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Double Bass My string journey documented (to be Continued)

#101
My set of mediums 4/4 are on for +15 years, the G string broke close enough to the tuner and holds its knot for +10. Last year I purchased a used (couple of month old) set of the same because I thought it was time to make a change ... Put them on and put them off a day later ... The older were clearly better still. Could be a question of familiarisation.

What feels good about that is to know I am on the safe side until I eventually am going to die. Stringwise at least ... If only the bass will hold itself together for so long ... And also, hopefully I will not develop any intentions to blame the bass, its setup or the strings for stuff that could be better via playing with a better way because of a delirium that avoids clear decision making.
 
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#104
In reference to the Spiro E. They will wear out quicker than the others, David Gage recommended changing out the E ,possibly every 6 months and do a whole set yearly, if you are playing quite a bit, or whenever you feel a change is needed.
 
#105
lrhbass said:
In reference to the Spiro E. They will wear out quicker than the others, David Gage recommended changing out the E ,possibly every 6 months and do a whole set yearly, if you are playing quite a bit, or whenever you feel a change is needed.
Click to expand...
Depends on your definition of 'worn out' tho. Maybe he means change it every 6 months if you happen to like that new spiro sound.

I don't.
 
#107
Here's something interesting: this new set of strings feels quite low tension. Based on the package I was sent, they are the 4/4 spiro mediums and I know the ones that they replaced were 4/4 mediums, but something feels interesting. i feel that when I use my normal technique its too much. The strings bottom out a little too much. all 4 strings buzz because of over playing. Kind of annoying. I'm hoping its just the weather.

I'm regretting selling those starks though...but I know I shouldn't go down that rabbit hole. I may raise the action half a turn and see if that helps.
 
#110
Update: Spiro Mediums still. After a week of electric gigs played 3 hours last night. AHHHHHHHHH. Thats why these are my "in shape" strings. Also the arco sounds even more horrendous when its rusty. Still good though. Jacked up to 7mm on the G, about 10 on the E and they're NIIICE.
 
#112
I would have to concur that Mittels are my “in-shape” strings as well. That said I just passed the two-year mark on a regular set of Weichs. I still practice as much as I can, but since I’m not gigging as frequently, the Weichs are holding steady. I have a spare set of the slightly heavier 3/4 Weichs waiting patiently.
 
#113
Sam Dingle said:
Update: Spiro Mediums still. After a week of electric gigs played 3 hours last night. AHHHHHHHHH. Thats why these are my "in shape" strings. Also the arco sounds even more horrendous when its rusty. Still good though. Jacked up to 7mm on the G, about 10 on the E and they're NIIICE.
Click to expand...

A while back, I had a bass set up for "in shape" playing, and another set up for "educator chops" ( i.e. Out of shape) playing. The problem was that I never played the second bass because it didn't have the glorious sound of the in shape setup. I finally just gave up and set up both basses the same so both would require me to either just be in shape, or if not, just take the pain and chant "hurts so good" as a mantra.

FWIW, my bass is set up the same as yours... TI barbed wire at 7-10mm. It sounds so amazing I can't ever imagine changing unless I just flat out get too old and frail for that poopie at some point.
 
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#114
I've never played solo strings tuned down. I don't like the feel of thin strings so I don't plan to try it. I like a bit of power and meat under my fingers. Spirios are good. I like the gauge of dominants so maybe thats a better option, but I don't think they'd be as bright as spiros which is concerning.
 
#116
Sam Dingle said:
Today's update:

I caved and threw a 5 month old set of weich on. They sound good and bright. Loose and I need to watch myself from pulling too hard. The thing I actually dig is how much growl they have on my bass. But...

Tomorrow's update:

I threw the spiro mediums back on. I miss the tension and power.
Click to expand...

4/4 Weich or 3/4?

- Steve
 
#118
Weichs confound me. John Goldsby put a set on the school's office bass, and they feel and sound amazing when I'm playing by myself. He sounds great on them in every situation. But the moment I play with a drummer I miss the laser focus and front end pop of the Spiro/Dominant-type strings. If I could sound as good as John playing weichs I'd definitely go there.
 
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