Double Bass Solo Tuning

[pwrmax]

Would I be ok tuning up my D'Addario Medium Helicores up a step for solo playing or am I going to have to buy the actual solo strings? I'm sure buying the strings are better but I don't want to spend $100 just for one recital.

My main concern would be breaking the strings, or the body.

 

[davpal]

I doubt you'll break the strings.. you will put additional stress on the neck, top, etc. but I think most basses will handle that, but what about the extra tension you'll have to work against with your hands?

 

[JtheJazzMan]

Dont tune standard tuning strings up a tone. However you may want to try tuning solo strings down a tone when you dont need solo transposition.

Otherwise just learn the piece in orchestral tuning.

 

[Phil Rowan]

+1.. also, keep an eye out on the classifieds section for a set of solo strings.

 

[pwrmax]

How do detuned solo strings sound and play? I mean in terms of brightness, tone, playability, etc.

 

[JtheJazzMan]

Depends on the string. I can only give you 1st hand experience on spirocore solos.

In terms of playability, they are excellent. When tuned down they are low tension and effortless to play, all the way up the FB.

They are very bright. I would imagine most solo strings tuned down are brighter and more focused due to the thinner gauge.

Check out Edicson Ruiz on youtube. He uses spirocore solos in solo tuning and you can hear the tone he gets. Mind you, they are super-steel strings. Very little damping material so you need to play them in for a month or two to mellow them out.

In the end though you just have to try a set. Its very difficult to say what tone you with get with your technique, bass and setup.

 

[rprowse]

I put some dominant solo strings on my bass for a while, a few years ago. I tuned them down to accompany someone and they gave very little resistance - I was playing a walking line and a short pizz. solo. I wouldn't want to play like that again.

 

[Francois Blais]

Solo Permanents are not bad at orchestra pitch.
Well, the fourth string (F#) is maybe too floppy though.

 

[pwrmax]

How would solo strings in standard tuning sound while playing jazz? Sorry for the flood of question, but my only other source of info is my instructor who's strictly an orchestral bassist.

 

[Francois Blais]

How would solo strings in standard tuning sound while playing jazz? Sorry for the flood of question, but my only other source of info is my instructor who's strictly an orchestral bassist.

Same as for arco; depends on the string!
Some would be really floppy, others would be okay.

 

[JtheJazzMan]

How would solo strings in standard tuning sound while playing jazz? Sorry for the flood of question, but my only other source of info is my instructor who's strictly an orchestral bassist.

Sounds like spiro solos are everything youre looking for. Theyre not pricey, and even if you really dont like them I bet you can sell them again here.

Just keep in mind you have to really play them thoroughly for weeks to get them to mellow out. Once they do, theyre reliable and long lasting.

Cant tell any favouritism in my post can you?