Double Bass Flexocor Stark E

[AGCurry]

I am aware that I am looking to strings to solve a technique issue, and that the real answer is practicing more, however- for those of y'all that have experience with both, how do Flexocores compare with Spiros in terms of buzz/growl/mwah on stopped notes (pizz) and power? I'd like to retain the power of my Spiro A, but when playing bluegrass in B flat or B when it comes time to really mash the one I'm getting a bit too much buzz.

Although virtually any string can be used for pizzicato, all varieties of Flexocor are meant primarily for arco.
And, I think "buzz" and "growl/mwah" are two different things. "Buzz" indicates a need for fingerboard maintenance, while "growl/mwah" are typical of some strings that don't have much damping. Flexocors have a fair amount of damping. But, as @KUNGfuSHERIFF says, the Flexocor Deluxe seem to have the least damping among the Flexocor varieties.

 

[Ben Noblit]

Which Flexocors? Flex Deluxe Mittel will get you close to what you describe, but they’re stiff at tension.

Hah no idea. Never played one before. I've been flip-flopping between a Jargar Forte (too thuddy) and a Spiro Mittel (too buzzy when my left hand technique gets sloppy in festival day 2). I should just practice more.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

There you go. When I still had chops I made old Spiro Mittels sound like gut when slapped. It’s all in the left hand.

 

[stefaniw80401]

I used spiros for decades.. all gauges. I am after Fleoxocor because they bow easier and may be a bit softer and am not a fan of the very metallic spiro sound. It looks like the Flex '92 stark E is a great choice. I'll let you know once I get it on my bass.

Well? Time for your report please....

 

[darkocuk]

The flexocor (PFH-104)is a great string - pretty much the best 'E' I ever had on my big Thomas Martin 5-string bass. It bows perfectly, and is the right diameter and tension.
While it is the best for arco, the pizz is less so.. more dull and stunted. I found that overtime the pizz got better, but it is still lacking. I am about to replace it with the new Peter Infeld 'E'. I have that set on my Yamaha SLB and am pretty impressed with arco and pizz.

 

[stefaniw80401]

I reckon the new PI E-string to be polar opposite from flex/92 stark E no? Overall the set sounds too trebly from the various YT sound samples I've heard.

But I'm looking for orchestral thunder. Currently running full set of BC on my bright 41.25" bass. Overall the BC set sounds pretty good, even jazz pizz is plenty growly for me. But the set seems too soft at my string length. Flex/92 medium are similarly soft. Seriously thinking of full set flex/92 starks.

 

[darkocuk]

We have 2 VERY different basses obviously. Your BCs sound pretty much perfect pizz, unlike on my bass. My bass needs more tension to sing and I personally prefer thicker strings. I think if you go Flexocor /92 route it will be a very different experience... they certainly don't pizz that great, but they bow thunderously. But hey,, it is tough to say what they'll be like on your bass. Nice sounding instrument, btw. The PI are not that much different from Flexocors but have definitely more brightness and sustain - but are not as brashy as Spiros and are a bit softer and I beleive a bit thicker than the Weich Spiros. I really like them so far.