Double Bass Jazzgrass-Americana Strings

[Ampig]

I'v got a four year old set of Corelli's on my Englehardt EM-1. I think it's time to change them out. I play in a an all acoustic quartet (no drums). We go from Gypsy Swing to Old Crow Medicine Show to Take Five to the Rolling Stones to Ralph Stanley. Any suggestions on strings for this type format.

p.s. I don't slap and it's strictly Pizz

 

[Francois Blais]

What kind of tone do you want?
Bright? Dark? Thumpy? Sustainy?
Low tension? Higher tension?

 

[Ampig]

I've only been playing about 6 years. I'm self taught. I played the first 2 years with a dead set of I don't know what strings. I've had the Corellis (recommended by Bob Golihur) on for the last four years and I don't have anything else to compare them against. I will say that I'd like a little more definition from the E string.

 

[Rebop]

Spirocores or Superflexibles. Go all "gut" like Cordes Lambert if you want an authentic all acoustic old timey sound (will take getting used to; but I find gut-like strings have the most definition for pizz... it's a different kind of definition than a steel player is used to though).

 

[Matt Ides]

I currently play in a gypsy/roots band (guitar, domra, and balalaika) with EP's and a fully carved bass. I like that the EP's initial ping really helps me in the mix. They work great for pizz and arco with this group.

 

[Ampig]

EP's ?

 

[Thumpie]

You might consider Spirocore Welchs. They're a lot like Corellis, but the E has a lot more meat. Actually, if it's only going to be pizzicato playing, the Mittels might be a good thing to try...

 

[michaeln]

I use EP Weich for BG and they seem to sound like they oughta. Easy to play, too.

 

[thebassbass]

EP's ?

he means Evah Pirazzi. If you don't have much experience with strings i would have to say try EP's or thomastik spirocore.

 

[Peck_Time]

EPs are Pirastro Evah Pirazzis.

For a big gut-like sound with no arco needed I liked Innovation Super-Silvers on my bass.

If Spiros (weich or mittels- light or medium) work on your bass- go for it.

 

[DeathFromBelow]

Jazzgrass? Whacky-tobacky?

 

[HateyMcAmp]

I've been known to jazzgrass it up myself on occasion . Spirocore Weich worked great for a variety of styles on my bass, and are a "home base" DB string that you should really try at some point. They last for years.

Spiros might sound a little twangy solo (particularly in the beginning), but they sit great in the bluegrass mix. I love the gut thing myself for that type of music, but they aren't cheap, effortless to adjust to, or "set it and forget it."

 

[Ampig]

Ordered the Spiro Weich's