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Double Bass Orchestra Bass String Setup Megathread

#21
Obligato, wasn't crazy about the roll
Spiros were interresting tone wise but stood out too much (I'm the third man out of four) maybe if I'd left them on for a few years? There was also a funny hesitatancy before the note started sometimes. Maybe I'd like like them more now, I'll probably try them again.
Evah pirazzi mediums, after a month I found they were too stiff and I felt it was stifling my bass.
Flexocore deluxe were on for a long time but I wanted a shade darker so I now use flexocore 92 adg and deluxe c extension.

I am resisting the expensive urge to change until these die
 
#28
kinnon64 said:
Original Flatchrome across the board at the moment.

I really want to try unwound guts in the orchestra though, but never had the courage to do it. I noticed recently that Martin Heinze in Berliner Philharmoniker uses unwound guts. That's inspiration to try, though admittedly it is very uncommon
Click to expand...
I have a full unwound set on the way and will let you know what I find. John
 
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#34
Follow up on my mixed set: Upon reviewing the string tension chart on Joey Naeger's site, it dawned on me why my combination of Flexocor 92 G and D, Original Flexocor A, and Permanent low C works so well. Full disclosure, my bass has a 41.5" string length. Anyway, Flexocor 92 tension from G to E for 41.5" scale length are as follows: 64.1, 64.8, 66.7, 64.8. Original Flexocors (also G to E) are as follows: 57.6, 59.5, 70.0, 73.9.

I recently tried on a Flexocor 92 A after having the Original Flexocor on for some time, and it just felt way too soft. This only served to confirm things. The tension from G to E on my mixed set (Flex92 G & D, OG Flex A, Perm C/E) is then 64.1, 64.8, 70.0, 71.3. IMHO, it's almost like the Original Flex A really belongs with the Flexocor 92s. As for the Permanent C/E, I sometimes wonder what it might be like to have a C/E string with slightly more tension, but then again, the tension on the Permanent C/E is such that it still allows it to easily and quickly speak, maintain solid punch and clarity while being quite warm (helps that it's been on over a year now) and big sounding.

Ah, good ol’ stuck-at-home-COVID19-seclusion-string-tension-nerding-out. Anyway, how’s everyone else's sets holding up?
 
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#38
Half the people on this thread have sold me strings at great prices....thanks all!

Kaplan mediums (x4) have been a workhorse for me since they were first introduced. A pleasing and good amount of sound with great playability. I actually like the effect of three different winding materials on the sound. Plus the price: it's a lot of bang for the buck. They never did come out with the 5th string low B they promised but maybe that's just as well.

A lot of the B's I've tried have been flabby and not at all matching the character of the other 4 strings in the sets.

I tried using a Helicore hybrid down low with the Kaplans to get some spirocore-ish edge without the actual buzz saw of the original. Effect was right but thin, not enough sound. Have a Passione on now and kinda liking it. Much thicker tone and for the very first time I'm actually liking the sound of my low B plucked, a proper classical thump! Still wish an eensie bit more edge bowed but then I did get this one used. I suppose low B is always going to be a bit of a work in progress. Of course it would be, it's the most expensive string.

Only thing with D'Addario, when they get old the G string seems to get weird, kind of warbly and hard to find pitch. Had it happen three times now with both Helicore and Kaplan. But maybe I've got a string killing sweat or finger oil thing going.
 
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#39
My new carved bass is bright, and has a 42-3/8" string length.
  1. Jan-Feb/2020: used stock Superflexible S42 G/D/A over Spiro S42 mitt E, was great for jazz pizz, and just OK for arco solo and orchestral. Overall too bright on my bass, and the SF A-string was too wolfy and G was a bit whiney.
  2. July/2020: used stock Bel Canto G/D over Spiro S42 mitt A/E. Great for jazz pizz. A-string just as wolfy as SF A-string. BC's, like everyone else, are kinda boring, but bow real nice and the high harmonics are forgiving.
  3. Since Aug/2020: new set Evah P weich. EP G string is thicker than the BC G, so I had to enlarge my nut and bridge grooves a smidge. This was a pleasant surprise, since I like a thicker G-string anyways. Overall, this set is really punchy and balanced on my bass with the bow, but with COVID, I have not had a chance to try in the section. For arco solo, they sound good to me, but I wonder how they'll project. The high harmonics are a bit finicky though. They also sound great for jazz pizz. My only complaint might be that the E string is a little flabby.
On my old carved bass, over the years, I had EP med&weich, SF, Flexocore Deluxe, Corelli 370TX, Jargar Forte, and Spiro mitts&wiechs, Zyex G/D over Helicore Hybrid med. The Zyex/HH combo lasted a season on my bass, as did the Jargar Forte the next season. The Jargar's have a nice fundamental that seems easy to find pitch center. FD's were a good hybrid string, and bowed well for me, but lacked fullness on my bass. I also had Spiro S42 mitts with an Olive G that was interesting which lasted a season on my bass.

I have an old set of 92's from an even earlier bass of mine that I want to try on my new bass now.
 
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