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Double Bass New Kolstein strings
- Thread starter lurk
- Start date
I love the Kolstein Heritage strings.
How recently do you mean "reformulated?"
I remember about 4 years ago (let's say 2018) they had an issue with some E-string breakage, but they changed something about the wrap / construction (of the E strings at least) that solved the issue. Never had a problem since (with about 3 more sets of them). And they also replaced my broken E-string free of charge.
I have limited string-variety experience, but to ME they feel most similar to a Evahs or Zyex. (but the G string has less tension than the Evah G. I set up another bass with Evahs and the G was too stiff for me, so I currently have a bass with Evah E A D and Kolstein G)
They are also basically Weich tension. I don't believe they have different options for tension (but I could be wrong)?
How recently do you mean "reformulated?"
I remember about 4 years ago (let's say 2018) they had an issue with some E-string breakage, but they changed something about the wrap / construction (of the E strings at least) that solved the issue. Never had a problem since (with about 3 more sets of them). And they also replaced my broken E-string free of charge.
I have limited string-variety experience, but to ME they feel most similar to a Evahs or Zyex. (but the G string has less tension than the Evah G. I set up another bass with Evahs and the G was too stiff for me, so I currently have a bass with Evah E A D and Kolstein G)
They are also basically Weich tension. I don't believe they have different options for tension (but I could be wrong)?
According to Harvie they're a new construction and much improved. He and the Kolstein guys have been working on them for a while. He plays them in a video and, as expected, they sound great. The video is on his FB page. I'm not sure how to share it here. This maybe?
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<iframe src="Facebook" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
They were great before, and I know Barrie Kolstein & co. listen very carefully to feedback from legit NYC pros (both jazz and classical), so they might be even better than before. Barrie Kolstein stands behind his products.
I know they had a supply chain issue last summer (summer 2021) like everyone else in the world, so I'm glad to see they've got strings in stock.
I've used the Heritage strings for about two weeks. The top three strings are everything I want, warm, powerful, lots of harmonic content without being overly bright, comfortable under the hands. And they are friendlier to the bow than most other "jazz" strings. The E string, on this set anyway, doesn't match the others, being rather dull, not much growl or sustain, maybe a dud string. But I love the top three.
Very intrigued by these strings. Video was brief but I liked what I heard (though the instrument can often dictate if a string is a good fit for that particular bass). Would have been helpful to hear some arco stuff. Anyone else playing on them these days?
Yes Harvie S plays some Arco at times on these sets… worth checking the whole night
Update: Just ordered a set of these from Gollihur! Probably arrive middle of next week. Looking forward to taking them out on gigs real soon!
I am also interested in hearing more about how these strings compare to EP weichs and Polychromes, as well as the other Innovation hybrid synthetic strings--the Honeys and Braided. I'm currently using Spiro Weichs, but still interested in something a bit more gut inspired.
Have had the strings on for only two days so not much of an example to draw from yet. But, I can say that tension-wise they seem similar to the EP weichs I had on previously. That said, if I had to split hairs, I’d say the Heritage strings have slightly more tension. The diameter or thickness of the strings also seem similar to the EP weichs.
The first noticeable difference thus far has been in volume. These strings are loud! Incredible projection.
Arco has been interesting so far. Beautiful sound and very responsive on the D and G strings, a bit scratchy and less quick to start on the A and E. Like I said, small sample size and I know they still need to settle in a bit before I get the full picture.
More to follow…
My Kolstein Busetto Travel Bass came with Kolstein Heritage Strings in 2017
If these strings have been reformulated then I’ll reserve judgement until I can eventually try them. I have a set I replaced with Evah’s which I much prefer.
If these strings have been reformulated then I’ll reserve judgement until I can eventually try them. I have a set I replaced with Evah’s which I much prefer.
Looking forward to hearing about these strings after a couple of weeks. I really liked the old Innovation Polychromes (the ones made by Innovation in UK) and always hoping to find something that gives me something similar.
A week into the Heritage set on my bass. As a previous post from another TBer mentioned (I think on another thread), these strings sound “gnarly” for the first 7-10 days. I can attest to that. Right out of the gate they are very bright and very loud. Almost angry sounding, defying you to hang in there and give them a try!
But after settling in for about a week or so, they really sound terrific. Still a loud resonant string, but now warmed up with just enough edge (high mids) to add some presence in the mix. I like how they sound through the amp; round and warm with plenty of clarity. Not rubbery.
These strings are extremely easy to play. Pizzicato is a joy, feels great under the hands. Arco is still under review however as I think these strings will yield a better result with more playing time; beautiful sound in the mid to upper register but still rather scratchy and harsh down low. I do hear improvement though compared to when I first put them on.
If you try them, you might find that you want to raise your bridge a quarter turn or so. I found that these strings benefit from a little more clearance to vibrate, allowing them to really sing! I suppose that’s true for any string though.
So that’s the latest. If you’ve been playing on a synthetic core string and find they don’t seem to cut through a band situation or aren’t amplifying the way you’d like - but don’t want to give up the feel under the hands of a synthetic - the Heritage strings might be a good choice.
Maybe some video forthcoming.
But after settling in for about a week or so, they really sound terrific. Still a loud resonant string, but now warmed up with just enough edge (high mids) to add some presence in the mix. I like how they sound through the amp; round and warm with plenty of clarity. Not rubbery.
These strings are extremely easy to play. Pizzicato is a joy, feels great under the hands. Arco is still under review however as I think these strings will yield a better result with more playing time; beautiful sound in the mid to upper register but still rather scratchy and harsh down low. I do hear improvement though compared to when I first put them on.
If you try them, you might find that you want to raise your bridge a quarter turn or so. I found that these strings benefit from a little more clearance to vibrate, allowing them to really sing! I suppose that’s true for any string though.
So that’s the latest. If you’ve been playing on a synthetic core string and find they don’t seem to cut through a band situation or aren’t amplifying the way you’d like - but don’t want to give up the feel under the hands of a synthetic - the Heritage strings might be a good choice.
Maybe some video forthcoming.
Did you have the opportunity to play them in a live situation?
That’s the real test.
Yes, several, ranging from a guitar trio to a big band gig. Last night’s trio gig however (piano/bass/drums) was the first one where I felt the strings had settled in and were beginning to sound like they were…well, ultimately going to sound.
I still think they are a work in progress and with more gigs today and in the coming weeks, I’ll continue to post if I find it noteworthy. I’m working on some Bach duets with a violinist and if I get close to the results I’m hoping for in regards to the arco qualities of these strings (my skills with the bow non-withstanding) I’ll consider it a win. In a jazz/pizz context they’ve already won me over.
