Double Bass String ID

[shakey_slim]

These strings came on the bass I bought. I'd like to know if they are worth keeping

Metal wound
Black silks on the ball ends
Silk colors (from E to G): Black, Green, Red, Black w/gold weave
Ball ends are numbered: 4 3 2 1 (E to G), O's on the opposite side

 

[Sam Dingle]

can you take a photo

 

[shakey_slim]

I will tonight

 

[TroyK]

I'd like to see the photo too, but I think the answer is going to be:

If they make you happy, sure they are worth keeping until they reach end of life. But based on the description, I don't they they are going to be anything that would be anyone's choice.

 

[Francois Blais]

Actually, the sole manufacturer that is still using ball numbering is Thomastik methinks. (with O for Orchestra and S for solo)
Pirastro did that in the past, but stopped a long time ago.
Thomastik's Prazision bass strings have black silk at the tailpiece *and* tuner ends.

Pirastro Ultra-Sensitives (discontinued long ago and replaced by Chromcors) were using black silks at the tailpiece, but at the tuner end, their color code was/is:
E - green
A - black
D - red
G - brown

 

[shakey_slim]

Here are the pics. I expect that they're a cheaper generic string, but what do I know

 

[Francois Blais]

I think they are old Pirastro Ultra-Sensitives.
They are very old and most likely completely dead anyway.
Furthermore they were using a full steel core which made them quite rigid.
I'd ditch them right away.

 

[TroyK]

So, they came with the bass, but are not installed on it?

If your question is "are they worth keeping in the bag in case I break a string on a gig?" Then the answer is "yes, until you replace whatever you are using now and demote them to backup."

I think I misunderstood the original question.

 

[Sam Dingle]

Here are the pics. I expect that they're a cheaper generic string, but what do I know

I would think some generic string but what do I know either. Since those aren't on your bass, what are on your bass? And if they are the same ones then if you like them keep them, if not then toss them and start the search.

 

[shakey_slim]

They came on the bass.

They were really hard to play, so I opted for a lower tension string. I replaced them with a set of Rotosound RS4000's.

I've just signed up for lessons so most likely I'll be looking for a new set of strings, depending on what my instructor says.

 

[TroyK]

It's not common to break doublebass strings, but it can happen, so keep an extra set in your bag just in case. Unlike guitar strings at $7/pack, you're not going to want to buy two sets of whatever you use, so whatever is on hand is fine. You may never need them, but the first time you go to a gig without them...murphy's law.

I'm guessing that you bought Rotosounds because they make bass guitar strings. When it's time for replacements, I suggest looking at doublebass string makers, but as long as they are working for you, focus on your lessons and getting to know the new instrument.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

I don't think the Rotosounds are bad strings at all... however they were designed and intended to be a substitute for a gut set which is pretty/very different from current modern strings. For their intended purpose, they are actually quite successful in a no maintenance, much less expensive, tuning stable way.