Dominants are a great string. Slightly more aggressive.
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Double Bass SPIROCORES ARE SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!
- Thread starter Jason Sypher
- Start date
My take on the Dominants, as someone who has been using them nonstop for about 15 years now: They are more aggressive with the bow, but somehow smoother pizz. How they manage that, I have no idea.
Chris not to derail the spiro thread for long, but last I remember you have both basses with spiro E (one medium and one stark?) and dominants on the top 3 that are pretty old. How old are they currently and any plans to change them?
The Dominants on the hybrid are about 8 years old. On the ply, probably a little younger. The Spiro on the hybrid needs changing because the F has lost its growl. I might change them all this summer, or maybe only the spiro.
They only last this long because my skin is so dry. I’ve had students who can kill a set of spiros in a few months, but even then they still sound pretty good.
They only last this long because my skin is so dry. I’ve had students who can kill a set of spiros in a few months, but even then they still sound pretty good.
My take
I'm the same, hardly sweat at all. My strings last forever. Sorry to hear about your F.
I mentioned this in another thread but I'm getting my bass restrung ans setup later this week and I can't decide if I want to go back to Evahs or give Spiro Mitts another try. It's been at least 5 years since I last used them. My biggest issue with the Spiros is the break in period.
If you've used Evahs before they I think you know the answer. They have a strong sound, but it seems to filter certain frequencies and overtones. That's either to your liking or it isn't. Very popular string for those who like them.
I love the Evah's. My bass is naturally brighter and the darker vibe of the Evahs helps balance it out. My biggest issue with them is lifespan. I feel like they lose their edge after about 9 months or so. Basically, right around the time I think Spiros start sounding good 
I love the Evah's. My bass is naturally brighter and the darker vibe of the Evahs helps balance it out. My biggest issue with them is lifespan. I feel like they lose their edge after about 9 months or so. Basically, right around the time I think Spiros start sounding good
Evahs weren't for me, but I do use Pirastro strings and this is the case with all of them to greater or lesser degrees, compared to Spirocores. Permanents were great for about 2 months, good for about 5 and then toast. Jazzers would hold up for about 14-15 months and probably were okay beyond that, but I was always glad to refresh them. Nothing lasts like Spirocores.
Do you prefer Evahs enough to replace them every year? I am trying to make Spirocores work for me right now, but it's a struggle and I may end up back with Pirastro Perpetuals, which I can't really comment on the lifespan of yet, because I didn't really put them through normal paces in 2020, but fair to say "something shorter than Spirocores."
Have you considered buying some used? I think that's how I got my last few sets. That said, I did purchase some spiro solos and they settled pretty quickly. I had to deal with a few days where I wasn't overjoyed with the sound but that was about it.
I had perps on for about a year. They sounded ok when I took them off but lost some pizz liveliness life at 9 months. Arco sounded good till the end. I just put 3 year old Spiros on and they pizz better than the year old perps and bow much better than I remember, although I have been practicing more.
Pretty much the same for me. However, Perps have their own thing going on. I don't recommend them to @PBandJazzBass if he's trying to decide between Spirocore Mittel and Evah Pirazzis, though. Different kind of string, probably for a different kind of bass.
If my bass could handle S42 Mittels, I'd be using them, but it can't and so far I'm not really getting along with Weichs. I personally didn't care for either the feel or the sound of Evah Pirazzis, but that's just a preference thing.
@TroyK, I tried the Perps but felt the E string was a bit weak and the A was bland (which is usually the opposite of what I encounter on my bass). I may feel okay about changing the Evah's more regularly but @Jason Sypher, I'm not a big fan of buying used sets.
Honestly, I think your choice is pretty easy. If you love Evah Pirazzis and think it's worth it to change them every almost year, then don't look back. If not, Spirocores and forget about it. They are excellent strings and I think that whatever issues we all have with them goes away the further you get from comparing them to the last set of strings you had on there or the next ones that just came out. They break in, your bass adjusts, your hands adjust...it just works out.
I've also been listening to A LOT of Ray Brown lately and, while I know using Spiros obviously won't make me sound like him, I can't help but admire the warm and woody tone he gets with them.
I've been using Helicore Hybrids for the better part of 3 years now (minus the Perpetuals) but I'm ready for something different. At the same time, I'm not as big on trying new strings/experimenting as I used to be.
OK, so here's my thought on this "string dilemma". If you can afford to buy a set of Spiro Mittels, buy them and try them out. If you want to switch strings later, buy another set of your choice and keep the Spiros in your used stash. Unbeknownst to me, I had Spiros in my used stash, put 'em on my recently refurbed Czech flatback and am currently basking in tone heaven. They were originally on my Upton Super Swing that I got in 2008. I'm a happy camper. If anything, it will give you a chance to cleanse your sonic palette and reassess your string choices.
I’m gonna vote Spiro mediums and commit to at least 1.5 years on them. Since you have been using helicores inbetween your Evah use I think jumping to spiros is a good idea. String emporium has the best prices
Thank you for the suggestion @Sam Dingle and, although I've had good experiences with String Emporium as well as other online retailers, I prefer to support my local shop when possible.
