Double Bass Most cello like strings?

[Francois Blais]

Aren’t they too dark to sound cello-like?

 

[LouisF]

Francois,

I guess it depends on the cello - solo pitch. Just a suggestion.

 

[Peck_Time]

How about trying 5ths tuning- part of the cello sound is the 'opening up' of the instrument from the 5ths tuning. I was amazed at the difference in sound when I tried it on my average chinese bass (Christopher 400). Every bass player should try it once in their lives!

 

[Les Fret]

How about trying 5ths tuning- part of the cello sound is the 'opening up' of the instrument from the 5ths tuning. I was amazed at the difference in sound when I tried it on my average chinese bass (Christopher 400). Every bass player should try it once in their lives!

I have experimented with it. But the fifth tuning is not for me. I have played all my life in fourths tuning. It is much easier for me to improvise in fourths. I see no reason to change tuning anymore. Also the 5ths tuning changes a little to the timbre but not so much I think.

 

[Russell Bergum]

Corelli 370 come to mind. I believe Rabbath uses, or used them.

Rabbath now uses Genssler Sonores Rabbath strings. Amazing but expensive strings. I've played with Corelli 370's, and prefer Spiracore Weich over them, and prefer the Sonores Rabbath over all of them.

 

[wathaet]

Rabbath now uses Genssler Sonores Rabbath strings. Amazing but expensive strings. I've played with Corelli 370's, and prefer Spiracore Weich over them, and prefer the Sonores Rabbath over all of them.

Considering how often I had to change the corellis to stay fresh or to due to spreading winding , the Gensslers are not any more expensive really.

 

[LouisF]

It's funny, having been a Corelli fan for many years, I have recently given up on them (both the 370 and 380). I wonder if they changed their formula or if I'm just getting fussier in my old age!

 

[Tom Lane]

It's funny, having been a Corelli fan for many years, I have recently given up on them (both the 370 and 380). I wonder if they changed their formula or if I'm just getting fussier in my old age!

So, is it that we're "fussier" older or better informed? The honest truth, IME, is probably a bit of both. I noticed it when I worked all night for something... the next day I was... "impaired". I did it many times in my career... why didn't I notice my "impairment" as much when I was younger? As I got older, yeah, MIDDLE-AGED-damn you, I started to think that I might be smarter getting some sleep and dodging the politics fresh rather than trying to man-handle the situation before-hand.
Youth has enthusiasm and no fear; age knows fear and how to avoid it. Both great senses depending on the situation.

 

[LouisF]

VERY true!

 

[damonsmith]

If you are concerned about pizz and don't like Corellis for that reason Spiro solos will probably be best. They are really great because it is easy to get clean sounds and "Spiro" sounds out of them.
Corellis are the only other string I've really enjoyed but I missed the Spiro grit. For me as a free improviser who mainly plays arco, these have been a great solution. I use a weich and sometimes A depending on what projects I have.
When I do play pizz I really need that Spiro sound and the solos retain that.

My main bass is pretty bright so I need the weich E. My travel bass actually has a nice low end and I just use a full set.