I very rarely like them for traditional classical section work. The four exceptions I have come across were all on six figure basses and even then there were IMO better options.
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Double Bass My string journey documented (to be Continued)
- Thread starter Sam Dingle
- Start date
For me spiros are the only string that cuts through the way I like, followed only by dominants. If they weren’t so tense I would try them again. Maybe once my playing is stronger
I’m currently using a Obligato solo in orchestra tuning D and G with a Spiro Weich E and A....like it so far!
Update: Started a small youtube playlist with my string tests: Juzek Bass Strings - YouTube
Spirocore weich with a mittle long E
Full set of mediums
full set of zyex mediums
I just played my first gig with the zyex. I like the sound in the practice room. My gig tonight was in a weird room though an amp that some people like, but I don't. G and D are a little high tension but I can deal with it. The A string and especially the E string kind of have that BURP to them that I wasn't expecting. Could be the room or the amp. We will see.
Spirocore weich with a mittle long E
Full set of mediums
full set of zyex mediums
I just played my first gig with the zyex. I like the sound in the practice room. My gig tonight was in a weird room though an amp that some people like, but I don't. G and D are a little high tension but I can deal with it. The A string and especially the E string kind of have that BURP to them that I wasn't expecting. Could be the room or the amp. We will see.
Interesting. The mediums sound quicker, more direct in the attack than the weichs. The Zyexes much deeper. But ofcourse they are also recorded in a different setting than the Spirocores (and distort a bit in my amp/loudspeakers). If you have them on, it would be great if you could record them in the same circumstances. Anyway, I am for the time being sticking to my plain gut dogma.
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zyex on the juzek are less fun on the band stand. 3 nights at a steak house playing piano trio though the house amp (some kind of acoustic image). They sound dark and actually have a round bounce to them (gut like?!). The E and A occasionally have a weird burp to them. Kind of like Ron Carter on some old records. Sounds like a bad version of the opening notes to "Well you Needn't" on Herbies record "Quartet".
I'm not into it haha. Might be the room so I can't judge them. Gonna play them on my steady gigs this coming week and see how they sound. I like the gauge of the G and D and am already tempted to throw spirocores on the E and A but want to hold off till I'm sure I don't like them.
I'm not into it haha. Might be the room so I can't judge them. Gonna play them on my steady gigs this coming week and see how they sound. I like the gauge of the G and D and am already tempted to throw spirocores on the E and A but want to hold off till I'm sure I don't like them.
Sam,
this is such a long thread and I haven't had enough coffee yet to read the whole thing- so forgive me if my suggestions are anything you tried already.
I'd say, either-
keep Spiro Med EAD (because you seem to enjoy them) as long as humanly possible and pair it up with an Olive G. The Olive G is the single most beautiful G string I have ever had the joy of trying (and I'm already really liking dominant Gs and Eudoxas as well). If only the rest of the set weren't so dull, especially E. (And I don't like mixing for me, but that's another topic).
or- (if you're up for serious addiction and happen to live in an area with rather stable climate)
go for a full set of Eudoxas. That to me is the greatest and most beautiful string to "do it all".
-You'll have pizz sound with all the sustain ever needed, a lot of well-behaved growl without zingyness or boink, and serious fundamental and heft to the note.
-You'll have exceptionally lively, clear and singing arco sound that still is kind of hard to get wrong (even though Belcantos are "easier" meaning more forgiving to scratchy playing and less modulable - is that even a word?). Did I mention the pizzicato feel? They feel really nice under the right hand.
-You'll have about $700 less, as that is what they cost. That's the downside.
Best
Sidecar
this is such a long thread and I haven't had enough coffee yet to read the whole thing- so forgive me if my suggestions are anything you tried already.
I'd say, either-
keep Spiro Med EAD (because you seem to enjoy them) as long as humanly possible and pair it up with an Olive G. The Olive G is the single most beautiful G string I have ever had the joy of trying (and I'm already really liking dominant Gs and Eudoxas as well). If only the rest of the set weren't so dull, especially E. (And I don't like mixing for me, but that's another topic).
or- (if you're up for serious addiction and happen to live in an area with rather stable climate)
go for a full set of Eudoxas. That to me is the greatest and most beautiful string to "do it all".
-You'll have pizz sound with all the sustain ever needed, a lot of well-behaved growl without zingyness or boink, and serious fundamental and heft to the note.
-You'll have exceptionally lively, clear and singing arco sound that still is kind of hard to get wrong (even though Belcantos are "easier" meaning more forgiving to scratchy playing and less modulable - is that even a word?). Did I mention the pizzicato feel? They feel really nice under the right hand.
-You'll have about $700 less, as that is what they cost. That's the downside.
Best
Sidecar
You are probably right with the Spiro suggestion. I was quite happy with them and will most likely go back. I was in the mood not to try different strings but to try a different sound. Kind of different than my past string changes. My friend went on about how he loved zyex and thought they had more character than spirocores. I do like them a lot in the practice room and might have been a little harsh in the last review. They sound really good just occasionally have weird feedback. I’m into the gauge and bounce of the top 2/3 strings. I want to figure out how to get that practice room sound on stage so I’m gonna mess with it.
Also I have a new bass so I’m seeing how it reacts to change. The bass still sounds incredible!
I think zyex med G/D are great alternative to Olive G, evah P, and Obligato.
I really liked the Zyex but have always gone back to Spiros. The Zyex can't compete acoustically (lower volume on the basses I have used them on) and seem to choke when you really dig in. Right now I have Mit E and Weich ADG.
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Had to contact D'Addario. Noticed a separation on the E string and 2 on the A string. Both feel rough and I am worried they may dig into the fingerboard... updates later
Correction the separation is only with the E string. I think its normal on D'Addario strings for them not to look as smooth as say spirocores so I was over analyzing the A string. The E string however defiantly had issues where i could see the copper colored layer on the playing part of my extension. I contacted D'addario but decided best to take the whole set off as I didn't like the color difference with just the spirocore E on there. Lets see if i can get a replacement. Not sure i wanna mess with anything actually...
