I need advice

Henke · Dec 1, 2005

Hello good people!
My name is Henke and I live in Sweden.
Im sorry for my bad English.

I recently purchased a double bass (Stella) and I love playing it!

I need new strings, for rock-a-billy slap bass playing.

I bought PYRAMID strings the other day and I was deeply dissapointed.
I didn't like the sound or the feeling of playing them.
They were too darn thick and uncomfortable.

Does anyone have any tip for me on what strings I should try out instead?

I need strings that aren't thick like straws and also that make a good sound for slapping and tone-wise.

I've had a couple of tips about "guts"-strings, "weed-wackers", and other types. But I dont like them.

The ones that Im most interessted in are D'addario Helicore Hybrid Series.
http://uptonbass.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/186
They are the most comfortable strings I've tried yet that I liked.

Only problem is, will they last for slapp-bass playing?
Should I buy them?

Thank you very much.

//Henke

Bofee · Dec 1, 2005

What kind of sound are you looking for? If you like the dark sound of slapped gut strings but not the feel, you might try Innovation Super Silver. I have them on one of my basses and they have played in nicely over the last few months. If you want something a bit brighter but with lower tension you might try Eurosonic Ultralights. They might have a different name in Europe.
Check out the forums at rockabillybass.com. More information on slap bass than anywhere else.
http://www.rockabillybass.com/
If you are looking for that traditional sound then guts are the way to go. They do take some getting used to.

Henke · Dec 2, 2005

Bofee - Thanx for the tip!
Well, I guess Im looking for a little brighter sounding string, but not TO bright. Just a normal slim string that would hold for slapping.
Thats why Im interessted in D'addario Helicore Hybrid Series. But Im afraid they wont hold for slapp bass playing.
Do you think they will?
I'm gonna check out the strings you tipt me on! Thanx again

francois - Thank you, it's great to be here! Yup, it's all fixed now I hope

Francois Blais · Dec 2, 2005

Henke said:

francois - Thank you, it's great to be here! Yup, it's all fixed now I hope
Click to expand...

Thanks Henke.
You didn't listed your gear in your profile though.
This will help us to help you, each time you'll ask a question!

Thanks again,
François

Henke · Dec 2, 2005

Done and done Cheers!

This is what I found on the 'net (http://www.gollihur.com/kkbass/strings.html) about Eurosonic:

"If you play slap rockabilly, or prefer a very low tension string, choose the Ultralights. However, if you play classic jazz, or do a mix of all styles including slap, I'd recommend the Lights. They make Mediums, too, but their higher tension may not be desirable given this string's basic design goal.
-
Gauges as provided by Eurosonic: Light Tension: G=.074, D=.098, A=.118, E=.149"; Ultra Light Tension: G=.046, D=.060, A=.077, E=.104 "

So I guess Ultra Light Tension is the way for me to go right?
And here's another dumb question; the thickness on the Ultra Light Tension strings stated above, how thick is that in milimeters? (heh, sucks living in a meteric system society ) Are they "normal" sized?

stingray96191 · Dec 2, 2005

The Ultra Lights, are lighter than most upright bass strings i have come across. I don't think the helicores are really what you want. Except for maybe the solo set... BUt i would go with the ultra lights, or the super silvers. I just got a set of the super silvers for this dry winter weather, when my guts are just too much upkeep. A little higher tension, BUt they have that sound.

Henke · Dec 4, 2005

Thanx!

I think Im gonna order them tomorrow.

Bobby King · Dec 4, 2005

Henke,

If you want to slap but don't want to use real gut, I'd recommend one of the Innovation strings. The 140H and the Rockabilly both slap well. I haven't tried the Super Silvers but they seem to be getting good reviews. Also, plently of slappers use Spirocore Solo gauge strings tuned to regular pitch for a lower tension, and others seem to like the Jargar strings. Both of those are steel strings and are durable.

Henke · Dec 4, 2005

Thanx Bobby!
I have had people telling me that I should go for the "Spirocore Solo" set, but I haven't found a place on the net to buy 'em yet.. do you know a place?
Do you think they'd out-match the "Eurosonic Ultra Light" ?
Sorry for all the questions, but when it commes to this, I have no idea whatsoever

Francois Blais · Dec 4, 2005

Spirocores "Solos" are in fact solo-tuning Spirocores.
You should find them on-line from about every retailer that sells regular Spirocores.
It's not an unusual item.
I can't recommend swedish e-tailers but most US ones can ship to Sweden I guess.
Concord Musical Supplies, Quinn Violins, Bob's House of Basses, etc.
(I can't recommend Lemur Music for international buyers though because they've increased their international mailing costs to a ridiculous amount. It is true for canadian customers like me also...)

Henke · Dec 6, 2005

Thanx Francois!
I really appreciate it..
Now, if I only could decide which to buy.. Eurosonic Ultralights or Thomastik Spirocore Solo.

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