

cjazz50 · #1 07-04-2006, 04:03 AM

I recently (4 weeks ago actually) ordered my first upright: an Upton Hawkes hybrid bass. As I wait for it to get finished, I've been thinking quite a bit about what strings to put on it. I'm going for the modern jazz bass sound (something like Christian McBride, John Patitucci, Charnett Moffett, etc.) As loud as possible while still being playable in the thumb position would be nice.

What are you Upton players out there using? Are there any strings that are especially good on the Hawkes? How about especially bad?

Thanks

gomez hacienda · #2 07-04-2006, 08:00 AM

After trying several types, I've settled on Spiro weichs, for many of the same reasons you noted. For a modern sound, I love them. Since you're getting a hybrid, you should get a little more from your strings, tone-wise, than on my ply.

I think the Hawkes responds well to lower tension strings. I've used Obligatos, as well as a gut-Chromcor combo, and it really punches. The highest tension string I've used were LaBella 7710 black tapes. Even so, they're still a soft playing string. They're certainly modern sounding, I just think they're better suited for a carved/hybrid. Ron Carter does OK with them. I also tried Helicores (McBride), but I just could'nt get into them at all.

gomez

drurb · #3 07-04-2006, 10:30 AM

I've had a set of Dominants on my bass for two weeks. Now that they're settling in, my reaction is WOW! While my bass is a fully-carved Upton, it is a model that is no longer available. It did, however, respond very well to the Obligatos. I wanted a string with more "oomph" than the Oblis that I could "dig into" a bit more. The Dominants fit the bill admirably. The growl is beautiful, the sustain is amazing, and they sound great arco (representing 0.01% of my playing right now). They are a bit stiffer than the Oblis and it takes a bit of getting used to them. I have grown to really like the feel.

Finally, I played a Hawkes laminate with the Doms when I got the strings. Sounded great.

So far, none of the Doms have broken, not even the infamous E. On my bass, there is still plenty of silk wrap off the tuning peg on all four strings. YMMV.