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More dreaded string advice

Discussion in 'Strings [DB]' started by sloppysubs, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. Jul 13, 2013 #1
    sloppysubs

    sloppysubs

    Nov 24, 2002
    Tarboro, NC
    Hey gang,

    Newbie making the move from electric.

    I need to buy new strings for my contra bass and I have no idea where to start or what to think.

    Most likely will be playing mostly pizzicato but will be doing some bowing. Total beginner so no idea about tension and that stuff. Looking for a good clear sound with some thunk. Won't be doing much slap at all. The bass I have came with gut strings which I really liked but they're awfully temperamental. It also came with steel and they're dead but I liked them more; they were more vibrant and louder.

    I would like some good steel strings that are easy to play for beginners and hold tune well.

    Thanks everyone!
     
  2. Jul 13, 2013 #2
    Violen

    Violen Instructor in the Vance/Rabbath Method Inactive

    Apr 19, 2004
    Kansas City Metro Area
    Endorsing Artist: Conklin Guitars (Basses)
    Helicore orchestra mediums or hybrid mediums. A lot of people on here don't like them, but its more of a beginners string, on a beginners budget. I used them for years but i 'moved on".

    I don't think they would do you any wrong and they are about as budget friendly as strings get in the upright world.
     
  3. Jul 14, 2013 #3
    Turxile

    Turxile

    May 1, 2011
    I'm a relative beginner, also moved from electric. I started with helicore orchestral. Too stiff for untrained fingers and too dark tone to hear intonation well for a beginner (for Pizz).
    When I switched to Spirocore Weich (S42) it was like heaven. I haven't tried anything else but I'm sticking with them.
     
  4. Jul 14, 2013 #4
    DoubleMIDI

    DoubleMIDI

    Feb 28, 2010
    Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen
    Spirocore Weich 4/4 (S42W) are nice, and even nicer on a 3/4 to play, only a bit weak on the E. And they hold for a long time, so no need for new strings for the next few years. (So they are relatively cheap if you like them.)
     
  5. Jul 14, 2013 #5
    BeowulfKingsley

    BeowulfKingsley

    Nov 9, 2010
    Ann Arbor Michigan
    I agree, for what you're talking about Spiro Weich sounds like the ticket. You might even find some lightly used ones in the Classifieds.
     
  6. Jul 15, 2013 #6
    sloppysubs

    sloppysubs

    Nov 24, 2002
    Tarboro, NC
    Hey thanks a lot everyone!