Hey folks, I've a handmade fully carved 3/4 double bass I'm struggling with to find the right strings / sound for. I play mostly arco, like all different genres, mostly western music and latin and do some slapping too, not the rockabilly type just like hitting the strings on 2-4 like a snare. On my gigging bass which is only a solid top german factory bass I'm really happy with Daddario helicore orchestral medium tension strings, they are perfect for it, good tension, powerful, deep sound. The same strings on the fully carved bass has no tension at all and doesn't sound bassy enough, I changed the strings recently to high tension Daddario helicore orchestral strings and it helped a little but I still miss some deepness and tension to the strings. Anyone has an idea what strings I should try which may work and has higher tension than the Daddario helicore orchestral high tension ones? I prefer a darker sound, and this bass has plenty of tops, it's lacking the bass a bit so I'd defo go to a darker sound direction than anything brighter than what I've tried. Thanks!
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Kaplin heavys maybe, Flexocore stark, passione stark maybe. a dead set of spirocore mediums may work too.
Kaplan mediums or heavies might work. You may even consider Belcantos, though they're quite a bit more expensive and might not have a lot of tension. They tend to have a fairly loose feel.
I don't have that much personal experience with the Jargars but they might be worth investigating, particularly the Forte (heavy) version. They're also relatively inexpensive. About the same as Helicores.
I don't have that much personal experience with the Jargars but they might be worth investigating, particularly the Forte (heavy) version. They're also relatively inexpensive. About the same as Helicores.
Maybe that bass would actually like less tension than more.
Try to detune the strings a half step, then a whole step to see if it helps.
Otherwise, maybe it's just a matter of soundpost adjustment.
Try to detune the strings a half step, then a whole step to see if it helps.
Otherwise, maybe it's just a matter of soundpost adjustment.
I was looking for something like this for a long time, and the best that I could find was Kaplan Heavys. They're incredibly dark, yet very responsive and loud. That's the closest you're going to get, other than maybe the new Pirastro Perpetuals. From my teachers perspective, they're loud, but not super dark.
Just to make sure, when you say high tension. You mean string that as a high tension if calculated or you are referring to the feel of them.
I've always like Velvet Anima... Some say they are not suited for arco but they felt nice both pizz and under the bow to me.
A used set of Evah also has a nice dark sound.
Belcanto have a nice dark sound but they don't have a high tension.
An old set of Spiro is always a winner.
I've always like Velvet Anima... Some say they are not suited for arco but they felt nice both pizz and under the bow to me.
A used set of Evah also has a nice dark sound.
Belcanto have a nice dark sound but they don't have a high tension.
An old set of Spiro is always a winner.
I forgot to mention Evah Pirazzi regulars. They tend to be a bit heavier and are also a tad darker than many other strings.
Yes, EP regulars could be what you are looking for. Also Flexocore starks and heavy Kaplans are mentioned here earlier. Passione is quite mediumish even as a stark version.
Permanents are very bright. Perpetuals are also bright and light tension.
Permanents are very bright. Perpetuals are also bright and light tension.
Thanks a million for the tips peeps, I really appreciate it! I think I may give the heavy kaplans a go, it sounds enticing and looking at the technical details the tension is heavier than on the helicore heavy set so I'm hopeful!
I've actually never tried Pirastro strings either so if the results won't be satisfactory I think it may be time to try that avenue too!
Also I've just reread my original post and realised I made an error I wrote that I play mostly arco.. well I meant to write I play mostly pizz, so if I didn't make much sense it was hence to this mistype, sorry!
I've actually never tried Pirastro strings either so if the results won't be satisfactory I think it may be time to try that avenue too!
Also I've just reread my original post and realised I made an error I wrote that I play mostly arco.. well I meant to write I play mostly pizz, so if I didn't make much sense it was hence to this mistype, sorry!
I meant the feel of the strings is too low. I've been putting up the action on the bridge just to get more tension and get rid off buzzing, hence I was looking for a heavier tension strings. The bass is all set up by a luthier so it seems like it's a string issue.
With E. P requlars you get a dark but rich pizz tone, and the strings surely won't feel loose In a couple of months. Have you tried moving the soundpost?
Edit: Dark orchestral arco strings will only sound thuddy and dead, no matter which gauge.
Edit: Dark orchestral arco strings will only sound thuddy and dead, no matter which gauge.
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Well, this fact changes the ballgame!
@Reiska is right about the dark orchestral strings. I wouldn´t pick the Kaplans for pizz work if you don´t want them to sound thuddy and lifeless.If you want some sustain, dark, bassy and strong acoustic volume and a tense feel the EP regulars would quite unbeatable. At least a good starting point IMO.
Oh boy this is a different thread then! I would stay away from Kaplan’s. Try the Evah pirazzi meidum for a high tension pizz string with a dark sound. If you do mostly pizz and like a brighter sound, it’s time to get some Spiro mediums. That would be my first sugguestion. Spiro mediums and kill them.
For mostly pizz Spiro’s are hard to beat. 40.9” string length (3/4 bass) tension is 252.3lbs for light. For medium tension is 278.8lbs.
I really liked Spiro starks too. They have a powerful growl on my bass. I have no problem with the tension of starks. Some use medium Spiro’s for A,D,G and stark for E.
I found Thomastik Dominants to be dark, deep with a nice bit of ring to them. Some have breakage problems but I never did (with the exception of one solo Dominant breaking). Dominants are a great sounding and feeling string. Tension is 260 lbs.
Thomastik-Infeld ‘STRINGFINDER’ on their website may help you.
I really liked Spiro starks too. They have a powerful growl on my bass. I have no problem with the tension of starks. Some use medium Spiro’s for A,D,G and stark for E.
I found Thomastik Dominants to be dark, deep with a nice bit of ring to them. Some have breakage problems but I never did (with the exception of one solo Dominant breaking). Dominants are a great sounding and feeling string. Tension is 260 lbs.
Thomastik-Infeld ‘STRINGFINDER’ on their website may help you.
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I guess I'll add that you might take a look at Innovation Polychromes. I only have a little experience with them myself but the general consensus is that they're in a similar category as Evah Pirazzis. They also cost a little less.
Thanks a mill once again for all the replies folks! In this case I think I'll give the Evah Pirazzi medium a go and take it from there. Just to clarify when ye say regular EP you mean the green one, right?
The dead Spirocore sounds interesting too tho so that may be the next thing I'll try out if the Evah Pirazzi wouldn't deliver.
I haven't tried moving the soundpost at all, but I'll certainly mention it to my luthier when I'll get the strings changed.
The dead Spirocore sounds interesting too tho so that may be the next thing I'll try out if the Evah Pirazzi wouldn't deliver.
I haven't tried moving the soundpost at all, but I'll certainly mention it to my luthier when I'll get the strings changed.
Yes evah medium is evah regular. you should do fine with that. enjoy and keep them at least 6 months
