Double Bass G String Recommendation: 5ths tuning

[monkeyboyblues]

I see on the forum many have recommended Spirocore
for the Low C when tuning in fifths.
What type would someone recommend for the G string.

I'm looking for a great pizzicato sound but also a nice warm arco sound.

Thanks,
James

 

[Francois Blais]

In fifth tuning, the G string will be an A, so get a solo-tuning string.

If "great pizzicato sound" means clear sustainy tone, I'm afraid it's not very compatible with "nice warm arco sound".
You'll need to do a compromise somewhere.

Anyway, what about a Pirastro FlatChrome solo G?
(or an Original Flatchrome solo one, for a slightly darker tone)

 

[Paul Warburton]

Why not just get a whole set of Thomastik Red Mitchell 5ths tuning strings?

 

[pat1151]

As recommended by Joel...

Spirocore C string (5th from orchestral set)
Dominant G String (4th from Solo set)
Dominant D String (2nd from Orchestral set)
Dominant A String (1st from solo set)

 

[Paul Warburton]

Joel, you say?
OP, that would be Joel Quarrington. Also, Dennis Massuzo.
Do a search for both sites.

 

[monkeyboyblues]

i'm about to get masuzzo's book, but in the meantime could someone give me some fingering tips for traveling up and down one string two octaves as i feel that this is one of the skills that is necessary to master this tuning.
is it standard cello fingerings?

thanks,
james

 

[Paul Warburton]

Not being a 5th tuner myself...As I understand, it's a combination of both. Talk to the experts though...Joel and Dennis. My old friend (and Marcus' ) Larry Holloway used to post here. Do a TB search under his name. Also a few youtube video's of Red Mitchell who pioneered the switch, in a matter of days believe it or not.
Search for the Red video's under Zoot Simms, Jim Hall and Eddie Lockjaw Davis.

 

[DavidBassPlayer]

I have been playing in fifths since 2004. My fingering is a mix of Simandl and Cello fingering. Simandl fingering will help you be in tune, but it will cause far more shifting than if you mix in cello style fingering.

I can comfortably use
1 half step 2 whole step 4
and
1 whole step 3 half step 4
everywhere below the octave.

Depending on your hand size and the scale of your bass, you will likely have to pivot, much like what Rabbath and Vance teach. I know I have to pivot, but it works well for me. Cellists also use
1 whole step 2 whole step 4
but that's more difficult for me. I hear some use that to good effect.

The real problem will be using the cello fingering when you have to cross strings. Like every variant on Simandl fingering you will have to work very hard on intonation, letting your ear and you bass' resonance on intonation.
Dennis' book is very good but he tells me it is out of print. Nevertheless I hear a few copies are still available. I wish you luck! Fifths is a real gas man!