I’ve not. I’d love to try them based on what I’ve read here on TB but they’re more pricey than I can justify currently. I waited until I could snag a used set of the Kolsteins and I’m hoping they’ll last me a while before I need to replace them.
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Double Bass New Kolstein strings
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Well I’m walking back my walk- back (sort of?)
I recorded myself and these strings do sound quite similar to the Zyex, and nothing like a fretless bass guitar with roundwound strings (I should know at least that much because that’s what I played for many years). If I were to better describe what I don’t like about these and the Zyex it’s more of a “plastic” sound, rather than bright sounding roundwounds on a bass guitar. But that’s still very unfair to say; they sound better to me in front of the bass than behind it, with much more of the wood resonating (duh).
I recorded myself and these strings do sound quite similar to the Zyex, and nothing like a fretless bass guitar with roundwound strings (I should know at least that much because that’s what I played for many years). If I were to better describe what I don’t like about these and the Zyex it’s more of a “plastic” sound, rather than bright sounding roundwounds on a bass guitar. But that’s still very unfair to say; they sound better to me in front of the bass than behind it, with much more of the wood resonating (duh).
I'm still not 100% sold on these strings after 5 months, but I do like them and prefer them over Zyex. They will continue to mellow for a very long time and lose a lot of that quality you don't like. FWIW I was a long time Velvet Anima guy and that's what I'm looking for.
I'm teaching at a jazz camp in CT again this summer (year 14 lol) and quite a few students have these on their basses. They're kind of hip. I'm sold on perpetuals as I have 2 new sets lying around for if I ever change strings but they have a really nice gauge and bounce to them. the tension is nice too. If I found out what the long E was tension wise I might be temped to check em out.
It has now been about 100 days with the Kolstein strings and I have to admit, I'm starting to like them. I've apparently become used to how they feel and I think the sound has really matured. The bass now sounds deeper and richer than it did while still retaining enough brightness for my taste. I just thought that I would share since just 2 weeks ago I was playing a session and said "I hate these strings." I'm not going to apologize to the strings though. Maybe I scared them into behaving. They've always bowed better than the Zyex but bowing is still a crime in my hands.
More than 3 months to become likable is not something I'm willing to wait, unfortunately! 
It seems that with some strings, having to wait a good long while before they work out their kinks (and play them while they’re doing this) is practically an involuntary part of the design.
I heard this about Zyex (I didn’t stick around long enough to find out when I tried them). Certainly with many Spiro players, they work better after they’ve been very well broken in. Just gotta wait them out and keep playing on them.
I tried the new Kolsteins for give or take a month, and there were enough things to like that I still have them (in the drawer).
I heard this about Zyex (I didn’t stick around long enough to find out when I tried them). Certainly with many Spiro players, they work better after they’ve been very well broken in. Just gotta wait them out and keep playing on them.
I tried the new Kolsteins for give or take a month, and there were enough things to like that I still have them (in the drawer).
Have had them on my bass for over a year now. For me, best strings I’ve ever played on.
Spiros + copper wool + about ten minutes of scrubbing will get you what you want faster and last longer 
Never heard that one before. Interesting!Spiros + copper wool + about ten minutes of scrubbing will get you what you want faster and last longer
I never could bond with the Kolsteins and went back to Zyex lights. The Heritage are in the classifieds. I was hoping to have ended my search but, unfortunately tried a bass with perpetuals. I may have to crack open the wallet again, someday.
What do you like about the Zyex better? How do they compare after being broken in?
I've never tried the Zyex, and the only sound samples I've ever found are when they are very new. I don't like the sound of new Zyex based of those videos, but I've wondered if they would be very similar to Heritage after the initial break in period.
I equate the sound of new Zyex with hitting tennis balls against a metal garbage can. After a couple of weeks, they develop a wonderful, loud thump at the fundamental with nice warm overtones.
It's been awhile since I used them, but for me the closest thing was Evah Weich. Zyex lights are nice strings in their own right, particularly pizz. Take it or leave it, but I would not buy anything with Kolstein on it for ethical reasons. Check out the thread - now locked I believe - in the "Basses" section.
I picked up the strings at the Baldwin, NY store, I wanted to try them 1st. Only one bass in their shop wore their strings, which may or may not should have told me something. Regardless of ethics, I could have gotten them cheaper at Gollihur's. I really hated the Kolstein strings, got used to them, then learned to hate them again. I'm back to Zyex lights for almost 2years and am much happier. I've been told that I have too much attack when I play but that's my right hand. It's what I like about the Zyex sound but I need to work on my technique.
