• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Help a total newbie with string choice!

#23
Francois Blais said:
I'm puzzled!
You find the Belcantos give you more sustain than the Superflexibles?

François
Click to expand...


Haven't tried the Superflexibles recently. I understood (perhaps incorrectly?) that they had been reconfigured/improved and were now a different string than say, 28 years ago (which is when I last tried them).

The old light-blue winding rope core strings I used bowed well, were quite loud, and had a short pizz sustain. Good for orchestra (which is what I used them for then), but not so groovy for jazz. I switched back to the Spiro Weichs when I was just playing jazz.

So, I haven't recently A/B'd the Superflexibles with Belcantos. Am considering a Superflexible G for my Belcanto set, thinking that it might be a bit brighter (comments?).

Hence, my query as to when the IP used the strings with the "light blue windings;" if it was long ago, he may have been using the stiffer arco string that I remembered.
 
#24
blockhd said:
What about medium?? Are they a lot heavier than weiches?
Click to expand...

Since you previously told you wanted something easy to play, you'd probably be better with Weich gauge.
You may also consider the Corelli strings in tungsten variety (the 370 series).
They have a similar tone but are much easier to play, as they're thin.
They're also available in three gauges: M, F and TX.
Someone was selling a set of F recently (username hdiddy).

Regards,
François
 
#28
Hello again!

Some time passed, since i last wrote here... A lot happened since... I already sold my EUB and.... bought it back again. I decided to give it another try, since it was custom made for me....

I have made up my mind, also... Now i know what i'm looking for. Definately not sustain and clear/bright sound. I'm looking for thumpy sound that fades away like on real double bass. Not like on bass guitar.. Also, i'm getting new magnetic PU next week, so i will be able to do side-by-dise comparison ( Zadow magnetic pickup vs Jflojazz's handmade MAG PU).

At the moment i have my bass fitted with Pyramid Kontrabass strings, and i believe this set is pretty inconsistent... or it may be problem with my bass... The E string is HUGE, even a little too boomy. A is pretty thumpy and dark, something i'm looking for... BUt it has too much sustain. Strings D and G are too bright, especially G... And they are THIN.... by sound.

SO, my hunt for strings continues. Any advice, based on info i gave you? Should i modify bridge? If i put my finger gently on the string right at the bridge, so i "mute" it, i get that dark, thumpy tone that im looking for.
 
#30
FLexocores are from Thomastik? Those with blue wrapping? I think i already had those back in a day :) NExt week i will be "testing" some old strings - spirocores, some no name strings, my pyramid strings... to see the difference.
 
#32
blockhd said:
FLexocores are from Thomastik? Those with blue wrapping? I think i already had those back in a day :) NExt week i will be "testing" some old strings - spirocores, some no name strings, my pyramid strings... to see the difference.
Click to expand...
No, Flexocors are from Pirastro.
They have a ruby winding, and are orchestral strings.
The blue silk Thomastiks are Superflexibles, and are considered a "hybrid" strings. (can be used for arco and pizz)
blockhd said:
What about Daddario Helicore ORchestral strings?
Click to expand...
That's a nice string too, and much less expensive than the european imports! :)
 
#33
At the moment.... if i make action higher, i get better sound... but its harder to play. Will i be able to have ORchestral strings at lower action for good sound? Pyramid strings sound thin on low action... :/
 
#34
blockhd said:
At the moment.... if i make action higher, i get better sound... but its harder to play. Will i be able to have ORchestral strings at lower action for good sound? Pyramid strings sound thin on low action... :/
Click to expand...
Strings are only one component of that equation. There are several adjustments, fingerboard camber being one that can significantly change "harder to play" besides string height.

Recommend you see a luthier in addition to buying strings.
 
#36
Today, i swapped my Krivo pickup with Schaller, and for my type of music, it sounds better. ITs mellower and not so present in highs... On tuesday, im getting Zadow pickup... And on friday ill have a pickup shootout in studio and then on a gig :)))

Anyone has any experience with vintage schallers? 60s and 70s? How are they compared to pickups made today?

Rok
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back