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Double Bass Spiros solos : 3/4 vs 4/4 (because Perpetuals apparently aren't)

K

Kimchi

Apr 3, 2026
10
7
#1
Hi,
I finally want to change the strings on my bass. It's a mix of Spirocore mittel E, Evah Pirazzi A, Obligato D and Spirocore mittel G that's here since I bought the bass over 10 years ago.
G is a little harsh when played arco, D is fine, A is muddy and rolls a lot, E is fine. However, the tension is too much for me. I have wrist and thumb pain (not from the bass), so I need something easier to play. Also the action is too high (I got it when I studied classical bass), so I'll get a set-up too.

Bass isn't my main instrument, and my bass is a french (Joël Mentec) 105cm carved 3/4, with a big bottom.
I don't play classical anymore, but I still play and practice arco. In band, I play 90% pizz / 10% arco but I want to play a little more lead stuff arco.

After looking for advice for new strings and reading a lot of information here and elsewhere, the Perpetual seems to be the best option for me. However, I'm not rich and the bass is not my main instrument, so I'm afraid durability will be an issue. Several comments point out that they die after a year and a half or so, and I do not want to change strings every year or two. So, back to Spirocores!

After some more reading, I'm considering two option : Solos 3/4, or even lighter solos 4/4. Has anyone compared the two?

A lot of folks seems to be using a 3/4 Weich E string with the solos 3/4, so I'm pondering that too. Is the E solo really too thin?
 
#2
I’m playing Perpetuals on my main bass now, but I like the Spirocore Solos S43 Medium set; and the E is fine on my bass. It’s a little soft for my taste, but it sounds and feels nice enough. I also find the Solos to bow very easily. The Perpetuals are between Spiro Solos (tuned to orchestra) and Weichs, if I read them correctly. I have not tried the other solos, just the 43s.
 
#3
Kimchi said:
...However, I'm not rich and the bass is not my main instrument, so I'm afraid durability will be an issue.
Click to expand...
Have you considered Superflexible solos? I believe they have similar longevity to Spirocores and are less expensive. I have them (E/A/D) on my "jazz bass," and they do well enough arco that I can take that bass to orchestra rehearsal. I use a plain gut string for the G, so for you perhaps Bel Canto, Passione, Flexocor, or Perpetual G?
 
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#4
AGCurry said:
Have you considered Superflexible solos? I believe they have similar longevity to Spirocores and are less expensive. I have them (E/A/D) on my "jazz bass," and they do well enough arco that I can take that bass to orchestra rehearsal. I use a plain gut string for the G, so for you perhaps Bel Canto, Passione, Flexocor, or Perpetual G?
Click to expand...
I second this!
 
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#5
Thanks, those weren't on my radar yet! They seem to be less disscussed now than other alternatives (Obligatos, Perpetuals...), but if they have the durability of the Spirocore and some of the characteristic of the Perpetuals, they would be great for me indeed. As for tension, the SF solos 4/4 seems to be just under the Spiricore Solo 3/4, but not by much.

If I can find strings that I can leave on it for years, I'd be really happy. I think I'll keep the strings of the set for now, and think about changing the G string later if I feel the need too. Does the SF G stands out even more than the Spirocore G ?

I hate guts haha (I also play some gamba). Love the sound and feel, but it's so annoying, fragile and expensive... I understand why you would play on a gut G though.
 
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#8
marcox said:
I've been using Perpetuals on my 70's German laminate for 3+ years and haven't noticed any drop-off in volume/tone.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your feedback, I was left to believe they didn't last that long but didn't found, too many opinions.

Thanks everyone, but now I have even more options : Spiros solos 3/4, Spiros solos 4/4, SF solos, and Perpetuals. I'm not in a hurry, so I will ponder over it, while looking for other advices or comparisons too.
 
#10
Hey there, I was in a similar situation as you with an injury of my left thumb and went down the low tension route as I was experiencing pain in thumb position. I started with temperas hybrids (from spiro weich). They had the feel I was after, low and comfortable tension but unfortunately the didnt work out when played pizz no matter what my luthier tried, arco they were great and I wish they worked for me. I then tried some Spiro 4/4 solos, which felt great but were too soft and caved a bit when digging in (i play 50/50 arco pizz) even though I was trying to play with a lighter touch. I then tried the 3/4 solos which were better but still didn't have the feedback i was after. After all this I have ended up back on the 3/4 weich! The key was working closely with my luthier on a better set up for my needs. I would suggest that maybe that should be you first starting point. I am even considering moving to 3/4 mittels now. I kinda want to stick with spiros as although they're not perfect for all my needs I like more about them then i dislike, and also longevity is a factor as I just want to set and forget…. although that pesky G may get swapped out...
 
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#11
The big thing about Spiros is learning to control them. Sure, a deader string may not bark as much when you hit the open G in a line without adjusting, however, you are just shutting out all the richness and dynamic range you get when you actually are on the string. Better to gain an understanding of the string and what it wants than to find a workaround that ultimately makes you lose out on a lot potential. A Spiro solo G is a beautiful string that sings and will do nearly anything else you might want.
 
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#13
I just put my new used Perpetuals on my bass, and I'm quite surprised.

Left hand : it's easier to play, but I expected more difference. Maybe I'll try solo spiros someday if I need even less tension, but I need a good set-up first, my action is waaaay too high (previous owner only played early music and raised the bridge, it's barely playable in thumb position). The Perpetuals are more flexible though, and that's nice.

Right hand : Pizz: I need to play lighter, but it does sound as good. I just must forget some bad habits I got while playing on old strings with too much tension and high action.

Arco: Wow ! My bass sings. On the G string, I need a slightly heavier bow than with the spiro, but it does sounds nice. Somehow, the vibrato feels easier than on spiro.
For the E, A and D strings, it really is a big improvement, the sound is rich, full and warm. Heck, hearing the pitch is easier !
And the E is louder than my old Spiro, I certainly didn't expect that. Don't know if the Spiro E was just too old (if that's a thing) or if my bass just like a lower tension better.
 
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