Double Bass Is there a G string that can match a Permanent set for projection?

[Leonidbass]

Hi,

I am an orchestral plus solo bassist on the side. I only really play classical music. I picked up a set of Permanents a few weeks ago and instantly fell for their projection. The only problem is that they are too stiff and when I spend a long time on the G string I start to feel really tense. Of course there are probably things in my playing I can adjust, but I was just wondering if there is a G string from another set that would sound good when matched with permanents but not sound too out of place.

thanks!

 

[LouisF]

Permanents are a thing unto themselves. I played them for many years before my hands went bad. Maybe try a turned down Perm solo?

 

[Leonidbass]

Ok, I just want to say that the way I wrote my question makes me seem experienced. I don’t have a great knowledge of bass strings. I used belcantos for years and permanents actually just happen to be me second set. So I want to update my question.

If I used a loosened permanent solo A the difference in stiffness would seem a lot different between the G and the D right? Would it be better to just have a different set on the top two? If that’s the case, what set would be good match. I am really looking for reaction and projection.

Thanks

 

[Mark_T]

If you like Pirastro strings, I really like the Flex Deluxe G and D. I don't find them particularly stiff but I've only ever played Permanent A and E so I can't compare them. My bass currently has an Original Flat Chrome G and D, and I like those but the FD might be a better choice.

 

[Leonidbass]

Ok, thanks. Just wondering if this would make a huge difference or not, but what would you think of Spirocore weich for the top two?

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Tuning down solo strings of the same string family will drastically lower the tension. You can easily try that by tuning down your G and D strings temporarily to F and C and try to play them with the lower strings.

You can also have a look at the tension data in my excel file (link to Dropbox in string sticky). The tension of downtuned Solo strings is included too.

 

[Mark_T]

Ok, thanks. Just wondering if this would make a huge difference or not, but what would you think of Spirocore weich for the top two?

I love the Spiro Weich A and E, but the D doesn’t agree with me on my bass. The G is also a bit wild but less so. They feel great and are loud and have lots of projection though. I wish I could live with them.

 

[Caro]

On Pirastro's website there are kp ratings for the strings. Permanent G 29.4 kp, Original Flexocor G 26.4 kp, Original Flat-Chrome G 26.1 kp. Maybe these two other strings are some what less stiff than the Permanent. I've used all the above strings but I don't know how these two would match up with the Permanents. On Thomastik-Infeld's website the Belcanto G is rated at 28.3 kg. (kg and kp ratings are equivalent)

 

[Caro]

Spirocore Weich 3/4 G is rated at 27.5 kg.

 

[Dr. Love]

On Pirastro's website there are kp ratings for the strings. Permanent G 29.4 kp, Original Flexocor G 26.4 kp, Original Flat-Chrome G 26.1 kp. Maybe these two other strings are some what less stiff than the Permanent. I've used all the above strings but I don't know how these two would match up with the Permanents. On Thomastik-Infeld's website the Belcanto G is rated at 28.3 kg. (kg and kp ratings are equivalent)

From my memory, Original flat chrome G is less stiff than Permanent and for a dampened orchestral string, it still has clarity that might put it on more equal footing with Perms than some other strings. I know that the Permanent E blends pretty well with OFC's on top.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Tension and stiffness are two completely different things.

Tension is the stretching force of the string.
Stiffness is bending force if the string. A flexible string (high tension to become straight again) has a very low stiffness. A springy string or one which is harder to bend has a high stiffness.

Stiffness gets a bit reduced under tension if the stiffness comes from the thickness and close laying windings of the string because it stretches under tension.

Beyond the bending stiffness there is also a torsional stiffness which is a force that wants to get a axis rotated string back in the normal state. Mostly relevant with bowing.

You might mean tension here rather than stiffness.

 

[elmer]

Tension and stiffness are two completely different things.

Yeah despite the lowish tension figures both Orig.flatchrome and Orig.flxc. G strings feel quite stiff on my bass. Stiffer than Spiro w or mittel (4/4) or Bel Canto G-strings.