Double Bass Spirocore Solo

[FritzM]

Hi,
Can some you give me your experiences with Spiro Solos tuned down? I did it once about 2 years ago, but I can't remember them very well.
I play 50/50 pizz and arco in a kind of a delicate duo with a classical guitar. Volume should not be an issue. Every time I listen to Renaud Garcia-Fons, I get that urge to try them. I've been using HH lights for the last year or so and I think its time for a change. I've narrowed it down to Spiro solos or EP weichs. Yes I realize they are very different. Also, I have had a really hard time getting an E that I like for arco. I am in TP in a lot of my playing, so I want something that will not hurt me. I have had some hand problems. Oh, I play Jazz mostly, with some solo pieces.
thanks

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I think Renaud plays 3/4 Spiros that have more tension on the same scale than the US mostly sold 4/4 Spiros when used on the same scale.

Stretchier strings like the Evahs are easier in TP, but don't shine as nicely up there as Spiros. Personally I prefer Innovation Braided over Evah Weich, but the difference is not large. Easy to bow, but might not be the ideal string for classical solo stuff up the fingerboard. But the same with Evah Weich.
What about downtuned Dominant Solos, might get a bit of both of them if they don't break.

 

[FritzM]

I think you may be right about Renaud, I can remember the 4/4 Spiro Solos just sounding wimpy and dull. Do the dominants sound ok for pizz?

 

[LouisF]

I started with Spiro solos tuned down, but I thought they were, indeed, wimpy. I can't comment on solo Dominants for pizz, but for bowing they a great tuned down, as are Kaplan solos....

Now, in the don't laugh department, I have Sensicore solos tuned down on my Upton Concord and they are great tuned downed -- except for the G string which is too thin, but I use a regular Sensicore there.

There are a lot more options now for solos tuned down than there used to be.
Louis

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Now, in the don't laugh department, I have Sensicore solos tuned down on my Upton Concord and they are great tuned downed -- except for the G string which is too thin, but I use a regular Sensicore there.

And I suppose they don't need to be pressed down with your finger, just looking at them bring them down on the fingerboard.
And if you take your bass to the garden it would make a nice wind harp.

I don't think you can bow them louder than p.

 

[LouisF]

I used that bass with set up for concerts with Brahms 3, Schumann 4, Dvorak New World and this week at Disney Hall. Definitely not a wind harp and plenty more than piano in the gas tank.

 

[damonsmith]

I pull a big pizz sound with Spiro solos, it you have a solid technique and practice a lot it is no problem. I can get a bigger sound with reds or weichs but the clarity and wider range of arco color make up for it. I play about 75% arco, so for now they are my strings.
I hear player with reds and get jealous sometimes.
A younger stronger me with no amp and reds:

More recent:

 

[KUBA]

Hi everybody! I'm new here. Would you say Spiro solos tuned EADG are darker than Velvet Blues?

 

[Jonas Nilsson]

I pull a big pizz sound with Spiro solos, it you have a solid technique and practice a lot it is no problem. I can get a bigger sound with reds or weichs but the clarity and wider range of arco color make up for it. I play about 75% arco, so for now they are my strings.
I hear player with reds and get jealous sometimes.
A younger stronger me with no amp and reds:

More recent:

Is the later one with Spiro solos?

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Reds means Spiro Mittel (silks are all red).

 

[HateyMcAmp]

Hi everybody! I'm new here. Would you say Spiro solos tuned EADG are darker than Velvet Blues?

I’m late on this, but I would say that blues are considerably brighter on my bass, although the two sets feel pretty similar tension wise.

 

[Jonas Nilsson]

Reds means Spiro Mittel (silks are all red).

I just thought since the thread is about solos, he says he’s playing solos atm and the later is “more recent” - it felt reasonable that it could be a Spiro solo example!

 

[damonsmith]

Is the later one with Spiro solos?

Yes!

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Hi everybody! I'm new here. Would you say Spiro solos tuned EADG are darker than Velvet Blues?

Yes

 

[Matt Ides]

Blues don't bow at all. I loved them for pizz but have stuck with spiro weichs.

 

[Reiska]

Hi, Evah weichs are considerably higher tension than Spiro solos, think medium tension to very relaxed tension.

 

[Jonas Nilsson]

I was recommended FCS (flat chromesteel's) in a different thread as a similar option to spiros but a bit more arco-friendly. How would their solo-set compared to the spirocore solo-set in orchestral tuning for the above mentioned purpose of 50/50 pizz/arco. Would it be worth the extra money?

 

[Francois Blais]

I have replied the same question in the FCS thread.

 

[damonsmith]

I just thought since the thread is about solos, he says he’s playing solos atm and the later is “more recent” - it felt reasonable that it could be a Spiro solo example!

Unless they are talking about blending in a section, anyone who says Spiros are not "arco friendly" is just admitting they don't practice. Spiros + practice are the best arco string out there, especially the solos.