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Double Bass String ID Help Please

tony moore

tony moore

Apr 8, 2000
699
53
57
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
#1
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I've had the same and only bass for 20 plus years. I don't change my strings often, so you'd think I'd remember what I have it strung with. But I don't :-(

All strings are wrapped in red and have what look like ball ends.

The strings are fairly low tension, tho not as low tension as Obligato's I used ages ago.

I thought I last bough Pirastro Eva's, but didn't think they came wrapped in red?

I was asked at a recent gig what strings I use and I couldn't answer. I'm an official ijit.

Anyone care to guess what these are?

Thanks!

Tony
 
#4
Red on red, big ball ends. I just can't remember if Spirocores were numbered like that or not, but the only other one with the same silks I can think of are Super Sensitive red label strings, and from what I remember the ball ends on those are hollow and a polished brass, not solid matte balls like those.
 
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#6
Eli and Stefani, you were both right and I was wrong. Andy confirmed what you both already knew, that they are "just" Spiro Mittels. Thanks!

I do love them, will leave them, and won't bother to clean them ;-)

But now, if ever asked again, I can answer.

Looking back, I think I had avoided Spiro's from years of reading of their brightness and arco unfriendliness. I now vaguely recall Andy installing these during a service visit and saying to just try them. I'm glad I didn't pay much attention because I don't find them overly bright on my old Kay (with a solid top) and they bow fine for me. I suppose I'll continue to think less and play more ;-)

Thanks again to both of you for your quick, kind and thoughtful responses.

Tony
 
#11
Sure, here's a small variety of pics, the first of which is a welcome to my "Kay Corner" and the last of which is the "money shot" ;-).

You can see a cleat repair of one of the f-holes, and various wear on the corners and edges that show the top, for better or worse...

It's been and continues to be a well used and loved instrument!

I hope you enjoy or least get a chuckle from my collection of funky old Kay instruments.

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#13
Leif Dering said:
That's a nice looking top!
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I've always considered this bass a "lovable mutt". It has a solid top, which I think yields a better and more unique sound and responsiveness compared to all ply Kay basses I've played, but the finish is rather plain and perhaps poor. And the fingerboard appears to be rosewood and not the "nicer" ebony usually seen. The back had also been poorly refinished at some point, hence using it as a "canvas". However, all these quirks equate to a funky and fun bass I've grown attached to :-)
 

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