Double Bass So Gerold’s cooking up something new...

[WynstonMinckler]

Hervejeanne, I have tried a few different Genssler strings. For the sound you describe, Gerolds J-Roque strings could be perfect. Punchy and Thumpy with clarity. They are quite thick and you arco takes a bit of adjustment. Previously I used Oliv DG with various EAs, Pro, Evah, etc. This is my favorite for this Czech bass.
On another bass I have Genssler Rain Worms. Better Arco, more sustain, still an old school and loud Pizz sound. I would start with the JRs.

Hey Decomposer, how would you describe the difference in tone between the rainworm and J-Roque? I've been emailing a bit with Gerold and waiting for him to update with website with audio samples of the rainworm before pulling the trigger on a set. Thanks!

 

[Decomposer]

The RW are slightly more metallic/brighter. They bow much better! I prefer the JRs for pizz very gut like, loud a bit like Animas. I remember a page with MP3s that had both strings.if it doesn't work for you the are easy to re- sell (at least here in the states).

 

[Sean Riddle]

While it's a bit of a loaded question, but for those that have tried the Tempera Hybrids how do they compare to Velvet Animas (RIP) or to the famous string combo of Spirocore E A D and Oliv G (or maybe D)? While I do quite enjoy the sound the of a full set of Spirocores on my bass and will always have them on standby, after playing with an Oliv G and Spirocores on the bottom for most of last year I'm hooked on that sound and want to get back to it. I've also been always been tempted to try Genssler's strings and thus might want to give Tempera Hybrids a try. I like a punchy attack, but I don't like a dark sound. The forward punch of Animas were great and cut through a band in a different, but good way than Spirocores do. So what are the thoughts on them so far? I'm debating between Spiro E A and Oliv D and G or the Tempera Hybrids.

 

[thomsen_bass]

I have played Spiros in the past and now the Tempera Hybrids. They are not really comparable in most aspects, but only in terms of darkness they could be.
From what you wrote, they could be the perfect match for you. More clear than Olive! And they sound much more natural and (on my bass) louder and punchier than the Spiros.

This is just my personal taste, but I can't stand this howling Spiro sound anymore why do we still call that "modern"?

 

[peteswanson91]

I recently put spiros on my bass after having temperAs on for a bit… had the spiros on for about 3 weeks to acclimate my ear… loved them… kept the tempera g on and loved that… about three days ago I put the temperas back on and they sound amazing… so much richer, so much more depth to them… I'm glad I did the comparison, as they truly are wonderful strings, and am so thrilled with their sound

 

[elmer]

I did the same! I thought Tempera Bassos were maybe too soft and quiet on my bass, so I put Spiro W EA and Perpetual stark DG on. They were nice and ok but I missed the rich warmness and dynamics of Temperas in a string orchestra. I put the Temperas back and they do sound great and at least as loud as the steels I had to try the change to really notice the differences.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Anyone still on the waiting list? (Im about 3 months in)

 

[Simon lob]

I received a newsletter with the news that apparently some internal changes are being made at Tempera so that waiting times will be shorter in the future.
I must say, however, that I have now received the hybrids quite quickly. Apparently the waiting time is very long especially for the orchestra strings.

The hybrids are much better than expected, by the way. I had actually bought them only for my second bass on which I play just very different stuff. In the meantime they are installed on my main bass and do a fantastic job.

 

[thomsen_bass]

haha, you didn't expect much? ... well I get what you mean, they are surprising. I would call it a game changer. Never go back to industrial made strings, no thanks.

 

[Simon lob]

I just didn't expect these strings to be so awesome for both use cases. I tried them in symphony orchestra and have absolutely nothing to criticize. Super clear, loud and above all resonant!

 

[LaFaro01]

27433629[/URL], member: 391203"]I just didn't expect these strings to be so awesome for both use cases. I tried them in symphony orchestra and have absolutely nothing to criticize. Super clear, loud and above all resonant!

But ist might depend also "a little bit" on the instrument… I compared the Hybrids to my "normal" Tempera Arco strings.. and found them very fine… but for me there was no reason to change, because the arco-sound of the Temperas is without andy doubts and I like also the more "old-fashioned" pizz-sound compared to the Perpetuals on my other instrument and differences for my ears weren't sooooo big…

 

[Simon lob]

to the Perpetuals?? oh I think they are two different worlds. at least on my instrument, absolutely incomparable!

 

[LaFaro01]

No.. As said before..I compared the Hybrids to "normal" Arco Temperas, which I use for some time now... the Perpetuals on my other bass are quite an "sound alternative"...

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Has anyone played both Tempera "Basso" and "Hybrid" sets? any differences in tone/feel for pizz?

 

[mathbassman]

Yes, I have. Let's just say if I didn't know the Basso existed, I would use the Hybrid for everything. Totally usable for classical orchestral playing. But the Basso has a bit more spark, more clarity, a bit more volume (with the bow) and more modulation possibilities. In direct comparison, the Hybrid may sound a bit friendlier and the Bassos are more biting (in a good way) and you can really hear into the crystal clear tone.
For pizzicato, of course, the Hybrid is better, more punch, more woody and precise.
I hope that helps!

 

[koricancowboy]

I have been trying to nail down all of the Genssler choices. It's hard to understand all of the offerings. Tempera and Sonores have their own pages though the Sonores page doesn't have much to say. For folks using these, what string do you use if you are truly a 50/50 player?

I play free improv, modern jazz, orchestral, chamber music, sometimes Baroque music, and folk music. I guess it seems Gerold consults with you on this, correct? It's all a little confusing at the moment.

I have had the chance to hear and play on them on two very different instruments. Both Sonores. They sound and feel amazing. Coming from tired mittels hands they were a breath of fresh air. I felt like a kid again. Hahaha. Incidentally, both players have dropped using an amp as a result of restringing.

 

[LaFaro01]

I have been trying to nail down all of the Genssler choices. It's hard to understand all of the offerings. Tempera and Sonores have their own pages though the Sonores page doesn't have much to say. For folks using these, what string do you use if you are truly a 50/50 player?

I play free improv, modern jazz, orchestral, chamber music, sometimes Baroque music, and folk music. I guess it seems Gerold consults with you on this, correct? It's all a little confusing at the moment.

I have had the chance to hear and play on them on two very different instruments. Both Sonores. They sound and feel amazing. Coming from tired mittels hands they were a breath of fresh air. I felt like a kid again. Hahaha. Incidentally, both players have dropped using an amp as a result of restringing.

I use the "classic" Temperas for my "orchestra" bass, but for my ears they also sound great played pizzicato... if you like a more "classic" old-fashioned pizz sound.. for the other bass I think I will go for the Sonores Helix, which is in ms opinion "the real Hybrid string". Gerold is currently in the process of making new Helix and a set of them is reserved for me... hopefully .. If I read your description, I would go also for the Helix... but to be sure the best way is to communicate with Gerold... he had quite a bit to do with Covid, but now he seems to be doing better again....

 

[koricancowboy]

I use the "classic" Temperas for my "orchestra" bass, but for my ears they also sound great played pizzicato... if you like a more "classic" old-fashioned pizz sound.. for the other bass I think I will go for the Sonores Helix, which is in ms opinion "the real Hybrid string". Gerold is currently in the process of making new Helix and a set of them is reserved for me... hopefully .. If I read your description, I would go also for the Helix... but to be sure the best way is to communicate with Gerold... he had quite a bit to do with Covid, but now he seems to be doing better again....

Thanks! I've reached out him and am waiting to hear back. Hopefully I can get them before I expire.

 

[groooooove]

I have been trying to nail down all of the Genssler choices. It's hard to understand all of the offerings. Tempera and Sonores have their own pages though the Sonores page doesn't have much to say. For folks using these, what string do you use if you are truly a 50/50 player?

I play free improv, modern jazz, orchestral, chamber music, sometimes Baroque music, and folk music. I guess it seems Gerold consults with you on this, correct? It's all a little confusing at the moment.

I have had the chance to hear and play on them on two very different instruments. Both Sonores. They sound and feel amazing. Coming from tired mittels hands they were a breath of fresh air. I felt like a kid again. Hahaha. Incidentally, both players have dropped using an amp as a result of restringing.

i am truly a 50/50 player.

i'm bowing all day at work (orchestra teacher) and playing jazz the rest of the time.

I got a used (excellent condition) set of tempera hybrids. since then, twice i thought to switch back to my old sets - once to evah, once to spiro weich.

both times, i switched right back to tempera hybrid in less than 24 hours.

they are a true, real, hybrid string. the jazz sound is woody, rich and vibrant, but with appropriate attack and sustain. the arco sound is similarly rich, very open and free/gut like.

i really believe you could re-package the tempera hybrids twice - once as an "arco only" set and once as a "jazz string." both communities would try it and love it

i'd love to know what the sonores "true hybrid" string is and how it compares. When i get an extension made for my bass i'd like to order a full set of strings, and the temperas i'll switch to my backup bass. whether it's another set of tempera hybrid or a sonores set i have no idea.

nonetheless, these strings are remarkable. i am so happy i found them.

 

[koricancowboy]

i am truly a 50/50 player.

i'm bowing all day at work (orchestra teacher) and playing jazz the rest of the time.

I got a used (excellent condition) set of tempera hybrids. since then, twice i thought to switch back to my old sets - once to evah, once to spiro weich.

both times, i switched right back to tempera hybrid in less than 24 hours.

they are a true, real, hybrid string. the jazz sound is woody, rich and vibrant, but with appropriate attack and sustain. the arco sound is similarly rich, very open and free/gut like.

i really believe you could re-package the tempera hybrids twice - once as an "arco only" set and once as a "jazz string." both communities would try it and love it

i'd love to know what the sonores "true hybrid" string is and how it compares. When i get an extension made for my bass i'd like to order a full set of strings, and the temperas i'll switch to my backup bass. whether it's another set of tempera hybrid or a sonores set i have no idea.

nonetheless, these strings are remarkable. i am so happy i found them.

Wow! What an endorsement. I'm also an orchestra teacher. I'm in the same boat as you. I also teach jazz band and combos so I do 50/50 there then play music that asks me to bow as much as play pizz. I'm intrigued. I saw there was a set for sale here and as soon as I was going to pick them up…gone! I'm salivating at the chance to get my hands on these I hope Gerold gets back to me soon