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Double Bass Please offer thoughts on my string choice

L

larry

Apr 11, 2004
815
46
Los Angeles
#1
Hi,

I have been reading the string threads for a couple hours now, and I'm looking for advice:

I am currently using Obligatos on my E.H. Roth hybrid. I have a NS hybrid LaScala due to arrive in June, and I'm looking for something different in strings. I'm a jazzer, but I work on my arco chops and don't want to sacrifice too much sound there. I'm looking for a more gut-like sound than the Obligatos, with good volume and strong fundamental.

I was thinking about this:

G-Oliv

D-Oliv, Dominant or Obligato?

A-Dominant or Obligato?

E-Dominant or Stark?

I'll be talking to Arnold and Wil as well, Since I have not played Olivs or Domiants, I just thought I'd see if anyone was willing to offer their experience on how these might match up.

Thanks.
 
#2
Velvet Animas. They swing like hell, and they are very good for bowing. A lot of baroque orchestra players use them. I see that others in the string threads are not as enthusiastic as me, but there ya go. I believe them to be very well made, too. I had set of Velvet Garbos for two years, and loved them. The only reason I switched was for the bowing aspect, but now that I have them, I like them more. They are very precise pitch-wise, and have great volume. If you do try them, I think the best price is from Quinn Violins. They take a good three weeks to sound good, so be patient.
 
#3
You know my thoughts on the Dominants - I'm using the G, D, and A, and I like them very much. My teacher came by the house today and played them arco, and liked them quite a bit - enough to tell me that he was going to order a set when he got home and see how he felt about them on his bass. I have no experience with the Oliv, so I'll say nothing. The Obligatos sound great to me when I'm alone, but completely "wussy" when playing with others...but then I dislike floppy strings. The Dominants cut through even better than the Starks, and are easier on the fingers. HTH!

Edit: I'm still using the Stark E, and have yet to see anything that can touch it for my taste. I've ordered a Dominant E just for the hell of it, and will let you know when I get to try it. Good luck!
 
#4
dex68 said:
Velvet Animas. They swing like hell, and they are very good for bowing. A lot of baroque orchestra players use them. I see that others in the string threads are not as enthusiastic as me, but there ya go. I believe them to be very well made, too. I had set of Velvet Garbos for two years, and loved them. The only reason I switched was for the bowing aspect, but now that I have them, I like them more. They are very precise pitch-wise, and have great volume. If you do try them, I think the best price is from Quinn Violins. They take a good three weeks to sound good, so be patient.
Click to expand...

How long do these strings last?
 
#5
larry said:
How long do these strings last?
Click to expand...


My two year old Garbos are still fine. For a while I thought they were wearing out, but them the sound post got adjusted, and boom! they were back with avengence. They're sitting in cold storage until I want that sound again. The Animas have only been on a month now. Anyway, you'll never know till you try 'em. If you hate them, I'm sure you can sell them to someone who doesn't.
 

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