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Double Bass Flex Original G is Too Bright and Nasal!

Contranash

Contranash

Jun 28, 2011
133
84
Milwaukee, WI
#1
Recently I switched from Bel's to Flex Orig (purple wrap) with a Perm E on the bottom. The Bel's were lacking in character and punch/tension in the A and E, and this has now been solved. I love the character of the bottom three strings, Perm E w/ A and D Orig Flex, but the G, as is a common problem, is far too bright and nasal for my bass. The Bel G before was also somewhat nasal...

Does anyone have any suggestions of a G which would tone down the brightness of the high register, but still match in complexity and tone to the rest of the set? I was thinking Flex Deluxe or maybe Kaplan or to throw on another Bel G....

-Contranash
 
#5
Write Pirastro and ask them to send you some of the little rubber rings to install under the G as it passes over the bridge (meant to slightly somewhat tame a new G's brightness until it's nice and broken in). Re: Kaplans, they sound great right out the box (at least IME). Warm and full sound, not too bright at all and very easy to bow.
 
#6
The Kaplan is an excellent string, but if you find the flex 92 too bright, then the Kaplan might be too bright as well. I can't speak on the Flexocore Deluxe. You might try getting a Jargar G. Those rubber washers help, but only a little bit.
 
#7
Nash, I've found the Kaplan G to be too bright. I'd gravitate away from that option, if I were you. Also, for some reason, the difference between the G and D strings is very, very, pronounced on my bass. This could be an age thing, but it's either way it's causing me to retire my kaplan set. Going to slap on Flex Deluxes for the top 3, and an old permanent for the bottom string. I'll let you know what happens.

Passiones sound like they could be a viable option, but based on my limited experience with the string, I'd vote for the flex deluxe.
 
#9
Thanks for the advice peter. Let me know about the deluxes....i tried the A on my bass while i was putting on the flex purples. Was a little too flubby, not enough focus. But i've heard the lower strings on the deluxes are the ones that can give trouble. it'd be interesting to hear EA permanent mixed with different flexs up top. it seems to be a common set up to have permanents on the bottom with something else up top. I'm still really digging the 92 G.

Sound post was recently adjusted by Mike Shank, who knows his way around Arvi's. I think its a string-thing.
 

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