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Double Bass Bel Canto Solo String Feedback

Wallofbasses

Wallofbasses

Nov 3, 2012
168
67
Metro Vancouver
#1
Did the search and couldn't find much on this :)

I love my Bel Cantos for orchestral playing on my old Italian bass (40 1/2 string length). I've got a recital coming up and after 30 years of playing I'm finally going to try solo tuning! I'd like to get opinions on Bel Canto solo strings tuned up to pitch for classical solo playing. I also need a long F# string, which I think is unavailable in Bel Cantos, so I'm considering going with a Spirocore for the low string. Feedback on any other solo strings would also be appreciated.
 
#3
On the orchestral tuning side, I use a Spiro 3885.5W E string with Bel A & D, and it is a really good match in tone and feel. I also have a shorter scale, and the tension and feel are just right for me. I'm not sure which Spiro E string (between solo, 4/4, and 3/4 variants, there are only about seven different models to choose from, and that's not counting quints or smaller fractionals) would be the best fit for the solo Bels ADG, but you can download the catalog off the T-I website and get an idea of what would match.
 
#4
I would recommend Dominant solos, but I don't know how well they'd perform on your shorter scale bass. The G string tuner on my bass (42" mensure) is the closest to the nut, and I had issues with the metal wrapping passing over the tuning peg ( a supposed no-no), so I can only imagine the problems you might have. I never had a high A string break on me, but if you're doing a recital i don't know if I'd want to leave it up to chance.

They are the best sounding solo strings out there however, IMO. Clean, clear and under control, they'll take whatever you throw at them. I've also had good experience with the sound of Evah Pirazzi solos tuned up, but I don't like the "roll". In the land of steel strings, I like flexocore solos and especially spiro solos.

The only experience i have had with Bel canto solos is the a string, which I found to be too soft, and didn't like. Perhaps our taste in strings is different, and you will love it to pieces.

best of luck in your upcoming recital,

eerbrev
 
#5
Thanks to all for the excellent feedback -- it is very much appreciated.

@eerbrev I agree that it is very difficult to judge what strings will work for another player. There are so many variables: bass, setup, bow, and the multitude of player-oriented idiosyncrasies. I've used Bel Canto orchestral tuning strings for solo and orchestra and love their sound and feel. I do a fair amount of playing across the strings in thumb position and am very happy with the feel and tone of the upper 3 strings in their higher register. That being said, I will take a good hard look at Dominants. BTW what do you use for your orchestral strings?

Oh, and thanks for the good wishes for my recital -- I'm actually pretty excited about it!

Brian
 
#6
Wallofbasses said:
Thanks to all for the excellent feedback -- it is very much appreciated.

@eerbrev I agree that it is very difficult to judge what strings will work for another player. There are so many variables: bass, setup, bow, and the multitude of player-oriented idiosyncrasies. I've used Bel Canto orchestral tuning strings for solo and orchestra and love their sound and feel. I do a fair amount of playing across the strings in thumb position and am very happy with the feel and tone of the upper 3 strings in their higher register. That being said, I will take a good hard look at Dominants. BTW what do you use for your orchestral strings?

Oh, and thanks for the good wishes for my recital -- I'm actually pretty excited about it!

Brian
Click to expand...


For my orchestral strings I use Original Flat Chromes on the top two, and some year-old Spirocores on the bottom two. My bass is pretty dark, so using brighter strings on the bottom has helped clarity on the lower strings significantly (plus they are the loudest strings I've ever used). I was using Bel Cantos on the top for some time, but I found that the d string in thumb position was muffled. Again, dark strings on a dark bass, i guess. The Bel Canto G is a very nice string: easy to bow, great sound, and you can play close to the bridge without it giving up.

You said you like the top three Bel Cantos. What are you using for your bottom string?

eerbrev
 
#7
I use a long Bel Canto E for orchestral tuning, but since there is no Bel Canto long F#, I'm leaning towards a Spirocore on the bottom, if I go with Bel Cantos on the top 3. The Be Canto long E does seem to be the weakest of the 4 strings on my bass, but it's still good -- a Spiro just might fit the bill for solo.
 
#9
Tried out a long Spirocore F# today. It worked well tuned down to E with my Bel Canto orchestral strings -- a little looser, but should match up nicely with Bel Canto solos. The Spiro was so much clearer and more powerful than my Bel Canto long E. This baby's stayin'!

Then I put my friend's Obligato solos on the top 3 strings. I loved playing Bach and Koussevitzsky in a higher key but these strings were a bit of a letdown. Stiff under the fingers, a little tubby or artificial sounding, and the harmonics didn't ring out like on my Bel Canto orchestrals.

So I'm leaning towards Bel Canto solos on the top three strings. Eerbrev is suggesting Dominants. They are synthetic like the Obligatos which didn't work for me -- could anyone here compare Dominants and Obligatos?
 

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