Double Bass Dominant G?

[Selim]

I'm trying Spiro 4/4 lights (as a hybrid set) and trying out various G strings to replace the Spiro G.

I have a brand new/uninstalled Dom G that I bought a while back to try with medium Spiros. My question is, would the Dom G + Spiros lights set up work at all, or would there be just too much of a gauge/tension difference between the 2?

The reason I'm asking is because if there is, I'd rather not install it, so it would be easier to sell down the road.

Thanks for your input

 

[Sam Dingle]

Too much tension

 

[Selim]

Too much tension

I thought so.

I have a Belcanto G on right now. A decent match, but pitches are somewhat less distinct than the Spirocores.

I'm open to suggestions ...

 

[Sam Dingle]

Superflexible

 

[Selim]

Interesting suggestion. It's been over 30 years since I've played the "blues" ...

 

[HateyMcAmp]

3/4 Spriocore Solo tuned to orchestral pitch. It actually has a slightly higher tension than a 4/4 weich tuned to orch (if the tension chart I read here is to be belived), with the more damped-but-still-a-Sprio sound of the downtuned solos.

 

[Sam Dingle]

3/4 Spriocore Solo tuned to orchestral pitch. It actually has a slightly higher tension than a 4/4 weich tuned to orch (if the tension chart I read here is to be belived), with the more damped-but-still-a-Sprio sound of the downtuned solos.

Wait down tuned 3/4 solos is HIGHER than 4/4 weich? @DoubleMIDI is that true?

 

[Selim]

3/4 Spriocore Solo tuned to orchestral pitch. It actually has a slightly higher tension than a 4/4 weich tuned to orch (if the tension chart I read here is to be belived), with the more damped-but-still-a-Sprio sound of the downtuned solos.

Interesting. I didn't even know they made a 3/4 solo set. So many Spiros!

 

[Sam Dingle]

I've heard there are 7 sets:

3/4 solo weich mittle
4/4 solo weich mittle stark

 

[HateyMcAmp]

Comparative Tensions of Different Sets of Spirocores,
If Each Were Installed on a 3/4 106 cm (41.73 inches)
Mensure Bass at Orchestra Pitch (all in pounds)

            G    D    A    E    Total
S42 4/4 Light        55.2    59.3    61.4    63.4    239.3
S42 4/4 Medium        61.4    65.8    69.6    69.6    266.4
S42 4/4 Heavy        73.7    73.7    75.8    77.8    301.0
4/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch    55.3    55.3    55.3    56.9    222.8
3/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch    56.0    57.8    57.8    57.8    229.4
3885 3/4 Light        60.6    61.7    63.9    66.1    252.3
3885 3/4 Medium        67.2    68.3    70.5    72.8    278.8

From the should-be-stickied “All the different Spiro Sets” thread.

 

[Sam Dingle]

ok so only the G string is higher.

 

[HateyMcAmp]

ok so only the G string is higher.

Exactly. It looks like the much more common 4/4 solo G is almost exactly the same tension as the weich 4/4 G, while being less twangy imo.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

For a comparison of different Spiros have a look at my Excel-file in my Dropbox (link below).

Solo Spiros (and most other Solo sets) have equal or diminishing tension towards the lower strings whereas orchestral Spiros have a growing tension towards the lower strings.
I would care more for that aspect what fits your taste better. For a more universal string I would take the 4/4 Weich.

 

[Co.]

Solo Spiros (and most other Solo sets) have equal or diminishing tension towards the lower strings whereas orchestral Spiros have a growing tension towards the lower strings.

Not, according to Thomastik's official catalog: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[SamuelHarris]

I recently found that a superflexibles solo tuned to orchestra G was a very good tension match to 4/4 Spiro weichs

 

[HateyMcAmp]

I recently found that a superflexibles solo tuned to orchestra G was a very good tension match to 4/4 Spiro weichs

SF solos are very bright, correct?

 

[Selim]

I recently found that a superflexibles solo tuned to orchestra G was a very good tension match to 4/4 Spiro weichs

What about tone and volume?
Thanks

 

[Selim]

I played an Upton bass once at Upton that had a medium Spiro G w/ 4/4 lights and it didn't feel out of place

 

[Scott Lynch]

Make sure when comparing Spiros that the data is all calculated to the same scale length. @DoubleMIDI 's chart has this calculated out. The 4/4 Spiro weich G is about the same tension as the 3/4 solo A tuned down to G. The rest of the weichs are higher tension than the solos.

@Selim I doubt a Dom G would pair well with Weichs. The Dom G is higher tension than the G on a set of 4/4 Spiro Mittel. On my bass Dom upper strings pair well with the 4/4 Mittel. The Doms are a stiffer string and respond differently in the hand and under the bow than Spiros.

Maybe a Zyex Light or Evah Weich G? Both strings are still pretty light at under 60 lbs, but may sound and feel more matched to you with the weich E A D.

 

[Selim]

Maybe a Zyex Light or Evah Weich G? Both strings are still pretty light at under 60 lbs, but may sound and feel more matched to you with the weich E A D.

Thanks - you're probably right, Zyex light will be the next one to try.

I'm suffering somewhat from what Steve is feeling here:

But even after eight months, I'm still always "aware" of these strings while I'm playing, and I'm not sure that the sustain is something that I really want. They also feel thin and wiry to me after so many years with synthetic core strings.
- Steve

and I hope I'll stick with the Spiro lights long enough for them to get more broken-in and then more groovy -- they're such a versatile string.