Double Bass noob needing string choice advice

[phatbassdood]

ok, i've got my flame suit on in case this question has been asked before (I did look and couldn't see it).

I recently bought a hollow-body eub, and I want to get a new set of strings for it. I will only be playing pizz, at least for the forseable future, and I can't justify a huge capital outlay. I'm aware I'll need to experiment and that the first set I get may not be of the brand I ultimately decide to stick with. Also I'm not altogether sure how adjectives like 'dark' etc relate to string tonal characteristics.

So basically, I'm looking for suggestions for a good starter set of strings, something middle of the road so to speak.

Thanks in advance for any advice

Steve

 

[damonsmith]

Only playing pizz is just fine as an artistic choice, if you have any interest in being anywhere near in tune in the forseable future, you should be practicing arco.
Thomastik spirocores are pretty much the standard string, esp. for pizz playing although with practice they sound fantastic with the bow, just ask Barre Phillips or Joëlle Léandre amoung many others.
That brings up another point: much more than BG double bass tone issues can more often be solved by technique rather than gear.

 

[TroyK]

I'd say put some Spirocores on there and call it good until you hear something that you don't like or like better. I would stick with an all steel string until you have a really compelling reason to do something different and maybe even once you do.

If you're looking for budget strings, which you kind of implied, there are a few cheaper ways to go by a little bit. Check prices on Quinn Violins or one of the other online shops for Supersensitive Red Labels or maybe LaBellas (all steel ones) and decide if the savings is worth it.

Or, look for something in the used string classifieds. There is always stuff in there. I know of some practically new Spirocores for less than retail and I've got a full set of Helicores listed for sale.

Troy

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Only playing pizz is just fine as an artistic choice, if you have any interest in being anywhere near in tune in the forseable future, you should be practicing arco.

Good to know I have a built in excuse for being nowhere near in tune at all times.

To answer the question, I think that spiros would be the best choice. Some like the weichs because they are lower tension, but I'd recommend the Mittels as the most generic pizz string on the planet.

 

[phatbassdood]

thank you all for the advice, if I can justify it (to the wife) i'll look into spirocores. Chris, what are the benefits of mittels over weichs?

 

[damonsmith]

Mr. Fitzgerald:
"Good to know I have a built in excuse for being nowhere near in tune at all times."

-Well it is not an argument between you and I, but pretty much the party line with every great master including Bert Turetzky, Lisle Ellis, Barre Phillips and Joelle Leandre, I have been fortunate enough to study or take a lesson with. That in addition to my own experience makes me feel very comfortable in passing it along as sound advice since I am extremely thankful to the ones who passed it on to me.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Mr. Fitzgerald:
"Good to know I have a built in excuse for being nowhere near in tune at all times."

-Well it is not an argument between you and I, but pretty much the party line with every great master including Bert Turetzky, Lisle Ellis, Barre Phillips and Joelle Leandre, I have been fortunate enough to study or take a lesson with. That in addition to my own experience makes me feel very comfortable in passing it along as sound advice since I am extremely thankful to the ones who passed it on to me.

No problem, I was just goofing.