gut string prices

[James Kirk]

does anybody think the prices are justified or sustainable when purchasing gut strings or any double bass strings for that matter?

[Chris Fitzgerald]

I have no personal experience with gut strings, but in general I think that the fact that we play a very esoteric instrument that is in its way to becoming downright unusual creates a very small market for all things related to the double bass. The only ways to survive in any market are by volume and/or price. When you don't have a lot of volume, the price goes up.

[Uncletoad]

I see no evidence of gross profiteering in the double bass string market. The skilled labor, the machining, and materials for creating double bass strings are expensive. Gut strings especially are very difficult to make at the level of refinement required for the modern player who wants them.

As Chris points out they are also being offered to a minutely small market segment, hardly worth addressing. The only thing unsustainable about it is that its an unwise business to be in.

[HCF]

All i can say is: They're worth it!

[Marcus Johnson]

There was some video of some gut strings being made online, possibly at the Aquila factory? It shows a very specialized skill set, one that is mastered by only a few people worldwide. There is also a page showing the stringmaking process at the Gamut site which demonstrates the same thing. The quality and workmanship that's evident in the Gamut strings that are on my bass inspire me.

For me, it's justified in the sense that I play on them every night, and they (guts) allow me to get the sound in my head, and the feel that I want. If I only played as a hobbyist, I might feel different about it. But it's part of my tool kit as a working bassist.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by James Kirk

does anybody think the prices are justified or sustainable when purchasing gut strings or any double bass strings for that matter?

Absolutely they are. All of the gut strings are handmade as are most of the Innovation Strings, Velvets, Thomastik-Infeld Strings and Pirastros.

See the Aquila video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Cwe...eature=related

You don't see any of these 'Bass String Corporations' sponsoring NASCAR races or Super Bowls or arenas, do you?

[James Kirk]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Absolutely they are. All of the gut strings are handmade as are most of the Innovation Strings, Velvets, Thomastik-Infeld Strings and Pirastros.
See the Aquila video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Cwe...eature=related
You don't see any of these 'Bass String Corporations' sponsoring NASCAR races or Super Bowls or arenas, do you?

Wow, Mimmo and his wife? are true artists... worth every penny. I was driven to ask these questions as I've recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthitus and thought for sound and hands,the way forward.It's been a good long while since I've bought them and thought machines might have made it easier/cheaper in our times. I stand corrected. Thank you Jake for the video post and thanks to all for your reply..any thoughts on what might be good for my hands... I'm all ears.