Double Bass Sonores Gut Strings by Gerold Genssler

[Gregmak]

John Goldsby provided this link earlier that gives some info on the different strings available:

The 2016 Basso AP strings that have been the major topic of discussion recently are all metal wound, but Gerold also makes sets with plain gut or synthetic wound G and D (B-Roque, J-Roque, and Wrap). The synthetic wound ones supposedly still bow well, but I have never used them myself. In the sound samples in the link above you can hear the J-Roque (all synthetic wound) being bowed.

Gerold himself would probably be the best person to talk to.

Hi Michael, I listened to those recordings. The arco sounds closer to pirastro oilv/eudoxa sound instead of plain gut. That's why I was wondering if anyone has a string that sounds and cuts through like plain gut, but can last a long time. I need to change my plain guts every 4-5 months due to terrible humidity in my country. I will message John and Gerald as well though, thanks!

 

[Jim Dombrowski]

Check out the new Gamut Red Diamonds

 

[Jim Dombrowski]

Gamut is also offering the nylon wrap on their Lyon and/or Pistoy strings

 

[Gregmak]

Gamut is also offering the nylon wrap on their Lyon and/or Pistoy strings

Hey man thanks! I'll check it out. But nylon wrapped strings cannot be bowed. Is that correct?

 

[Jim Dombrowski]

I'm not sure - I'm not really an arco guy. Just passing on some suggestions for you.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Nylon-wrapped gut can be bowed but it's not fun.

 

[damonsmith]

Yeah, you can bow music stands, cardboard, styrofoam, wood, whatever. Every string can be bowed.

 

[Jason Sypher]

I bowed some red diamonds, they weren't bad

 

[ablumley]

@Gregmak - The set of Genssler's synthetic wrapped gut strings that I once tried on a colleague's instrument were very responsive to the bow.

After several years playing different types of different Gamut strings, I ended up ordering a set of Genssler's B-roque strings (5ths tuning) last year. These are probably the best gut strings that I have ever played: very modern feeling in terms of construction and responsiveness, not too floppy despite the low C and they have all the harmonics and coarse texture of traditional gut strings.

 

[Tom west]

I have not been able to get in touch with Gerold. Presuming he is still in business?

 

[Nathan Levine]

Europeans sometimes enjoy longer vacations than others. Perhaps he is taking a well deserved break? I'd try him again in a few weeks if you haven't heard back by then.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

The Berlin eastern school holidays that started ten days ago just ended yesterday.
So be patient for some days, since he might have to work on things that have accumulated during these days.

 

[pipeman]

@Gregmak - The set of Genssler's synthetic wrapped gut strings that I once tried on a colleague's instrument were very responsive to the bow.

After several years playing different types of different Gamut strings, I ended up ordering a set of Genssler's B-roque strings (5ths tuning) last year. These are probably the best gut strings that I have ever played: very modern feeling in terms of construction and responsiveness, not too floppy despite the low C and they have all the harmonics and coarse texture of traditional gut strings.

@Gregmak - The set of Genssler's synthetic wrapped gut strings that I once tried on a colleague's instrument were very responsive to the bow.

After several years playing different types of different Gamut strings, I ended up ordering a set of Genssler's B-roque strings (5ths tuning) last year. These are probably the best gut strings that I have ever played: very modern feeling in terms of construction and responsiveness, not too floppy despite the low C and they have all the harmonics and coarse texture of traditional gut strings.

hi. i myself am interested in the b-roque set. have used both types of gamut and now using chordas because i feel the tension is higher and has a less grainy bow sound. wondering if you could say how this b-roque set compares to the heavy gauge of gamut and the chorda in terms of tension and diameter at least on the D and G string. maybe this is impossible because of the fifths tuning though. thanks.....

 

[ablumley]

hi. i myself am interested in the b-roque set. have used both types of gamut and now using chordas because i feel the tension is higher and has a less grainy bow sound. wondering if you could say how this b-roque set compares to the heavy gauge of gamut and the chorda in terms of tension and diameter at least on the D and G string. maybe this is impossible because of the fifths tuning though. thanks.....

Before switching to Genssler's strings, I used to use Gamut heavy strings in fourths. When I switched strings, Genssler's 5th set fit cleanly in the existing nut/bridge grooves if that gives you some idea about diameter. The overtones and string tensions are different so I don't feel like I can accurately compare them on this front. Genssler's C and G strings are flatwound and the D and A strings are raw gut. They're beautifully made. Under the bow, it is immediately apparent that you're driving the expensive german sportscar of gut strings.

You should start a conversation with Gerold and tell him what you're looking for. He has been very helpful when I've had questions.

 

[pipeman]

thanks a lot for your input. yes i will have to ask gerold for more information on this set. i've used three different sets of his strings before but they were metal and plastic wrapped, and yes they are serious strings.

 

[Tom west]

Just ordered a set of corax. Looking forward to trying them.

 

[Sam Dingle]

Just ordered a set of corax. Looking forward to trying them.

Are the corax those black wound gut strings? I thought he discontinued those.

 

[Tom west]

No he is still making them. Yes they are stabilised gut core

 

[Sam Dingle]

I emailed him and he said he was taking a break from making them. I'll shoot him another email.

 

[Tom west]

Anyone using the wrap strings? Gerold said mr grenadier is using them. Thinking of selling corax and moving over. I need a set with a better arco response.

Corax are the best pizzicato strings I have used so far.