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Care of Eudoxa Strings / Cheaper Altenative

Discussion in 'Strings [DB]' started by Chris Douglas, Jul 12, 2013.

  1. Jul 12, 2013 #1
    Chris Douglas

    Chris Douglas

    Jul 12, 2013
    Hello,

    After trying Evas and the Obligatos with no luck. They both had way too much string tension on my particular bass (go figure they are rubbery on anybody elses bass but mine) I was fortunate enough to get a set of Pirastro Oliv Eudoxa strings slightly used but older for 80 bucks. These strings are everything Ive been looking for after switching from Spirocoes to real gut. They are right in the middle of the two and have the perfect string tension and definition on my bass (1950 Kay S9) and they sound great slapped also......... That is until I looked at the price of a new set :bawl: over $500.00........ Really! My question is how do I care for the Eudoxa's? Do I oil them with almond oil like unwound guts? Being a older set will they be dried out inside already? Or is there anything comparable to these on the market for less money? Thanks for your time.

    Chris
     
  2. Jul 12, 2013 #2
    JeffKissell

    JeffKissell Supporting Member

    Nov 21, 2004
    Soquel, CA
    Daily-wipe with a clean, soft cloth
    Occasionally-paper towel SLIGHTLY dampened with alcohol then a TINY amount of mineral oil followed by a clean, soft cloth
    Keep the nut and bridge slots smooth and well lubricated with graphite.
    Some people have good luck with strings and some don't... unfortunately the quest for a suitable alternative is long and fraught with peril and despair...

    -Jeff
     
  3. Jul 12, 2013 #3
    JeffKissell

    JeffKissell Supporting Member

    Nov 21, 2004
    Soquel, CA
    I'm sure if this is comparable directly but I've had the same plain gut D & G strings on my bass for over four years. What I've found regarding gut strings is that they don't really change their sonic qualities they just physically wear out. If you can keep them in good shape they may last a couple of years.
    -Jeff
     
  4. Jul 13, 2013 #4
    XSterling

    XSterling

    Jul 8, 2012
    Spain
    I'm waiting for my first set of gut strings (Eudoxa E+A and Plain gut D+G)!!
    About the Eudoxa... have them ball-end or will I have to do knots?
    And how many often will I have to oil the Eudoxas with your method?
    And about the plains, What will I have to do and how many times?

    Thanks!!
     
  5. Jul 13, 2013 #5
    Chris Douglas

    Chris Douglas

    Jul 12, 2013
    Thanks for help Jeff I appreciate it. Unfortunately I think the peril and despair will start when I need to replace this set and I have to open up my wallet. To awnser one of your questions Mr. Sterling my Eudoxa's have ball ends on them. Thanks

    Chris
     
  6. Jul 13, 2013 #6
    XSterling

    XSterling

    Jul 8, 2012
    Spain
    Thanks for your answer Mr Douglas.
     
  7. Jul 13, 2013 #7
    JeffKissell

    JeffKissell Supporting Member

    Nov 21, 2004
    Soquel, CA
    I don't think you have oil them to condition the gut. Just treat them as you would any flatwound string. BUT keep in mind they have a fragile core which can shrink or expand depending on the ambient relative humidity.

    If you use the search function at the top of the page there are many threads that cover the care of plain gut strings such as this one... http://www.talkbass.com/forum/search.php?searchid=19801929

    -J