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Double Bass String comparison matrix

#22
I am not going to say anything negative about the string matrix, it´s fantastic, but I think for a different reason. I don´t know... Am I the only one that gets some other information out of it, namely that the way of playing is WAY MORE important than the strings? After all, it´s just nuances, especially in the listeners seat. On the player´s ear, the difference is huge, but outside? In general, I think (and I don´t want to dismiss peoples´ hobbies here), too much fuss is made about strings (maybe also about basses), and too little is the actual PLAYER taken into the equation.

I´ve had two experiences myself that led in the same direction. One was: I was doing the same thing Hervé did for myself, with my bass, granted with less different examples, and also with a narrower variety of strings (velvet compas 360, spiro weich, d´addario orchestral, d´addario pizz), but still, and what I heard was basically MY SOUND, and most of what I like and dislike about it was in there. In fact, all of it.

The other was one of my teachers. He had the absolute "dynamite sound" ("thank you bruce, coming from you, bruce, that means a lot", hehehe) on his bass and on sipro e/a and gut d/g. Then he played on numerous student instruments with a huge variety of bass qualities and sting choices. Guess what? Dynamite sound.

So, in a way, the string comparison matrix can really calm you down. Don´t take it too serious playing a jam session bass with some strange strings- chances are people will recognize you anyways. Don´t overestimate what strings can do for you- it´s all in your hands. Don´t waste precious money on ever changing trials: Chances are you´re losing practice time. Instead, stick to what feels right, stop thinking about it, turn your attention to other matters.

And again, the other extreme (some people here seem to have some sort of string obsession thing going) is also totally fine- for some it´s quite an entertaining pass-time. No offense at all...

Anyways, just my two cents, as always.

Mr Sidecar
 
#23
Sidecar, you are right to a great extent... the player makes more difference than the instrument or the strings. That said though, the difference in the sounds of the different types and brands of strings is discernible, at least to some, and therefore, personal preference comes into it.

For instance, if you like a brighter sound, or do more bowing than plucking, then it's good to have some idea which ones offer what, rather than going through purchasing and trying umpty-two different, none-too-cheap sets of strings to find out. Since the database is made by one person, using the same bass and the same tune, and at least basically the same attack, it's a decent reference.

So, yes, it still comes down to the player, but preference makes a diff too.
 
#24
Thanks Herve'
I thought those Obs sounded good, and wondered what the trade off was. I have found the same thing playing a Martin D18GE opposed to a Santa Cruz Tony Rice in an all acoustic setting. The 18 is sweet till it has to compete!
 
#25
The Obligatos got my attention also. I've used them before and found them easy to play if just a little slow responding to the bow and a bit dark on the A and E in the lower positions. I thought the Medium Spirocores were very similar. That's what I use on my bass and I think they are little more even and bowable. Just my two cents.
 
#27
Mr Ecko.........

Basically, just called "turn arounds". Built around 1-6-2-5 chord sequence.....many standard tunes are based on that at least partially. (I only listened to two and assume they're all kind of the same).
Sounds nice, though.
 
#29
I know, Many people hate the Obligatos here on the TB., but the Obli clips makes me nostalgic. I listened some of my recordings again, where I used Oblis, and yes, they sounds very nice and special. I think the sound of Obli strings are contains some of the growl from Spiros and some of the complexity from Olive. Yes I'm not crazy, on the records I hear, Obli G sounds the closest to Olive G, for me. I agree with Hervé, they lacks the strong "center", but I think thats the price for sound complexity. Of course there are cons of Oblis, for example, difficult to bow on it, and not good for hard plucking playing style, but really like that, the Oblis are large diameter and flexible in the same time.
 
#30
Does anyone have input on the 'feel' of the Eursonics or the Aquilas?

My issue is repetitive stress pain. It seems that the texture of the string makes a big difference in the ease of playing. Steel strings feel more abrasive to me.

I have switched to nylon tape wound La Bellas on all my EBs and hope to find aDB string that is lower in tension and smoother to the touch.

thanks:ninja:
 
#31
pnchad said:
My issue is repetitive stress pain. It seems that the texture of the string makes a big difference in the ease of playing. Steel strings feel more abrasive to me.

I have switched to nylon tape wound La Bellas on all my EBs and hope to find aDB string that is lower in tension and smoother to the touch.

thanks:ninja:
Click to expand...

Good quality steel wrapped flat wound strings shouldn't feel abrasive. Try running some steel wool over them. A drop of mineral oil may help, too. I'm not sure I understand how your RSI is affected by the wrapping material.
 
#32
I don't know if it's psycological or what but nerve damage is funny - cold hard steel seems to bring back the tactile memory of how the damage occured - playing DB too hard on steel strings!

thanks for the comment though
 
#36
Dear all,
thanks again for sharing my string matrix on this forum. After ten years my website needed a relaunch (it was a flash site...). The new site is online and you can find the string matrix here: Invalid Link Removed

I still have to fill some empty cells in the table. I will do this in the upcoming weeks. I would be delighted if you could support my work with a little donation. That would be a motivation to finish the work faster.

I am open and thankful for all kind of questions, comments, ideas etc.

All the best
Hervé
 
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