Double Bass I need some string advice

[B String]

Been here forever. Never needed string advice till now. So.....
I have a new (to me) bass that I physically love, sound not so much. It's a rather stiff bass even with Spiro Weichs on it. Also, it has a more "electric bass" sound than I'm used to with the Weichs. What strings are out there that can get me to a more organic, less electric sound, that will be at least as soft as the Weichs. I do use a bow.

 

[Don Hergert]

As someone who's very familiar with how metal sounds on a double bass, it sounds to me like you're describing that you want to hear less metal in your strings...

Guts??? Can't get more organic than that...

Most synthetics sound more organic. Some, but not all synthetics, bow decently. Have to choose carefully.

In advance of all the good advice you're going to get, might want to peruse the Gollihur Music Strings web section (NFI).

 

[Earl]

Superflexible Solo strings tuned to orchestra pitch. A little bright out of the box but they mellow quickly to a warm, organic sound. Easy on the hands.

 

[LouisF]

Bstring - where are you in LA? I can loan you a couple of sets to try (beat up Kolstein Heritage (perlon); Corelli 360M (tungsten, I think)) that might give you an idea if it's the string or the set up. I'm in MidWilshire/Hancock Park. PM if you are interested.
Louis

 

[TroyK]

2 years ago all of my suggestions in response would have been problematic, but now: Pirastro Perpetuals, standard set. Enough tension, but softer and more supple than SWeichs and will sound warmer while maintaining great pizz properties and play nicely with the bow.

...or guts or perlon core, but you get into stuff with any of those options that you won't with Perps.

 

[B String]

Bstring - where are you in LA? I can loan you a couple of sets to try (beat up Kolstein Heritage (perlon); Corelli 360M (tungsten, I think)) that might give you an idea if it's the string or the set up. I'm in MidWilshire/Hancock Park. PM if you are interested.
Louis

Let me check out the characteristics of those strings. Thanks for the kind offer. I'm north end of the "Valley". 405/118 frwy

 

[LouisF]

Let me check out the characteristics of those strings. Thanks for the kind offer. I'm north end of the "Valley". 405/118 frwy

Let me know.
Best
Louis

 

[misterbadger]

Perpetuals would seem to fit the bill. I sound marginally less horrible with the bow than with my previous Spiro weichs. They're softer and a bit easier on the hands, but lack some of the Spiro punch and cut.

 

[Alberto Wang]

Sounds like you should bring your bass to a luthier to check the upper nut and the bridge. Maybe after doing so you will fall in love with the Weichs. If they're still stiff and electric (metallic?), try the Evah Weich.

 

[Michael Glynn]

You could also try Dominant solos. Softer feel than Spiro weichs, and a warmer sound, while still having plenty of sustain and clarity. They bow decently as well.

 

[FMD1983]

Sounds like you should bring your bass to a luthier to check the upper nut and the bridge. Maybe after doing so you will fall in love with the Weichs. If they're still stiff and electric (metallic?), try the Evah Weich.

Hi! Good advice! Another point: the position of the soundpost can make a huge difference in the sound. I tried a lot positions with my luthier and maybe it's helpful for you, too.