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Did a "A & G dual-use" string exist?

Discussion in 'Strings [DB]' started by Alberto Wang, Jun 26, 2019.

  1. Jun 26, 2019 #1
    Alberto Wang

    Alberto Wang

    Apr 5, 2018
    Recently I learn to play in fifth tuning. I have a 5-string bass, 106cm scale.
    My current use is Obligato G and Spiro S3885ow D+A+E+C1. Quite love the set.

    I'm considering building my bass as a "5-string in fourth" and "4-string in 5th tuning"
    dual-use bass; the way is to remove the E, and tune the rest strings into fifth, so that I can shift these two different tuning on one bass.

    I found Obligato G versatile at tuning up and down between A & G.
    The problem is the 3rd string. Is there any orchestra A that is stark enough to be detuned to low G yet doesn't weaken significantly? Or, according to T-I's web, the G of Spiro Red Mitchell 4/4 Weich (3986,4w) is only 27.0 kg on 110 scale; is it possible to use this string on a 106 scale bass, and tuned back and forth between G and A?
     
  2. Jun 26, 2019 #2
    DoubleMIDI

    DoubleMIDI

    Feb 28, 2010
    Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen
    Have a look into my Dropbox (Link in signature and String sticky). Enable JavaScript for formulas.html.
     
  3. Jun 26, 2019 #3
    CaseyVancouver

    CaseyVancouver

    Nov 4, 2012
    I have tried an orchestral A in Spiro Stark and Dominant (two big sounding A’s) tuned down to G and both did not sound as good as any solo F# tuned up to G.

    I have also used the Spiro RM 5ths tuning G and suspect it will not work as an A. Why? It will be very tight, and probably bow like a glass edge. Just my opinion. I love the RM G as a G.
     
  4. Jun 26, 2019 #4
    Alberto Wang

    Alberto Wang

    Apr 5, 2018
    Which gauge did you use? Weich or Mittel, 3/4 or 4/4?
     
  5. Jun 26, 2019 #5
    CaseyVancouver

    CaseyVancouver

    Nov 4, 2012
    I’d say mittel (medium) 3/4 for the RM G. Very nice string, bows good, pizz good and sounds deep for arco and pizz. The Dominant F# up to G sounds good too but does not bow as easy as the RM. If your bow chops are up to it, the Dominant has more punch. There is no way the Dominant F# will go up to A though.