Double Bass Plain Gut A,D & G ?

[ERIC A]

I am currently using a Larson plain A and Lenzner D & G gut strings. I was wondering if someone could suggest a good match for the E string, other than a plain or wrapped E. I am not looking for a dead E. I would like something with good definition, and some sustain, but I don't want a huge contrast. The plain guts are working for me now because I am dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis and Bursitis. They are definitely easier on the hands. So, doing a 4 hour gig is not really causing me any problems. Though I am not sure that they are working that well on tunes like "Dolphin Dance" .

 

[ctxbass]

You might try a Thomastik Superflexible solo F# tuned down to an E. The tension and tone should be a pretty good match with the guts. A friend of mine was struggling with tendonitis and was playing Superflexible solos for G,D, and A.

Amazingly enough he used a Superflexible orchestra A for his E string. Very low tension and not much volume on that string, but at least he was able to continue playing.

 

[Freddels]

The Anima E would probably match. Maybe even the Garbo (but I haven't tried that yet).

 

[Chris Rhoades]

I use a Rotosound E with my Plain gut set as of now. It is very dark and sound is similar.

 

[simpleybass]

You might consider an Innovation Super Silver.

I'm playing pure gut D&G Labella 980, and Super Silvers on E&A.

They match incredibly well. Tension and sound.

The E is nice.