Double Bass Stagg EDB 34

[Rankin]

This is an FYI for anybody thinking about one of these instruments. I researched them before I bought mine - I read about the issues some have had, but I've had none of them. I changed the stock strings to a set of Corelli's and have been totally happy. Not the same as my real upright, of course, but for trudging long distances and setting up in tight spots it's great. I run mine through a SansAmp, then to the amplifier du jour. Here's a link to a video from a live gig, if anybody wants to listen. This was the SansAmp to a Bose "Toob" and also into a Line 6 Studio 110.

 

[Klelewon]

That sounds very good!

 

[basstinker]

Really it sounds very good. Have you been useing other brand of strings on Stagg edb 3/4, and what kind of corelli you've used axactly ?

 

[Rankin]

Really it sounds very good. Have you been useing other brand of strings on Stagg edb 3/4, and what kind of corelli you've used axactly ?

Thanks! No, just the Corellis, light gauge.

 

[Francois Blais]

There are no light gauge Corellis.
They are available in two series:
370 (Tungsten) in three gauges: M, F and TX
380 (Nickel) in two gauges: M and TX

 

[basstinker]

There are no light gauge Corellis.
They are available in two series:
370 (Tungsten) in three gauges: M, F and TX
380 (Nickel) in two gauges: M and TX

Francois what do You think about Corelli 370F on Stagg EDB for pizzicato mostly playing ??

 

[Francois Blais]

I've never played a Stagg, but I use a set of 370F on my Carruthers EUB.
These are great strings!
Bright at first, they settle in after a few weeks.

 

[basstinker]

I've never played a Stagg, but I use a set of 370F on my Carruthers EUB.
These are great strings!
Bright at first, they settle in after a few weeks.

Dear Francois
Do they sound nice for pizzicato ? How they compare to spirocores, have they got eny growl ? What about longevity of this strings ?

 

[Francois Blais]

I play pizz only.
Sounding nice is pretty subjective, but yes, their sound is in the same ballpark as Spirocores.
Clear, growly, but less volume than Spiros.
As for longevity, nothing beats Spirocores, but I must admit I never used up a single set of strings to its end-of-life.
In almost 40 years of laying, I got several full boxes of strings I'm trying and putting aside.
But that said, you can expect a few years from them, depending how bright you like your strings...

 

[basstinker]

Francois thank you for this description, corellis here in Europe are little cheaper than spiros, though not so much. so now its a metter of tone. As for me which tone is better for jazz pizzicato and warm growl.

 

[Francois Blais]

If the price is not much an issue, than maybe you should get Spiros, as they'll last much longer, so they're a better investment.
As for tone, Spiros growl more than Corellis.
I'm not a fan of Spiros for that reason.
Tension-wise, solo-gauge Spiros would probably be nearer Corellis than Weichs or Mittels.

 

[basstinker]

I've tried to find any representative demos of corellis double bass strings on Youtube, but could not find any. Have You ever met such videos or sound clips showing Corellis tone and playability ??

 

[Francois Blais]

There are many samples here, but no Corelli, sorry!
Invalid Link Removed

 

[DoubleMIDI]

No examples, sorry.

The Corellis are a bit more on the brighter side than Spiros.
Either use Spiro Weich 4/4 or Spiro Solo 3/4 downtuned. The 4/4 Spiro Solos might have a bit too less tension.
I would vote for the 4/4 Weich, since the tension towards the lower strings rises a bit and I like that for orchestra or Jazz. The Corellis are a bit more oriented to a soloist presence in the higher range of the instrument (maybe except the 380F).

It might take a bit longer for the Spiros to mellow down (specially Mittel), but then you can use them for a very long time. Corellis might change their sound after about a year and not to the better for most players.

Bowing is easier on the Corellis, but for practicing Spiros are great to find out what you should _not_ do. I had no problems bowing them in a university amateur student orchestra except that they were a bit bright for some weeks (months with the old formula Mittel, but not playing much).

You might want to start with a cheap used set of Spiro Weich 4/4 or Solo 3/4. If you cannot live with them after two months, get a fresh set of Corellis.

 

[basstinker]

Thank You for all this valuable informations and advises. It's good to have someone you can ask about .
My last question. What is your opinion on Helicores I've seen Christian McBride playing Helicore hybrids. Cheaper than Spiros. Does they compare somehow to Corellis an Spiros ??

 

[Francois Blais]

Not the Hybrids.
They have a Pizzicato set, but I'd stay away from these. (a personal opinion)

 

[basstinker]

Francois Thanks a lot It seems that Spiro wins ))