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Double Bass 2022 Spirocore Challenge
- Thread starter TroyK
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Thanks for the plug @TroyK
Using this S42 set was the first time I experienced strings choking a bass. The old S42W set that I put back on is so much more resonant for my main bass! 4/4 mittels are on my 2nd bass, an eastman hybrid, and they have always worked for me there
I’ve got S42W on both my basses. 1963 Roth and early 1900’s German bass. Nothing else makes my bass as resonant as it is now with S42W. Anything with slightly more tension makes the bass quieter. I’ve gone back and forward with 3/4 weichs and perpetuals, and 4/4 weichs seem like the perfect tension for these basses.
Where do I find the string lengths for spiros? I have a bass thats 43.5 inch scale. 4/4 mediums were too tight on the high 3 strings and made the E feel weak, 4/4 weich didn't move the top. perpetual full set or perpetuals with a Medium E is great, I'm thinking maybe 3/4 weich on the top 3 may be ideal but with my big bass I'm wondering if they would fit.
Most likely will stick to Perpetuals but good to know.
Most likely will stick to Perpetuals but good to know.
Here you go
Doesn't seem to go deep in every set, but it should give you an idea of 3/4 vs S42 sets.
I can’t remember at the moment but I think the Thomastik website might actually have the lengths.
Have a look at my Dropbox. I saved a document there where somebody else did the measurements.
But the actual length can vary a bit.
If a string is too short you still can knot an extension to it.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
Wow! Two weeks and I barely thought about strings. You all know how it is; one night something isn’t quite right but the next night everything just clicks. I’ve been mostly (90%) happy with the 3/4 weichs and occasionally I’ve been thrilled. This combination of bass and strings is a long term thing.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
I’ve stepped out on my Spirocore G, as I feared and put the Oliv on. To compound matters, I returned to S42 Mitts below and will probably ride this combination.
Why?
I noticed a lack of low end push and the occasional thinness and brightness that I’ve experienced with Weichs occasionally in the past. I noticed more radical EQ on the amp in the effort to get the tone I want.
Acoustically, the bass sounded great but I think Mitts with an Oliv G just suit me better.
Why?
I noticed a lack of low end push and the occasional thinness and brightness that I’ve experienced with Weichs occasionally in the past. I noticed more radical EQ on the amp in the effort to get the tone I want.
Acoustically, the bass sounded great but I think Mitts with an Oliv G just suit me better.
I’ve considered trying a Perpetual Stark G on top of my Spirocore Mitts because I’ve heard it’s a decent Oliv substitute. I believe John Patitucci is using one on top of Evahs. But, on the other hand, I’ve heard/read from many on here that the Perpetuals don’t always blend well with other strings.
Not as expensive as an Oliv, but still not a cheap experiment if it doesn’t work out.
Not as expensive as an Oliv, but still not a cheap experiment if it doesn’t work out.
I didn't think they mixed well on my bass. You might have a different experience, but like you said, it's not cheap to find out.
Its funny, I'm back on spiros now after trying all sorts of other strings on my newish bass. I played a duo gig with a guitar player, in a fairly large and reflective room. No amp. There were times where I was surprised at the sound coming out of my bass, I could swear I was playing gut again at times from the attack and sound I was getting.
I've been listening to a lot of older recordings lately, after a period of only listening to ampy steel players. I think I just proved to myself that the sound comes from your concept and headspace, not your strings. It's a real happy place to be in!
I've been listening to a lot of older recordings lately, after a period of only listening to ampy steel players. I think I just proved to myself that the sound comes from your concept and headspace, not your strings. It's a real happy place to be in!
I’ve got a stark G sitting around, used but in pretty good shape. PM me if you’d like it.
We doing this for ‘24? After a few yrs of Kaplans on my “orchestra bass”, I went back to Spiro Weichs just today - 3885’s with S42 long E/C. It’s like home. Immediately great sounding, perfectly easy to pull the bow with a nice solid tone. edit: and the pizz of course is also exactly what you’d expect - amazing.
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I'm still going from the 2022 Challenge!
Still going from the 2007 Dominant challenge here!
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