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Double Bass New! Pirastro Perpetual Double Bass strings
- Thread starter luisraulmunoz
- Start date
Listening to Sam's post (thx Sam), it sounds to my ears like the Perps "sound" similar to Zyex, which I had on my bass for a bit but sold. Since you just switched away from them for the Perps, how do the two compare to your ears?thoughts from last nights test of a used-set (jazz trio):
I swapped in a used set of Preps the night before the gig, no other adjustments.
As someone pointed out earlier, they are a very soft touch. I found myself digging in (with ease) way too much—so much so I started a blister on my middle finger, I haven't done that since my Spiros days. so that'll be an adjustment on my part.
The general 'presence' of the bass was increased, the string has a solid fundamental and a nice 'bloom' to each note, without being overly 'complex' (if that makes sense). On this bass, the E string had the most 'growl' *maybe too much (very Spiro like IMO). The D was amazing with all the things im looking for; bottom thump/mid growl/great ping to the attack (reminds me of the feeling I got from Obligatos—without the roll). A and G were ok (with the A being closer to the D response). I like the feel of the G, both in tension and flexibility—Spiro Weich G always felt wimpy/nasally/thin to me—Preps feel solid under hand, thick in tone all the way up the neck (reminds me of Oblis again).
With that said I like the feel/tone and the general 'presence of the bass' in the room. I just need to recalibrate my attack, maybe raise my bridge a touch as I like to dig in, and adjust the post to see if I can get the same D str response across all four strings with a bit more focus.
Overall, I'd say that they live up to the descriptions/experiences here on TB. These may be my new string—if their popularity doesn't raise the MSRP.
IMO would say yes, similar with more of the attack you get from a steel/spiro string– but not nasally.
again, these were a used set of Preps so I cant say how broken-in they were, I'll need to put on a fresh set to get a good sense of how the develop/mellow/etc.
I can say these;
After having them on for a few days, Im feeling that I wish they were a tad brighter (like Spiro S42s) without the overly complex overtones. But thats maybe just my GAS and asking too much for a string to be two things at once.
again, these were a used set of Preps so I cant say how broken-in they were, I'll need to put on a fresh set to get a good sense of how the develop/mellow/etc.
I can say these;
- on first take, feel like Spiro Weich/sound like Zyex light
- They have the bounce of a metal string without the tension.
- Nice fundamental/round tone like; Dominant/Obli/Zyex (Id say Evah too but EPs seem a little darker than the others to me)
After having them on for a few days, Im feeling that I wish they were a tad brighter (like Spiro S42s) without the overly complex overtones. But thats maybe just my GAS and asking too much for a string to be two things at once.
IMO would say yes, similar with more of the attack you get from a steel/spiro string– but not nasally.
again, these were a used set of Preps so I cant say how broken-in they were, I'll need to put on a fresh set to get a good sense of how the develop/mellow/etc.
I can say these;
- on first take, feel like Spiro Weich/sound like Zyex light
- They have the bounce of a metal string without the tension.
- Nice fundamental/round tone like; Dominant/Obli/Zyex (Id say Evah too but EPs seem a little darker than the others to me)
After having them on for a few days, Im feeling that I wish they were a tad brighter (like Spiro S42s) without the overly complex overtones. But thats maybe just my GAS and asking too much for a string to be two things at once.
They aren't too old. They were only released 3 months ago
hmm good point! 
They did seemed well played (some finger grit/bridge impression) but it makes sense that they cant be worn out.
I might keep wishing for a slightly brighter string.. (never tried Jazzers, any one have comparisons?) but I'll get a better feel for them this week with a few more gigs to compare.
They did seemed well played (some finger grit/bridge impression) but it makes sense that they cant be worn out.I might keep wishing for a slightly brighter string.. (never tried Jazzers, any one have comparisons?) but I'll get a better feel for them this week with a few more gigs to compare.
hmm good point!
I might keep wishing for a slightly brighter string.. (never tried Jazzers, any one have comparisons?) but I'll get a better feel for them this week with a few more gigs to compare.
@TroyK is your guy.
I'm surprised that some people say these are dark as they are quite nice and bright on my bass. The E string is brighter than the spirocore medium but not as uncontrollable as the Helicore pizz.
Jazzers might be brighter. Certainly I feel like the G string is more ... strident. I feel like the Perps have some range and complexity that Jazzers don't have. I love Jazzers, especially the lower strings. Used them for years and I think they are a very good set, though not perfectly balanced. I like the Purps better, though.
Hmm, maybe ill give them a look after this go around. though, "unbalanced" and "strident" are certainly not on wishlist 
. I think I stayed with Zyex over the last 5 or so years for the feel, tone, and PRICE. But this test set has me looking for something else sound-wise. man I want the feel of gut and the tone of steel (talk about robbing Peter to pay Paul!)
thats the thing about these open forums, theyre great for an overview but each player and bass are different and there are so many variables that any info you get will be 'second' to your first-hand experience.
late night ramble!
. I think I stayed with Zyex over the last 5 or so years for the feel, tone, and PRICE. But this test set has me looking for something else sound-wise. man I want the feel of gut and the tone of steel (talk about robbing Peter to pay Paul!) thats the thing about these open forums, theyre great for an overview but each player and bass are different and there are so many variables that any info you get will be 'second' to your first-hand experience.
late night ramble!
Hmm, maybe ill give them a look after this go around. though, "unbalanced" and "strident" are certainly not on wishlist
thats the thing about these open forums, theyre great for an overview but each player and bass are different and there are so many variables that any info you get will be 'second' to your first-hand experience.
late night ramble!
You might want to try the Spirocore / Obligato mixed set. This set works great on my King Mortone. I found the Perpetuals to be too bright and not punchy enough on that bass. I’m going to try them on my carved bass.
I just played my first gig on these strings.
I love them. Much better than the EPs on my bass. They feel great and sound spectacular. I enjoy them arco as well. My bass and I just agree with these strings. If they last one full year, which I expect them to, they are going to be my long term string.
I love them. Much better than the EPs on my bass. They feel great and sound spectacular. I enjoy them arco as well. My bass and I just agree with these strings. If they last one full year, which I expect them to, they are going to be my long term string.
Facebook video on David Gauge's page shows a Q&A with John Pattatucci. Looks like hes using Evah EAD and a Perpetual G...
Are you sure it wasn't an Oliv G? I've seen him with the Oliv in several basses.
- on first take, feel like Spiro Weich/sound like Zyex light
- They have the bounce of a metal string without the tension.
- Nice fundamental/round tone like; Dominant/Obli/Zyex (Id say Evah too but EPs seem a little darker than the others to me)
After having them on for a few days, Im feeling that I wish they were a tad brighter (like Spiro S42s) without the overly complex overtones. But thats maybe just my GAS and asking too much for a string to be two things at once.
Update:
This week I had some time to do some 'test' post adjustments to see what I could get out of these strings.
In short, I'll stick with my impressions above, but add these strings were surprisingly adaptive to post adjustments. On this bass, I got a nice spectrum from a bouncy, punchy mid/old school to a nice modern scooped tone with a quick response. Maybe this says more about the magic of the sound post, but other strings aren't as adaptive and tend to fall short/excel at one end of the spectrum. I found that 'top end' I was looking for earlier.
1st week in and Im really enjoying them
I agree, it looks like the Perp wrap. He’s hanging at DG’s place. I would t be surprised if he’s trying something new out.
Cool,Thanks. I'll search for the video.
By the way,, my Oliv G is getting along great with the rest of the Perps.
I tried these on my Juzek and they didn't get along so well. Back to Spiro Weich. I loved the feel, though! Oh, well. Mine are in the classifieds.
In what way and why do you like Spiros more?
I wish I had the knowledge to adjust my own soundpost. I'm very good at knocking it down.
