/ Register

high tension (dark, warm sound) solo/orch strings?

Discussion in 'Strings [DB]' started by chipsas, Nov 18, 2005.

  1. Nov 18, 2005 #1
    chipsas

    chipsas

    Feb 28, 2005
    Europe, Lithuania
    unfurtunately i have the same problem all the time.. when i play solo, - with orch strings is too hard to play.. and when i play in symphony orch.. solo strings are too weak and too thin tuned down.. and sounds that way too..
    i'm looking for both- solo and orch music.. and i like warm , dark , fat round sound..
    any suggestions.. ? compromise solo/orch ..?
    (i use eudoxa's, oliv's = orch, and jargar's dolce = solo at the moment)
    thanx
     
  2. Nov 18, 2005 #2
    Francois Blais

    Francois Blais

    Dec 11, 1999
    Québec, Canada
    Your requirements go toward opposite directions.
    I could suggest a weich (thin) gauge string, which would be in-between the regular orchestra gauge, and the extra-thin solo gauge.
    Examples: Flexocor thin gauge, Helicore orchestral thin gauge.
    However, being thin strings, I wouldn't expect a very dark sound at solo pitch.
    Dolce Jargars are not warm enough?
     
  3. Nov 19, 2005 #3
    chipsas

    chipsas

    Feb 28, 2005
    Europe, Lithuania
    did i mention i need thin strings?:) on the contrary.., i want thick enough strings for solo , which i could also use for orch.. symphony music..
    dolce jargars are warm but not so warm as eudoxa or oliv.. after using corelli (solo), thomastik superflexible, helicore... , i tried jargars and i found them very warm.. but after using eudoxa/oliv for a few month.. and then..,when i put jargars on my bass again , i find them bright, with metal sound.. G and D are too thin and weak for me.. E and A is ok though.. and strong enough.. just one thing i dont like- articulation on E with bow.. compared to eudoxa E , on jargar E is hard to play with good attack..
    i don't know , maybe i should try oliv solo's or something.. (by the way, where i could find pirastro oliv SOLO strings?)
    i have just one good double bass, and i can't use orch strings for solo.. so i must find a way how to fix this problem, and probably find solo strings for orch symphony/chamber music..:)
     
  4. Nov 19, 2005 #4
    Francois Blais

    Francois Blais

    Dec 11, 1999
    Québec, Canada
    Pirastro guts are only available in orchestra tuning and one gauge I think.
    Eudoxas have been available in three gauges in the past, but I don't know if they still are.
    Did you try Obligatos?
    They're also available in solo gauge, and I think the tension at orchestra pitch is not too bad.
    Anyone can confirm?
     
  5. Nov 19, 2005 #5
    chipsas

    chipsas

    Feb 28, 2005
    Europe, Lithuania
    no , i didn't try obligatos.. and i have no idea about their tension.. i just heard, that obligatos popular in jazz (pizz), but not in solo/orch music.. i didn't try them though.., so can't really be sure about them..
    yes, i've noticed eudoxa's and oliv's in different gauges in the past.. and unfortunately i don't remember where.. i like gut sound a lot, so i'd probably like to try these in solo gauge..if they are available.. especially oliv's..
    what about innovation 140B solo tension at orchestra pich..?
    did you try them?
     
  6. Nov 19, 2005 #6
    Francois Blais

    Francois Blais

    Dec 11, 1999
    Québec, Canada
    First let me tell you I play pizz only.
    I bought a 1/2 size 140B solo-tuning G string and it was nice at orchestra pitch.
    But I have no idea about the other strings in the set, sorry!

    Dominants are available in both orchestra and solo tuning too.

    But as I said, I'm speaking from a pizz point of view only!

    I don't have anything more to say in this thread, so I'm leaving to others the opportunity to contribute.
     
  7. Nov 22, 2005 #7
    dfp

    dfp

    Sep 28, 2004
    USA
    how about lowering your bridge when you play solos? put it back up for orchestra stuff. seems like an easy way to give you what you want with whatever string you please. of course, i wouldn't know, maybe that's just "not done". good luck.
     
  8. Nov 22, 2005 #8
    chipsas

    chipsas

    Feb 28, 2005
    Europe, Lithuania
    1. i can't do this.. with despiau bridge.. there are no adjusters.. and i don't really want them..:)
    2. i can't overtune my eudoxa/ oliv strings , when i play solo.. and my solo (jargar dolce) strings are too thin and weak (G, D ) .. for symphony orchestra.. so this is not a way out..
    i'm thinking to try innovation solo strings (G, D) at the moment.. but i can't find any discussion about these strings..