Double Bass Looking for the right string

[Tayler7]

I have been playing upright for about 2 years now and realize that string selection is upmost importance. On my 3/4 I have spiracores and I play a lot mainly bluegrass and some rockabilly. I find myself in long jam sessions and these are a little abrasive on fingers. On my 1/2 I have the obligato which I really enjoy but they are already pulling apart at bridge and nut. I was wondering what would be a good alternative string selection for sustain and some slapping. Or how to prevent the pulling apart issue?? Thanks

 

[Violen]

Whats the consensus on weed whackers?

 

[PaulCannon]

Or how to prevent the pulling apart issue?? Thanks

Apply some graphite (from a soft pencil) into the bridge notches.

 

[Steve Killingsworth]

For me, Velvet Animas were/are the perfect mix of tone, sustain, and playability. I'm currently using a Spirocore G and D matched with A and E Animas. I went with the mix out of necessity when the Anima G popped in the middle of a tune a few weeks ago but it has really grown on me.

I doubt if weed whackers will have the sustain you're looking for.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Whats the consensus on weed whackers?

I've a tried a few and, with a few exceptions, you get what you pay for.

 

[Jim Dombrowski]

Evah Pirazzi Weichs are a bit softer than Spirocores, and have a great sound. Easy on the hands.

If you go with Animas (which are also very nice), you'll probably need to have the slots in the bridge and nut widened, as they are thick strings.

 

[drurb]

Evah Pirazzi Weichs are a bit softer than Spirocores, and have a great sound. Easy on the hands.

Yes and no. EPs have that stiff "front end" that gives them that nice "pop." They also tend to become stiffer over time, at least in my experience and in the experience of others who have posted here. For me, on my bass, sustained play over hours on EPs is much more stressful on my right hand than is playing on Spiro mitts. Whenever strings are discussed, YMMV applies. Spiros are much easier on my hands than are EPs.

 

[Matt Ides]

I have noticed with a lot of increased playing of late that my left and right hands are working harder and are sore from the EPs. I am gonna throw on some spiro weichs or superflexs to see if it is all in my head or not.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Just switched out 3 EPWs for spiro mitts last night. Maybe a little less stiff feeling but maybe a little more physically demanding. Haven't changed string height. I like the additional frequencies!

 

[drurb]

Just switched out 3 EPWs for spiro mitts last night. Maybe a little less stiff feeling but maybe a little more physically demanding. Haven't changed string height. I like the additional frequencies!

Ah, those overtones that give you the Spiro "whine." For me and my bass, they come at the loss of the thunderous fundamentals of the EPWs. Another case of YMMV. With the EPWs, I feel in jeopardy of straining my right-hand injury. Much less so with Spiros.

 

[Matt Ides]

Yep, it was in my head (mostly). Evahs and Oliv G went back on for the gig tonight.

 

[MostlyBass]

I have used Obligatos for years and have notices the 'breaking apart' at stress points - bridge and nut but the strings never broke.

Right now I'm favoring Pirastro Flat Chromesteels for both pizz and arco.