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Double Bass Budget strings for pizzicato

Michal Herman

Michal Herman

May 31, 2013
242
141
#1
Hi,
I am about to buy my first double bass. I want to play pizzicato only (jazz playing). I would like to replace "factory" strings, because my bass guitar buying experience taught me, that "factory" string are usually not best brand.
What strings manufacturers/models can you recommend?
I want rather budget option for 3/4 bass. I am amateur player and double bass is not my main instrument, so I do not want to invest much money at the beginning.
If you can recommend something from thomann.de that would be even better, because I order instrument from them, and I will save at shipping costs :-)

Any help/advice appreciated. I am new to double bass.
 
#3
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
Keep an eye on the for sale forums on this page and pick up a used set of Thomastik Spirocores, which are the classic modern jazz/pizz string.
Click to expand...

I can't disagree with the Sheriff re: Spirocores, but I have recently switched from them to D'addario Helicore Hybrid Lights on one of my basses and am enjoying them very much. For new strings they cost about half as much as the Spiros but I doubt very much they can match the Spiros famous life-span.

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/try...flexocore-deluxe.1095936/page-2#post-16286306
 
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#5
That's right, usually spirocore is considered the cockroach of double bass strings. That makes an expensive investment pay off in the long run if you buy them new, and you can find em used in good condition as well. I don't see that many for-sale-ads on f.ex. used helicore hybrids... (I might be wrong).

One could also say, buy spirocore and stop worrying until they break. Which is in, uh, about 10 years. If at all.

Best
Sidecar
 
#7
Michal Herman said:
Thank you all for fast responses and great input.

I do not, however, understand one thing: Why would someone sell used strings in good condition? (And not use them themselves)
Click to expand...

Some people like the sound of newer brighter strings. Some others like to try other kinds of strings and need to sell their spirocores to fund string experiments, to eventually come back to spirocores. :D
 
Last edited:
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#11
Helicore hybrids, you may also like Jargar strings and velvet blues if you're bass works with them. You're looking for strings on a budget, so you might get some used strings, but it might just be better to get a new set, especially because you've been using mystery meat strings. You'll have a chance to feel them break in and experience new strings.
 
#12
Id say the spirocore solution (used). I would say (if you wanna go new) D'Addario pizzicato strings. Some people hate them but I think their fine. Maybe a better option is their Zyex strings which are great. I've never personally used them but everyone at my college uses them and they sound great.
 
#14
szalejot, you asked for new strings that Thomann could put on the bass before shipping. Since it is not your main instrument, I guess you won't play it as much as your other instrument(s), so a lighter string (for a beginner) would be a good idea.
Spirocore are not too expensive in Europe and hold for at least a decade (mine for two and still playable), but the "medium" tension is not really medium. So better get a Spirocore Weich 3/4 set or a Spirocore Solo 3/4 set that gets tuned to orchestra tuning (solo is a whole tone higher on each string, so this is softer than Weich).
For a cheap and good allround string get Presto Balance Hybrid Light. Good for pizz and bow, lighter tension.
For pizz only and thicker strings (easier for the left hand), get Presto Nylonwound Light or Ultralight (in the US: Eurosonics).
Other choices: Helicore Hybrid or Pizz, Innovation SuperSilvers or Silver Slaps (soft to the left hand), D'Addario Zyex (light?).
Don't buy a set below 100€, you will regret it or dislike your bass then.
 

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