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Double Bass Light/Solo Strings Recommendation

Nate74

Nate74

Mar 3, 2007
789
78
DFW
#1
Back story: I play in an Irish Folk band so yesterday was a VERY busy day for me. 2 lengthy gigs, about 7 hours of playing... and today some nasty blisters on both my left hand and my plucking finger. Because of some heavy rains in our area yesterday, I went with my BSX Allegro instead of my Shen DB so the tone is as much a product of the onboard preamp and amp as it is the body vibration/string interaction (I believe). I'd love to have the time to practice a few hours a day to toughen up my fingers but...

Question: My Allegro has the original D'Addario Helicore Hybrid strings on it so I'm wondering if going with a set of light gauge strings or solo strings tuned down make a noticeable difference on the wear and tear on my hands? On a EUB is the tone diminished noticeably when you go with light/solo strings?

Here's the checklist:

1. What are you using the bass for (arco, pizz, 50/50, 10%pizz/90%arco ?...) - 98% Pizz

2. What kind of sound are you looking for (bright, dark, long sustain, thumpy, gut-like, etc.). - I think i prefer a traditional thumpy sound, but am probably willing to trade a bit in the sound department for strings that are easier on my hands.

3. What kind of feel are you looking for (high/low tension, thick/thin gauge, etc.) - easy on my hands is the goal.

Thanks.
 
#2
I think you will find that Solo strings tuned to orchestral pitch will sound a bit darker. On EUB's I really like the Thomastik Spirocore Solos. I think you will find them a big improvement over the Helicore Hybrids in terms of feel and sound. The Hybrids always seem to have a bit of a dull sound to them IMO.
 
#3
AMJBASS said:
I think you will find that Solo strings tuned to orchestral pitch will sound a bit darker. On EUB's I really like the Thomastik Spirocore Solos. I think you will find them a big improvement over the Helicore Hybrids in terms of feel and sound. The Hybrids always seem to have a bit of a dull sound to them IMO.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I may track a set down and give 'em a try. I've read some other good things about 'em.
 

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