yeah yeah yeah, new string time

[Snarf]

Okay.

I've had a set of Spiro Mittels on my bass (ply Upton Hawkes) for ~3 years. They're getting old, and I'm STILL fighting the tension a bit.

I like the idea of Permanents. I've heard they sound good for jazz and bow very well. Will they work okay with a ply, and are they lower tension than the mittels?

Also thinking about Obligatos. I've played them before, like the feel, but again, how do they work on plys, and will they break after a year like I hear?

Spiro Weichs are also on the table. How big a tension difference is there?

Basically need a string that pizzes and bows well, with lower tension and slightly thinner strings than the mittels. I hate feeling like I"m fighting my instrument.

Thanks!

[Bobby King]

Originally Posted by Snarf

Okay.


Spiro Weichs are also on the table. How big a tension difference is there?

Basically need a string that pizzes and bows well, with lower tension and slightly thinner strings than the mittels. I hate feeling like I"m fighting my instrument.

Thanks!

I think Weichs would be the way to go for you. The tension difference is significant, they are thinner and they bow as well or better than mittels. You may not find the tone to be quite as full, depending on your bass. But sometimes the lighter tension can have a positive effect tone-wise. Spiros are dependable and last a long time. Obligato has a shorter useful life, and they are not thinner, but they are lower tension and bow well.

[JtheJazzMan]

Spiro mittels have a heavier stick-slip sound under the bow, giving that extra grating tone (not in a bad way, just cant think of the right adjective)

Spiro weichs have a more subtle fundamental.

Spiro Solos at regular tuning start to get into the realms of a big cello.

I cant decide which are the easiest to bow. Spiro mittels do take more energy to get started, while the solos are very finicky with pressure and speed, and have a very metallic sound. Weichs are in the middle

[kscbass]

+1 on the Weichs. I've had the same set on my bass for two years now, I love it. You've got to play them in for a few weeks, but it's worth it, and If you want more tension (resistance) just raise the action a bit. NOW...if you want to bow them I really recommend using a fresh cake of pops rosin maybe from here http://www.bassrosin.com/ and re-hair your bow with black hair, this combination gives you more grab with weichs.
My luthier recommended this to me and it helped a lot. I love weichs pizz or bow.
Good luck.

[Snarf]

Switched to Weichs today. So far, so good!