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Double Bass Lifespan of a string?

S

sambob

Jan 6, 2011
11
0
#1
I use Thomastik Belcanto strings (orchestral), and I've had them on for about a year and a half. At this point, I can't tell if the strings are dead or not, since they still produce a decent sound. How long do double bass strings last?
 
#5
Bel Cantos go stale after about a year. They will continue to sound decent after that, but they will not be as lively or fun to play. Buy a new set and you'll see what I mean immediately.

Keep in mind that different strings have different life spans, and even that will vary depending on how much they're getting played, the way they get played, and the expectations of the player. Most Thomastik strings will keep working fine long after their expiration date. Many players actually prefer "dead" Spirocores, for instance, because they still respond correctly but don't have the same bite as new strings. Helicores and Corellis go bad after three or four months and become virtually unplayable after that. Right now I'm using a set of Genssler strings that are supposed to last at least two years.
 
#6
PaulCannon said:
Right now I'm using a set of Genssler strings that are supposed to last at least two years.
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Hey Paul,

Would you mind giving us your thoughts on how the Genssler strings are working for you. Maybe over on this thread to avoid going off-topic on this one. They are so expensive that it's nice to know what varieties of his strings people are using and what they think about them before thinking about putting money down on a set. Thanks!
 
#8
James Jamerson never changed the strings on his upright......and it worked very well for him. You can hear it on lots of old Motown tracks.....one of the last was this track with Stevie Wonder.

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#12
Right you are.......... So if the OP decides to pop down some cash for a new set of strings, and compare them to the old ones he's questioning, he'll be able to decide for himself how long double bass strings last for his needs.
 
#13
MR PC said:
James Jamerson never changed the strings on his upright......and it worked very well for him. You can hear it on lots of old Motown tracks.....one of the last was this track with Stevie Wonder.

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Click to expand...

I meant Chris Squire of course! :p

(Guitar and BG - never DB!)


Back on topic, I am seriously interested in this thread as I have not changed my Animas since I bought them - several years ago now and they still sound great - but I am worried they will suddenly go at the worst moment!

I remember they took a while to break in and would go out of tune a lot - I am going away to Jazz Summerschool in August and it would be annoying if they chose that week! ;)
 
#16
Bruce Lindfield said:
Back on topic, I am seriously interested in this thread as I have not changed my Animas since I bought them - several years ago now and they still sound great - but I am worried they will suddenly go at the worst moment!
Click to expand...

I've had garbos and the A broke while in the softcase after like 5 or 6 years. I replaced them with Animas. For a while I experimented with the Garbo top strings with the Anima lows and they were fine, although the thin part of the string between the bridge and tailpiece looked borderline. I have to say though, the G in particular was noticably stiffer and thumpier than when new. Still playable though.
 

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