Spirocore 3/4 vs. 4/4 weichs/lights

The 3/4 light (weich) set is slightly thicker and higher tension when compared to the 4/4 light set. As a result the 3/4 set puts out more sound and you can dig in a little more. The upper strings still feel thin compared to the synthetic-core strings I used previously, but not as thin as the 4/4 light set. Two bassists that I know who use this set are @kscbass and @John Goldsby. Perhaps they can weigh in as well.

- Steve

 

I can't really offer a well-researched opinion here. For years, I used Spirocore Mediums (all red wrapping), then Spiros with a Flexicore G string. Then I switched to Spirocore Weich gauge (with the purple top ends). The bass I use these on seems to sing more and sound more open with the Spiro Weich than with the mediums. I've used the 3/4 size because the string length on that bass is about 41.5", and when I tested the 4/4 size, the E string wound into the metal string wrapping. The 3/4 seems to be the right length . . . I didn't notice much difference in sound (of course, this switch was a long time ago).

My other bass is strung with gut strings. Between the Spiros on one bass and the guts on the other, it's sort of a Ying and Yang thing. I like both.

 

My bass is a German carved 1963 Roth (Juzek-ish) 3/4 body size with 42" scale length. I've been using Spiro Weichs 3/4 since I got the bass in 2012. First I tried Spiro Mediums 4/4 and it choked the top big time, very low volume. Had an old spiro weich 3/4 set around so I put them on this bass and it got louder and still punchy, just perfect for this bass. By curiosity tried the spiro weichs 4/4 and they didn't move as much air as the 3/4's, notes on thumb position didn't sing, just sounded whimpy, plink!
On my first Carved bass the spiro weichs 4/4 were perfect, and on an overseas gig with a large 7/8 rental bass the Spiro Mediums 4/4 were perfect. So each bass will react differently to the same set of strings. If you like the spirocore sound you have to find the ideal set for your bass and hands.

 

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Explains why so many of us have extra strings out the ying-yang...

 

You should defiantly get a new set of spiro weich 3/4. They really are a mix between the 2. My other suggestion is to build up strength for the mediums, but life isn't that simple.

 

The 3/4 lights should have less tension than the 4/4 mediums on the same bass. That's certainly been my experience and it's consistent with what what I've read here. I've heard other people talk about strings "loosening up" over time, but I've never experienced it and I actually attribute it to people getting used to new strings over time. There's also the matter of "perceived tension" that has been discussed on other threads. Perhaps the thinner diameter on a string that has more tension than the 4/4 lights makes them seem tighter than the 4/4 mediums which are thicker.

- Steve

 

Pirastro Jazzers?

 

I, personally, do not know from experience. @TroyK would be the one to ask, perhaps?

 

The arco sound will break in. Strangely my prediction they will be easier to bow than the 4/4 mediums, but harder than the 4/4 weich.

 

There ist an .exel somewhere on talkbass. You put your stringlength in and it calculates the resulting Tension for every String you know.

There are some surprises about Spirocore...

 

Dropbox - Talkbass

There you go!

 

Only for strings where the manufacturers published tension data and related string scale length.

 

16fuss, will this do.accound for tension of the string for different scale length?

 

Enter the scale length at the top right and the tension will be calculated for that scale length.

I know that file since I made it ...

 

DoubleMidi is the Hero who did this amazing work!!!


I just got the sheet from him. It was reales helpfull for me, so i shared. @DoubleMIDI ich hoffe das ist ok.

 

Ahh. I just poked around on this and figured it all out. Thanks! Very helpful. Found out my current E and A are around 18 and 17 on my bass (they are the A and D downtuned by a 5th), but I really like them. No wonder I didnt like my prevoius E when they were at 32.5 (Helicore Hybrid Medium E)!

 

It's for everyone. The whole Dropbox-Talkbass folder:
Dropbox - Talkbass