Double Bass Newbie question

[2cvhound]

Hi folks

I have a battered DB which has been sitting around for at least 20 years. It was owned by someone who used it for Jazz I think. The strings are rather strange because their approx gauges are

E - 2.8mm
A - 2.1mm
D - 2.8mm
G - 2.1mm

Measurements are approximate using a steel pincer tool. Obviously these are not correct. I am new to DB playing , having done a lot of classical guitar as a teenager and electric bass, with some fretless. I have little knowledge of DB. Can anyone recommend a starter set of strings (preferably cheap!) and what gauge? I plan to use the thing for messing around trying a bit of folk/jazz/rockabilly/all sorts. I also plan to get a rudimentary pick up to amplify it.

I am reasonably happy about restringing it - one at a time, I know - having done classical/electric/bass etc many times. Should I oil/grease the machine heads, or wait and see how stiff they are when I restring?

All advice welcome

Rob

 

[Francois Blais]

Do they all look like steel strings?
Maybe the A&E are, but the top ones are gut?

 

[2cvhound]

Not sure how to tell the difference. The D&G are a bronze / yellow colour. The E&A are more steel / grey.

Rob

 

[AndreasH]

Not sure how to tell the difference. The D&G are a bronze / yellow colour. The E&A are more steel / grey.

Rob

Any pictures?

 

[2cvhound]

I take some photos tomorrow of the strings & the DB. I have just spotted a sticked inside saying "Made in Czechoslovakia"

Rob

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Also tell us what the silks colours are, if they're still there.

 

[2cvhound]

Finally managed to get some photos - the card reader on the PC has just died! Hopefully these photos will show both the gauges as the strings go across the nut, and the silk colours:

Gold top with blue grey to the lower part on the A & E, The D is a single colour - dark rich brown, and the G is blue/grey. The strings are flatwound, the top two D&G being golden/yellow, the other two being grey.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cvhound/3657490975/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cvhound/3657488127/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cvhound/3658278738/

Just realised my amp is also going to need some work - it was secondhand and rather battered when I bought it in 1985!

Rob

 

[simonwilmer]

Going by the metal loops at the tailpiece ,they look like Rotosound.