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Double Bass Pizz strings for dark bass (coming from Evan weichs)

C

conner5833

Jul 24, 2010
75
108
New York City
#1
hello all,

I apologize if this question is a repetition, I couldn't find one quite like it, though. I'm looking for a different sound from my bass than the one I've had for the last few years. I've been using Evah Pirazzi Weichs, but after being away and spending some time with a borrowed bass (which was naturally loud and had a lot of growly sustain), my bass sounds very dark and thumpy to me.

So I'm looking for a brighter string, but I do like the lower tension of the Evah weichs. I read somewhere than people use Spirocore Solo strings tuned down to orchestra pitch as a solution to such a problem: can anyone speak to that?

I'm basically looking for string recommendations; I play a lot of arco as well as jazz, but the idea of bowing Spirocore doesn't sound terrible to me, because I do a lot of extended technique related stuff and need the harmonics/high overtones to come through strongly.

Thanks so much,
Conner
 
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#2
I have played Evah Weich on and off for a few years now. I think you should try spirocores. I went for a heaver style string (spirocore mediums) but if I wanted something the same tension I would use the 3/4 weich. NOT the 4/4 weich strings. Its my belief that the 4/4 weich strings on the same bass will be slightly less tension than evah weich.

I don't recommend the solo strings tuned down as that would be super low tension and thats not what you're looking for. get the 3/4 set here:

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you want to order the 3885.0 Light/Weich strings which is the 2nd option from the top. I only decided to give you the upton website because thats the only place i know that distinguishes between the 3/4 size and 4/4 size. If the info between 3/4 and 4/4 size strings confuses you, talk to @DoubleMIDI
 
#4
Not that bright, but if you liked the growly sustain on the borrowed bass, the Zyex lights might be worth considering. (I got some set up issues when moving from Evah medium, though; they seemed too light for my string and fingerboard setup).
 
#7
conner5833 said:
Thanks for the replies! Anyone have any experience with the LaBella 7720s (either light or medium)? Are they in the same range?

I've seen a lot of mixed reviews, but generally it seems like they work well for very dark basses (which mine is).
Click to expand...
Others can better chime in, but the basics gist I can get from what I've read about them is that they are bright strings.
Miroslav Vitous, Harvie S, and I think Stanley Clarke use the LaBella's. Might be worth a shot to try, but guarantee the Spiro's will get you what you exactly need. I haven't used Spiro's on my bass in a while (mainly because it's really bright so I use Velvet Anima's to remedy that) but when I did and when I play other bass's with Spiro's, it is much easier to access the upper partials with Spiro's. Mark Dresser uses Spiro's, but then again he has the giffus to help amplify the upper partials.
 
#10
conner5833 said:
hello all,

I apologize if this question is a repetition, I couldn't find one quite like it, though. I'm looking for a different sound from my bass than the one I've had for the last few years. I've been using Evah Pirazzi Weichs, but after being away and spending some time with a borrowed bass (which was naturally loud and had a lot of growly sustain), my bass sounds very dark and thumpy to me.

So I'm looking for a brighter string, but I do like the lower tension of the Evah weichs. I read somewhere than people use Spirocore Solo strings tuned down to orchestra pitch as a solution to such a problem: can anyone speak to that?

I'm basically looking for string recommendations; I play a lot of arco as well as jazz, but the idea of bowing Spirocore doesn't sound terrible to me, because I do a lot of extended technique related stuff and need the harmonics/high overtones to come through strongly.

Thanks so much,
Conner
Click to expand...

I just swapped my Spiro Mittels for Spiro Solos tuned down to orchestra pitch to reduce the string tension on my Upton Standard laminated and am quite pleased with the results. The bass seemed to "come out of its shell" a bit, with a nice big "rubbery" sound. No real decrease in volume that I can tell. Also, lower string tension means I can set the action a bit higher, which probably increases the acoustic sound somewhat.

I was able to get a used set for nothing, and cleaned the strings very well with Xylol (Xylene) before putting them on the bass. I couldn't believe the amount of black gunk (not visible to the naked eye) that came off the strings, which made them sound like new! You might want to try this cleaner on your old strings to restore the life to them. However, you should really take the strings off the bass to do it, as I'm sure a drop of this on your bass' finish would not be pretty. Also, you'll want to do this in a well-ventilated area, as Xylol has a strong odor which hangs around for a while. My wife makes me do it outdoors!
 

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