• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Orchestral String choices...

#41
I play in an university orchestra, but I like to play pizzicato and the tone of a string matters to me here also. I have a cheap Eastman bass that broke because I don't know why, maybe it was still green. It's fixed. I have a cheap carbon fiber bow, I don't even know it's name - I call her several things (rosin... I have several). But I play mostly arco, and I just don't scrimp on strings. So...

I have to mention Superflexible to all here, by Thomastik-Infeld; it's what I'm using now. I cannot say I am as set as Ken Smith with my strings, but they are worth trying if you like Flexocors. They sound warm, mellow, and most of all deep, but not tight. I have been looking for something friendly to my left hand for a while - which Flexocors are good for - only to find a deep sounding string in Superflexible.

I have tried Helicore Orch. Med., Flexocor, and Original Flexocor - so now you know how inexperienced I am. I've been playing 6 years. I guess it depends on what you like, because I have tried Spirocore briefly on someone's instrument, and am also intrigued by others which have a sort of spotted reputation for arco - such as Obligato. A low tension, synthetic string? Some seem to like them, others say they won't bow? I wish I knew them before I bought them! Seems like pirastro intended them to be bowable... scale of 1 - 10, be honest, how would they score?

Are Obligato strings popular with violin, viola, and cello? Also, are Chromcor strings solid cores, or rope cores?

I would recommend the heavy Helicores to someone who's looking for a bass-heavy sound, had I experience with them. The mediums had a nice harmony, with a supportive E - so I only am assuming the Heavy set would have the same harmony only stepped up in low-power...

If you are one who likes a strong-ass bass sound, then maybe Superflexibles with a different E, or E&A, would be something. And oh yeah, if you try these strings, they will sound somewhat bright at first. It's normal, with most strings it's like this. Not only will they mellow out, but the whole tone will conform to your instrument's own voice. (The set reminds me a lot like Flexocor in medium tone and feel).

I'll probably try Jargar or Ep next... I can't say now. It's mind boggling...
 
#43
KSB - Ken Smith said:
Stark just means heavy. It is the heavy gauge 92s that I am referring to. These have nothing to do with Thomastik.
Click to expand...

Ken,

Thanks for the recommendation and the help. I ordered a set of Flex 92s and strung them up. They settled in quickly. There is a noticeable difference in the tone: the 92s are not as dark as the Original Flexocors, but there's much less tension in the bass, and the sound is a little less 'choked'. They bow pretty well, too. I'm a 100% orchestral player, so I'm not that worried about the pizz tone, but while not outstanding, it's such that it would blend perfectly in with my section.

For my bass, the Stark E doesn't seem to be necessary - the low notes don't seem to be too floppy or limp.
 
#48
eggman100 said:
Which exactly, are the Flexocor 92's? I'm familiar with the Originals and just Flexocore w/ the maroon ends.
thanks..
chris
Click to expand...

The 92s would be the 'just' Flexocors (maroon). The no longer use 92s but most people remember them as such. They are the closest in my mind to the 'actual' original Flexocors from 20-30 years ago.
 
#50
Calvin Marks said:
Ken, just tried an Italian Montagnana 1756 strung with all Eudoxa's...sounded like an organ.
Click to expand...

I think a Bass like that would sound like an Organ with guitar strings on it as well.. lol

Oh, and an 'Italian' Montagnana? Are there other kinds of Montagnanas that are not Italian? :confused:


Also, I just switched some strings around once again between two of my Basses with what I think are good results.

My Gilkes had reg. Flex 92s but an old Eudoxa Steel E/C.
My Batchelder had Orig. Flexs but with a Perm E.

I switched the G, D and As between the two Basses and the Gilkes with the old Eudoxa Steel E/C now matches better in tone with the Orig. Flex's that it did with the 92s.

The Batchelder also feels and sounds better with the 92s and the Perm. E. Perhaps the Orig's we too heavy on that Bass. The Gilkes' Top is a tank and no tension difference really noted, just a tonal difference except the G is not as smooth.

I have the same Orig Flex/Perm E on my Bohemian Bass as well but that's an old set. They seem fairly smooth so perhaps the Orig's just need time to mellow out on top. Is this normal for that set?
 
#51
#52

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back