Double Bass Combo Orchestral/Jazz String Advice

[burdekmm]

Hi,

I'm a fourth year in college, music education double bass. I play in the orchestra, but also the jazz ensemble using a realist pickup. I am due for new strings and want to find a set that is a balance between these two genres. Right now I have strings with orange thread on them, and am completely unaware of their tension, (I think they might be dadarios, not sure) My bass professor is giving me absolutely no advice on the matter, he wants me to try things out to see what I like. Unfortunately I can't afford to do that

I want a sound that is bright (lively) enough to play spicatto in orchestra without it turning to mush, be able to play melodic passages for working on solo work (I have solo strings for important performances though) and a sound that is more full and rich/dark for my jazz pizz.

I don't really understand how the tension changes the sound? just the playing ability...

What I'm looking at now-
http://www.amazon.com/DAddario-Heli...Spirocore+Double+Bass+Strings#customerReviews

Please, I'll take any suggestions!

 

[Sam Dingle]

My suggestion is go to the Classifieds form right now and pick up the set of Evah Pirazzi mediums that are on there for about 120-160 (there are two sets). Its a great hybrid string.

 

[groooooove]

your bass teacher is right, unfortunately.

everyone will have different opinions. yes, some strings are more likely options for your own use and research will help, but nothing can be a substitute for trying things out.

try out friends basses and feel out how you like the strings. after that, the classified/used strings can be a nice way to try something, but a used string is not a permanent solution.

right now i'm very happy with the Zyex set i put on my bass. so i'll throw in a vote for those.

 

[Sam Dingle]

String suggestions can always start somewhere though. Post a photo of the strings you have on your bass right now (I think they may be Thomastik Belcantos) and if you're looking for something like your string but slightly brighter and better jazz (piz) tone then grab that set of Evahs.

 

[Sean Riddle]

Another second for Evahs. I use the Weichs on the A D G and Spirocore Mittlel on the E. For my Shen, it is a wonderful combo that I use for many purposes. I have yet to try an Evah E though. The Spirocore E is very powerful either pizz or arco and blends well with the Evahs

 

[daddarioorch631]

Hi,

I'm a fourth year in college, music education double bass. I play in the orchestra, but also the jazz ensemble using a realist pickup. I am due for new strings and want to find a set that is a balance between these two genres. Right now I have strings with orange thread on them, and am completely unaware of their tension, (I think they might be dadarios, not sure) My bass professor is giving me absolutely no advice on the matter, he wants me to try things out to see what I like. Unfortunately I can't afford to do that

I want a sound that is bright (lively) enough to play spicatto in orchestra without it turning to mush, be able to play melodic passages for working on solo work (I have solo strings for important performances though) and a sound that is more full and rich/dark for my jazz pizz.

I don't really understand how the tension changes the sound? just the playing ability...

What I'm looking at now-
http://www.amazon.com/DAddario-Helicore-Hybrid-String-Tension/dp/B0002Q0V3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417315227&sr=8-1&keywords=Thomastik Spirocore Double Bass Strings#customerReviews

Please, I'll take any suggestions!

Hi there! My name's Josephine Llorente and I work for D'Addario. I know strings can be very pricey, especially when you're experimenting. Feel free to DM or email me if you're interested in sampling our strings! [email protected]

 

[rickwolff]

Hi there! My name's Josephine Llorente and I work for D'Addario. I know strings can be very pricey, especially when you're experimenting. Feel free to DM or email me if you're interested in sampling our strings! [email protected][/

What a great suggestion (and offer). I'm currently using And Liking Dd Hybrid Lights a d g and Spiro mittel E. Play in comm. Orch and jazz. Try them. (C Mcbride uses them)

 

[korotkov]

I would suggest spiro mittels.quintessential metal strings, they have all the desired features, amplify well, etc. Evah is a very dark set, to me, plus they don't sound the same on different basses. They say spiros are too bright but if you treat them with you sweat 6-8 hours daily they will have the sound you want.

 

[SVT4001]

Purchasing used Spiros is another great option- the "new string zing" is gone, and they cost less.

That said, I can't say that I would turn down Josephine's kind and generous offer if I was in your shoes!
D'Addario has a lot of great strings, and amazing customer service!

Joe

 

[coldtrain]

I'd suggest trying Kaplan mediums. Also not too hard on the wallet, comparatively.

 

[MikeCanada]

The D'Addario Hybrids are apparently a lot better than many of us remember them from ~10 years ago. Quite a few players are getting into them, they aren't crazy expensive, and a good crossover string.

You can rarely go wrong with a Spirocore bottom string, often a Mittel. If you have bel cantos on your bass right now (the silks at the tailpiece are a solid orange winding?) then chances are Mittel would work well on your bass. A used/played in set of Spirocores would be a good bet the whole way across, the Evah's are darker but pretty popular among crossover guys and I'm a big fan of Permanents, but they might be a bit brighter than what you are going for.