Double Bass Jazz/ Classical Strings

[Finnishbassboy]

I play jazz often, with a couple of groups, as well as performing classical material (arco) about 1/3 as much of the time. I would like to buy some new strings in the near future, and I was wondering if anybody had some suggestions for which strings sound best for both styles of playing.

Thanks.

 

[drurb]

There's a ton of information here in the strings forum. Options and opinions abound! Pull up a chair and start going through it. I'll throw out one popular option to prime the pump: Evah Pirazzi weich.

Happy reading!

 

[marco zomer]

There's a lot of info on the TB forum when you're looking for a jazz/classical string. Search: hybrid or pizz/arco. It also depends what kind of sound you like.
Some options: Evah Weich, (or Regular if you like more tension), Velvet Anima or Compas, Obigatos / Dominants / Zyex. Gut is also a good option (Gamut or Pirastro Chorda).
Perhaps Pirastro Permanents.
Some people have problems bowing Spiros. Orther People are very enthousiastic (Spiro Weich)
By the way what strings do you use right now?

 

[bassplayer2]

I have used a number of strings and combinations but currently I am using a combination that I think Upton Bass suggested- Obligato G and D and Spiros on A and E. The combination bows well and the pizz is great.

 

[Michael Glynn]

From the sticky, this will help us narrow things down for you a little more. You've already answered some of the questions.

Read this before asking string advice !
Hi.
We get questions about which string to use everyday.
More often than not, the poster doesn't provide enough information, and/or their profile is empty, so we know very little about them and their gear, tastes, etc.

Another member came with this checklist, which I edited a bit:

1. What are you using the bass for (arco, pizz, 50/50, 10%pizz/90%arco ?...)

2. What kind of sound are you looking for (bright, dark, long sustain, thumpy, gut-like, etc.).

3. What kind of feel are you looking for (high/low tension, thick/thin gauge, etc.)

4. What strings have you used in the past and what did you like/dislike about them (If you don't know what was on your old bass, try to find out what strings they were by providing the silk colors at both ends).

Help us to help you!


Good luck!
François
Strings forum co-mod.

 

[MostlyBass]

Pirastro Obligatos. Those string are warm with arco, have a great pizz sound, and blend well with either style.

My favorite strings - Obligatos, Chromesteels, Zyex

 

[BassmanI]

Another option is the D'addario Helicore Hybrid strings.

 

[chicagodoubler]

There is no single set that is universally perfect for both when you factor in the enormous variable of your instrument and bow!!!! Evah's are amazing on my Kay but awful on my big orchestral bass. Some basses are finicky; some sound great regardless of what's on there.

See if you can find some used sets and try a bunch of strings. You may need to mix and match, and your preferences might change over time.

A GOOD STARTING POINT- What are you using now, and what do you feel is wrong with them? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[CButterfield]

Corelli Tungsten Mediums work well for me as a classical and jazz string.

 

[MostlyBass]

I have found hybrid strings to be metallic and thin when bowed.

 

[Co.]

""2. What kind of sound are you looking for (bright, dark, long sustain, thumpy, gut-like, etc.).

3. What kind of feel are you looking for (high/low tension, thick/thin gauge, etc.)""

You should think about these point in relation to your instrument.
A bright string will sound bright on a "normal" instrument. If your bass by itself sounds bright, you will get a very metallic sound with bright strings. On a dark bass you will get good results. The same goes for tension.

For Example: I heard/played some basses that sounded great with EVAHs. Arco and pizz. On my bass they sound muddy. I heard/played some basses that sounded thin and metallic with Spiros. On my bass they sound just right. Arco and pizz.

 

[iiipopes]

Likewise, Bel Cantos are considered "dark" orchestral strings, not necessarily pizz friendly, but on my bass they pizz very well, indeed, as my CCB is rather middy/growly to begin with.

 

[BassmanI]

I have found hybrid strings to be metallic and thin when bowed.

Again, I think it depends on the bass. They sound fine pizz and arco on my bass.

 

[WallBass]

I just use orchestral strings for everything, even jazz (which Is mostly what I do).

 

[Michael Glynn]

I just use orchestral strings for everything, even jazz (which Is mostly what I do).

For some people this works great. Depends on the sound you are going for and the bass. Even here the string choice can make a difference. I've played jazz with Helicore Orchestral strings and liked them quite a bit, but I've always hated Flexocores and Bel Cantos for jazz.

 

[rprowse]

Corelli Tungsten Mediums work well for me as a classical and jazz string.

I'm with you Craig. I use a tenor set (C G D A) on my second bass for some solo playing I do, but also sometimes use that bass for jazz. Nice punchy sound. I have thought of putting a regular set on my main bass (EP weichs at present - lovely sound but I'd prefer something a bit stiffer) and might still do that.

 

[engedi1]

I can't believe how well spiro weichs work for both on my bass. They are course wonderful for pizz with a classic jazz tone, but are amazing easy to bow with a bright singing tone that has only improved with age. I think the thinner guage is what makes the difference here. The only string I don't love is the e which rattles a bit when I pizz and is too bright when I bow. Lots of great advice here, it would be nice to hear back from the op.

 

[abaguer]

I've been using Evah mediums on the classical/jazz bass and it sounds terrific for both orchestra and jazz hits. This is on an Upton Hawkes hybrid. On my carved bass I've been using spiro EAD and Passione G. I've liked this for jazz and they amplify nicely with good definition and clarity. Interestingly the Hawkes hybrid with the evahs sounds much better for classical than does the carved with the steel strings.