Double Bass Spirocore Stark- initial thoughts and encouragements

[Lenny Nichols]

Anyone got a used set of Spiro Starks that I could buy, rent, borrow, etc? I'm in Austin, Texas and would like to see how a set works with my bass and hands. I don't really want to buy a new set, only to find out within a week that my bass or hands can't take them. I'd buy a new set if they do work.

L. Nichols

 

[bassfacer22]

I'd let you use mine.. I'm no-where near Texas though sorry..

but I'm not sure what the hype is now about the Starks.. they can put too much stress on instruments and they are dark and heavy thick strings.. that hurt your hand and you can't play fast on..

is there something I'm missing??

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Lower your string heights. I slapped the heck out of Starks for years. It was work, but on that bass they sounded great. Paul Warburton burns on Starks but I'll never have his chops.

 

[bassfacer22]

interesting cat.. really dig that he uses the 5-string.. thank god. ha..

can't seem to find his website if he has one or more videos.. but was totally diggin' his playing and chords stuff..ha

 

[birgebass]

Why does everybody insist on putting the E string around the closest tuner to the nut and stress an E string with the sharp angle over the nut? Upton's in-house basses have the stagger reversed. I've done the extreme, taking a cue from those who have C-extensions: taking the E string up to the top peg.

This is the most illogical tradition that must be changed. There is no reason to stress an E string with the almost perpendicular bend over the nut to the closest tuner.

I've certainly never insisted that this is the only way to string a bass, however, I have always strung my bass like this. I acknowledge what you are saying, and it makes a lot of sense.

I do believe that the reason the string snapped is because of the length of the string, and the angle at which it was wound. Thomastik was nice enough to send me a new e, which I have yet to put on. The tone was amazing, however, I have a crack near what would normally be the d tuning plate, and I'm hesitant to put extra tension near either one of those higher pegs.

 

[JNbass]

Hi all,

I am starting a project of recording the Annibale Mengoli studies, I use the spirocore starks on my Czech 5 string, I love these strings, the low c is huge, it sounds like a pipe organ pedal. You do have to work for it though, they are difficult to make sound easy to play, at first my playing sounded a bit labored with them, it still is a bit, but it is getting easier.




Any and all opinions welcome

 

[MLysh]

The full set of Starks (purchased used, right here on TB) has settled in nicely on my Hawks. The E and A have a great Haden-esque "plummieness" to them, while the D and G speak quickly, clearly, with strong fundamental, no "twang." However, Thomastik should sell these sets with an ice bag and a bottle of ibruprophen.

 

[LouisF]

I love Starks on my Upton Concord, and, as someone mentioned above, practicing arco with Starks really makes you focus. Having said that, after (separate) rehearsals for the Brahms 3 and Dvorak 9, they came off. My left hand just couldn't take it. I wimped out.... The horror.... The horror...
Louis

PS Obligatos are on now, which are warm and full but not floorshaking

 

[Sam Dingle]

Maybe try spiro mediums again?

 

[LouisF]

I don't know why, but I never was a fan of Mittels. I love the solos and use a Weich Ext E with a solo Permanent set. Maybe move to Jargars when the Oblis die, but for now they seem to be a good match. Thanks
Louis

 

[Don Kasper]

I don't know why, but I never was a fan of Mittels. I love the solos and use a Weich Ext E with a solo Permanent set. Maybe move to Jargars when the Oblis die, but for now they seem to be a good match. Thanks
Louis

Louis,

I have a drawer-full of Spiro Mittel C/long E extension strings that are in fine shape - I am a jazz-mostly guy these days, and I like to change strings every 1 -2 years for pizzicato clarity's sake.
If you ever want to try a Spiro Mittel C/long E ext. string, let me know - I'd be happy to send one your way, grati$.
Also - BIG Fan of your performance of "The Double Bass" (as heard on KCRW.) You're probably sick and tired of hearing this...
Thanks.

 

[LouisF]

Don,

That's very kind of you on both counts. See PM
Louis

 

[Selim]

I don't think a full set of Starks would work for my bass, but I've been swapping out my E string for over a month now, looking for the best match to the other 3 (EP Weichs), and I just keep putting the well-worn Spiro Stark E back on that bskts247 was gracious enough to send my way earlier this year.

I haven't found a string yet that gives you those "money notes" the way the Stark does. Sounds great, plays great pizz/arco, and VERY reliable/supportive - here is a string that is not going to crap out on you.

Sounds and plays real well with the EP Weichs, too.

 

[Sam Dingle]

Glad its working for you! Too heavy for my bass.

 

[Dutch Williams]

Anyone got a good pizz clip of the starks ?