• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Spirocores... dammit

#121
PBandJazzBass said:
...despite what my therapist and luthier might say, I’m actually getting tired of experimenting with strings.
Click to expand...

I don't know if you're referring to one professional or two, but I think I know that guy!

Spirocores are the string when you get to this point. For me, I had to get the gauge right for my bass, setup and then commit.

A friend who has been playing for a decade or so longer than me just committed to Spirocores for the first time and the right gauge for his bass was different than on mine, but his bass plays and sounds great. Knowing him, they may never come off of that bass.
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Francois Blais, PBandJazzBass and Chris Fitzgerald
#124
Ended up going with the 4/4 Solos. Of all the Spiro variants I’ve tried, these sound the best fresh out of the pack, at least on my bass. Darker/warmer. Not as much mwah or growl, which I actually prefer. Played a gig only a few hours after putting them on and they were pretty stable tuning wise (I’m assuming they didn’t need to stretch as much since I wasn’t bringing them up to solo pitch). Actually raised my action, which is a rarity for me, so I could get more meat in the string.

Liking them so far. Playing gigs over the next few weeks will probably tell me for sure!
 
  • Like
Reactions: what the pluck and sean_on_bass
#127
PBandJazzBass said:
Ended up going with the 4/4 Solos. Of all the Spiro variants I’ve tried, these sound the best fresh out of the pack, at least on my bass. Darker/warmer. Not as much mwah or growl, which I actually prefer. Played a gig only a few hours after putting them on and they were pretty stable tuning wise (I’m assuming they didn’t need to stretch as much since I wasn’t bringing them up to solo pitch). Actually raised my action, which is a rarity for me, so I could get more meat in the string.

Liking them so far. Playing gigs over the next few weeks will probably tell me for sure!
Click to expand...

Been loving my set for the past couple years. They really didn't speak on my laminate bass, but on my hybrid they are nearly perfect. They are more "resonant" on my bass compared to the higher tension Spiro sets.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PBandJazzBass
#128
I have a set of the Spiro solos in my string drawer. I've had Zyex lights on for a while and like those but miss some of the clarity I get from steel strings. Has anyone used both? I like the soft feel and the thick sound of the Zyex and I'm worried that the spiros are going to sound thin in comparison.
 
#129
basss said:
I have a set of the Spiro solos in my string drawer. I've had Zyex lights on for a while and like those but miss some of the clarity I get from steel strings. Has anyone used both? I like the soft feel and the thick sound of the Zyex and I'm worried that the spiros are going to sound thin in comparison.
Click to expand...
Every bass reacts to Spirocores differently. For some, they're feel thin and sound wiry. On others, they don't.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lrhbass
#131
I have… caveat, I’m not a fan of synthetic core strings.
On my bass they were both plenty robust sounding. I kinda dug the grittier vibe of the Zyex but the Spiro solos were more what I was hearing in my head. A little more versatile for how I play.
Keep in mind I currently have Perpetuals on and regularly cycle in plain gut for the D & G.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: PBandJazzBass and basss
#133
PBandJazzBass said:
The detuned Spiro Solos (4/4 in my case) are the least “Spirocore sounding” Spirocores I’ve tried, if that makes sense. And I mean that in a good way. Much warmer and woody sounding on my bass.
Click to expand...

I found that to be true as well. I think the longer string length tuned well below it's designed pitch has a kind of magic vibe.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Earl, basss and PBandJazzBass
#135
Well after a not so sleepless night of mental handwringing over whether to stick with Zyex lights or try the Spiro solos I've decided to give Zyex another year and ordered a set from Gollihur. I had Superflex solos on before the Zyex and was looking back at my posts when I made the switch to remind myself of what I liked more about the Zyex. The Sprios would probably sound prettier but the Zyex will be louder and more functional on the jazz gigs I do.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: TroyK
#136
I put an old set of 3885w A D G on my 42" bass combined with a mittel E a few days ago. I'm liking the combo so far but after detuning the strings a small amount I think I'd like to try the S42w to bring the tension down a bit more. Is the difference between those strings noticeable at 42" or would I be better off going to solos tuned down? I'm somewhat iffy about trying solos as my bass is exceptionally dark sounding already.

I've been playing S42 mittels for a year on this bass and while they sound great they're pretty hard on my hands, especially in thumb position. I'm looking for something a little more nimble feeling. My gigs are always amplified so losing a little acoustic volume isn't a huge concern.
 
#137
S42s will be a bit softer but similar feel, solos will feel much different and and will require some adjustments to technique. I've only used the SF solos, not spiros, but supposedly they are similar tension
 
  • Like
Reactions: ole Jason
#140
ole Jason said:
I put an old set of 3885w A D G on my 42" bass combined with a mittel E a few days ago. I'm liking the combo so far but after detuning the strings a small amount I think I'd like to try the S42w to bring the tension down a bit more. Is the difference between those strings noticeable at 42" or would I be better off going to solos tuned down? I'm somewhat iffy about trying solos as my bass is exceptionally dark sounding already.

I've been playing S42 mittels for a year on this bass and while they sound great they're pretty hard on my hands, especially in thumb position. I'm looking for something a little more nimble feeling. My gigs are always amplified so losing a little acoustic volume isn't a huge concern.
Click to expand...
You could try the S42 W on G D A and add 385 W on the E. A combination, I am using on one of mine. This gives you some relief but with some of the power with the bigger E.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Selim and ole Jason

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back