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Double Bass Looking for opinions on higher end Gut

Jay Corwin

Jay Corwin

Supporting Member
Jan 29, 2008
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Sanborn, NY
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#1
I've been a long time gut user on my D/G. Currently I've had Gamut Red Diamond on which have served me well. However the D can be a bit flubby at times. While I understand that this can be characteristic of gut D in general, I'm curious if anyone has played a higher end string that responded better.

I thinking about Gamut Lyon or Pistoy, maybe Aquila plain gut (haven't seen any reviews though), or any other suggestions ya'll might have. I'm not interested in any metal wound strings, or the Gold Springs from Aquila.
 
#5
Not to argue what the best gut strings are, but the main reason why Lyon G and Pistoy D are so popular is that the Lyon is a normal twisted gut string and the Pistoy is a high twisted gut string which is more flexible. This gives both strings a similar bending stiffness and the thicker D a better sustain.

For those in Europe: Aquila also makes normal and high twisted gut strings.
And any boutique gut manufacturer could at least be asked if they would make a high twisted gut string.
If I remember correctly a 45 degree angle twist would be qualify as a high twisted gut.
 
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#8
When you say 'flubby', do mean sound or feel? Yesterday, out of curiosity, I switched a set of CH Chordas (with regular G) for a set of Gamuts (Pistoy G and D) on my American Standard. High end for sure, though I got both sets used here in the classifieds. Haven't tried the Red Diamonds, though I have some Golden Spirals, Goldentones, and the Aquila Golden Springs...
The Gamuts are noticeably looser, but the D does seem to speak clearer up the string, like around the neck heel and octave harmonic. Not to say the Chordas were bad, just different. I think I would be happy using either set.
I've used gut strings for the vast majority of my playing career, and whether they are high twist, or low twist, new, or vintage, D's will always be thick and loose. A thinner string will be looser, thicker will be tighter. I personally love the feel of guts, and can deal with their shortcomings, but I know it's not for everyone. I suppose it's one of those things you have to accept for what it is.
I have been threading my D's the opposite way through the tailpiece, it's been said that the sharper angle can yield more tension. I'm not sure if it's noticeable, but I do feel a little more like Dennis Irwin doing so! :roflmao:
 
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#11
Sean Peters said:
When you say 'flubby', do mean sound or feel? Yesterday, out of curiosity, I switched a set of CH Chordas (with regular G) for a set of Gamuts (Pistoy G and D) on my American Standard. High end for sure, though I got both sets used here in the classifieds. Haven't tried the Red Diamonds, though I have some Golden Spirals, Goldentones, and the Aquila Golden Springs...
The Gamuts are noticeably looser, but the D does seem to speak clearer up the string, like around the neck heel and octave harmonic. Not to say the Chordas were bad, just different. I think I would be happy using either set.
I've used gut strings for the vast majority of my playing career, and whether they are high twist, or low twist, new, or vintage, D's will always be thick and loose. A thinner string will be looser, thicker will be tighter. I personally love the feel of guts, and can deal with their shortcomings, but I know it's not for everyone. I suppose it's one of those things you have to accept for what it is.
I have been threading my D's the opposite way through the tailpiece, it's been said that the sharper angle can yield more tension. I'm not sure if it's noticeable, but I do feel a little more like Dennis Irwin doing so! :roflmao:
Click to expand...

+1

I love a good gut G, but I absolutely hate Chordas. To me they are gut string for folks who are afraid of gut stings. Thin, weak, too much tension...YMMV
 
#13
mark0 said:
I have always been curious about the twisting of gut strings, but have never found a reliable source...not to derail the thread, but the Gamut store claims that lyon gut is also high-twist, but less flexible than pistoy...
Click to expand...
There might be other differences too.
Once I f have seen a gut string made from several thin twisted parts and twisted in the opposite direction. Similar to a thicker rope.
Unfortunately I cannot remember for which instrument and at which time it was manufactured.
It might be possible to do the twist of the parts in the same direction as the parts itself to get a smoother surface than with the opposite twist.
 
#14
Sean Peters said:
…
I have been threading my D's the opposite way through the tailpiece, it's been said that the sharper angle can yield more tension. I'm not sure if it's noticeable, but I do feel a little more like Dennis Irwin doing so! :roflmao:
Click to expand...
It is not more tension (in that case the pitch would rise) but a higher pressure on the bridge.
 
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#15
Sean Peters said:
When you say 'flubby', do mean sound or feel?
Click to expand...

Probably a little bit of both depending on what I'm playing. It can get flubby if I'm trying to play faster stuff, especially if I'm alternating between 1 and 2 on my right hand. If I play closer to the end of the finger board it helps a bit, but then I start lose the tone. So I guess what I mean is the overall response of the string, and how I have to adjust to compensate versus the other strings. It's not really a tension issue in my estimation.

It sounds like most people are steering towards the Gamut Lyon/Pistoy combo.
 
#18
Jay Corwin said:
What gauges do you guys go with from Gamut? There's so many options.
Click to expand...

I've always used Medium. Years ago I talked to Dan on the phone and he recommended medium; silver wrapped A and E, pistol D and Lyon G so that is what I've always used. I've always found Gamut to not only be the best string I've used but the best customer experience. It's so nice to be able to get someone on the phone. (Also, the rewind service is great!!!)
 

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