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Double Bass Sonores Gut Strings by Gerold Genssler

#101
Another little review from a Sonores user:

I bought the "ORIGINAL Jazz" strings (by Mr Genssler) last fall, the same kind of strings as a few post above mine, and I've been using them since then.
I made the move to gut strings (Chorda or custom-made) about 8 years ago, but hadn't been entirely happy with those, so I decided to give these strings a try.

The strings were very thin in comparison to my old ones, and I didn't except them to have that much of a sound, but they did!
On a gig, I've actually forgotten to turn the amp on with these strings without noticing it, which I'm not that used to.
(ok, I had some help from the acoustics in that case, but these strings are really loud sounding...)

The sustain is great, and there's an awesome clarity in tone. It's extra noticable with the two bottom strings; the bass really sings, and projects through the other instruments very well (works well even in big bands).

The longevity of the strings seem to be very good. I've used them for about 8 months or so, and they still sound pretty much fresh out of the box, despite me trying my best to clobber them. No buzzing, no string breaking, no problems.

The downside would be the price (roughly 500 euro + postage & taxes), but they do come with a two years warrancy, and so far, they seem to last really well, and could very well pay off in the long run.
I really do recommend them!
 
#103
Will Yager said:
Any chance of reupping those recordings Jeremy?
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Whoops--got stalled on that one. Here they are:

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If I recall, these were most useful heard in comparison with the other gut string recordings I made on the same bass at the same club with the same setup. So I'll dig those up next.
 
#105
Well, I took the plunge!

After talking with Francois Rabbath this spring, I was sold on the Genssler string idea, and Francois said to contact Gerold and ask for the "Rabbath set". After talking with Gerold (via email) several times, he agreed that the Rabbath set would be the best match for me. I received my Rabbath set about a 4 weeks ago, with a low C extension string. They're steel (not sure what metal - they have kind of gold hue to them) and have the most amazing pizz and arco sound I've ever played, with an amazing amount of harmonic content. They are very expensive but have a 2 year guarantee. Rabbath has had the same set on for over 3 years. I hope they last forever. They took about 3-4 weeks to settle in, are fairly thin gauge, and VERY loud.
 
#107
So...follow up question for all of you guys who tried the various types of Gensslers. How do you feel now?

For example Kaspar Vadsholt, you said you couldn't imagine going back to steel. How are you feeling about it these days?

Super-intrigued because this whole discussion slipped right by me and I just learned of these strings today.

Thanks in advance all
Matt
 
#108
I love my Jazz Quint set and will never go back to other strings so long as I can afford Gerolds. The bowability of his "pizz" string is phenomenal.

I will however get a different style for my next bass. I am hoping to get a high quality hybrid later this year to use primarily as an arco instrument that I can travel with and not be heartbroken if the airlines do the inevitable.

The jazz string string bows wonderfully, but the plastic wrap tends to start to burn the left fingers on gliss centered exercises.
 
#109
I really love the 2012 set. Big fat sound for orchestra or ensemble playing. Pizz is huge. Not the sort of thing you'd want to use for playing concertos, but that's none of my concern at this point and even if it were I'm confident he'd have a suitable option for that end!
 
#111
Salty, I'm still very happy about Gerold's strings. In fact, I just installed a new set, his bowable jazz strings, called Helix. They're absolutely phenomenal IMHO. The old strings were going strong after 2 years, but since I'm beginning to practice with the bow a lot (GOTTA learn it now!), I decided to make the change. I'm glad I did. I occasionally play a steel stringed bass, and that has it advantages for sure, namely a bit quicker response and stability of pitch. But there's just a 3D quality to these strings that's very addictive.
 
#117
Earl said:
I asked him for a trial set and he said he used to do that but not anymore.
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Probably because of me, unfortunately. I got two sets of strings at the end of a trial tour and when I tried to send them back to him they kept being refused by German customs. I have no idea what I was doing wrong, I've shipped stuff overseas plenty of times. But I ended up having to keep the strings and pay him a discounted price for them, which was very generous of him but probably not something he wants to go through again.:(
 
#119
TonyD said:
Can you ask Gerold for a trial set, or is that to bold and impolite to ask?
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Jeremy Allen said:
Probably because of me, unfortunately. I got two sets of strings at the end of a trial tour and when I tried to send them back to him they kept being refused by German customs. I have no idea what I was doing wrong, I've shipped stuff overseas plenty of times. But I ended up having to keep the strings and pay him a discounted price for them, which was very generous of him but probably not something he wants to go through again.:(
Click to expand...

Earl said:
His explanation to me did include something about customs problems ;-)
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TonyD, customs should not be the problem for you in the netherlands i think
 

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