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Double Bass String input for Brian Bromberg

#41
DoubleMIDI said:
A raised string height might not be as pleasant to play than before.
One reason is, that the string needs to stretch more when pressing down in the same place. Strings with a more elastic core (like gut, synthetic, textile) are nicer to play with a raised string height.
So raising the strings will give the thump, but using more elastic string cores give back the nice left hand feel.

That said, even Spiro Weich or downtuned Solo might probably do the job a bit better than Spiro Mittel or other less elastic and higher tension strings.
Click to expand...

Definitely not as kind on the left hand with raised string height, but I actually prefer the right hand feel this way.
The day before habit is more for getting my hands used to it, and after some shedding (with Weichs at least) my left seems to not notice the difference.
 
#46
Brian, I am a huge fan of yours. Your playing, your tone, and your music has been very inspirational to me.

It sounds like you're going through a "grass is greener on the other side" phase. I have to second Chris Fitzgerald on the Thomastik Dominants. You might check out some of Chris' sound clips on his site to hear his great tone with dominants. They are more traditional sounding with a bit less growl, but still have a similar tension and feel to spirocores. They also have, IMHO, a more focused center to their tone than spiros. Evan Pirazzi weighs might be a good one for you to try.

Good luck on the string quest, and keep us informed on what you come up with.
 
#49
Brian, we've chatted on FB about our electrics before, but if I may be so bold. I've found the Helicore Hybrids to be a great all-around string and give Spiros a real run for their money. In fact, a local bassist, Marc Cousins, switched from the "tried and true" combination of Spiro Weichs and the Underwood pickup to a David Gage Realist and (you guessed it) Helicore Hybrids. I heard his new sound yesterday and he told me that the strings are more mellow and responds to the bow better than the Spiros. BTW, I was the one who recommended the Helicores to Marc last year.
 
#50
Hi Brian
You might wanna check out Sonores strings by Gerold Genßler. Hand-made stabilized gut/composite strings that are mindblowing, clear, warm, 3 dimensional with a price to match ..... 500€. They come with a 2 year warranty, and he makes them specifically for your instrument's dimensions.
 
#51
I may have missed it as I scanned through this thread, but did Mr. Bromberg post which strings he decided to try?

Mr Bromberg, please share a review of the strings you have tried and which one you chose for your project.

I am a double bass newbie. My used chinese lefty (yes, lefty) bass came with old D'Addario Helicore Hybrids. I have played for a year with them. They are now less metallic and more thumpy. I like them, but I'm trying to teach myself how to play arco. The strings are pretty scratchy. So yesterday I purchased a set of D'Addario Zyex mediums. I was told they were also a hybrid, but easier to bow than the Helicores. I primarily play pizzicato (sp?) with an acoustic blues band. (examples: Willie Dixon, Howlin's Wolf, Nappy Brown, etc..)

Anyway, Mr Bromberg, please share your feedback on your strings.

Thanks!

Keep Thumpin'! :D
 
#52
Hi mr Bromberg,

I'm surprised there's so little talking on setup and the very character of the instrument. Rather than changing strings and setup of your bass that already has the tone and playability that you like, why not try several different instruments set up specifically for the style/sound you desire and rent one for the record. You wouldn't have to put the spiros back when you're done, which may also come out pretty tricky.

Thanks,

- Alex
 
#53
+1 to Alex (korotkov)!!!

I have recorded with pickup/mic/preamp, mic/preamp, mic alone and found that the sound from the same bass/pickup/string was drastically different with the different combinations.

@B2: I had asked years ago on your website what combinations of mic/pickups that you used. The tone that you get is unmistakable and awesome - plenty of highs, lows, clear harmonics, etc. The youtube video of you playing solo affirms that this is not just a studio thing.

I would still be interested in knowing...thanks for the music and inspiration that you give to all bassists and musicians!
 
#54
Brian Bromberg said:
Hey Talk Bassers, this is Brian Bromberg. I am looking for input on strings as I have only used Thomastik Spirocore "Weichs" on my bass since I was 16. I love the growl and sustain my bass gets from those strings as my bass has really thrived on them, but as you know those strings have a more modern sound.
Click to expand...

If he's truly looking for an old school sound I'd wager that Brian is still using Weich's, with technique adjudstment and less frequent string changes. It sure worked for Ray Brown.
 
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#55
You guys are awesome! I have to tell you that I must live in a cave as several of the strings that you guys are recommending I haven't even heard of! As I try things I will report back.

I am actually waiting for some strings from my good friends at La Bella. They have many different upright bass strings, even some new ones that they have done, so I will include them in the mix for sure. Thank you again for your kind words and help, it's much appreciated!............B2
 
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#56
Brian Bromberg said:
You guys are awesome! I have to tell you that I must live in a cave as several of the strings that you guys are recommending I haven't even heard of! As I try things I will report back.

I am actually waiting for some strings from my good friends at La Bella. They have many different upright bass strings, even some new ones that they have done, so I will include them in the mix for sure. Thank you again for your kind words and help, it's much appreciated!............B2
Click to expand...
Hey Brian, any updates on your quest for the right strings? What brand did you end up with?
 
#59
Brian Bromberg said:
You guys are awesome! I have to tell you that I must live in a cave as several of the strings that you guys are recommending I haven't even heard of! As I try things I will report back.

I am actually waiting for some strings from my good friends at La Bella. They have many different upright bass strings, even some new ones that they have done, so I will include them in the mix for sure. Thank you again for your kind words and help, it's much appreciated!............B2
Click to expand...
I'm very interested in the LaBellas, particularly the 7720L set. I see lots of guys like Stanley Clarke and Harvey S using them and getting a good pizz sound but supposedly have a great bow sound too. Did you get them, and what are your impressions?
 
#60
comming from years of spiros, if you were to switch to something else you'll probably miss the energy in spiro's sound.

i'd 100% definitely vote for d'addario zyex lights. theyre way thumper, thicker, more resonant in the lows than spirocores, but yet maintain a modern sustained type of sound. i've tried pretty much everything, and have zyex on 2 out of 3 basses now.

good luck!

was just thinking not 2 days ago about the recorded sound on "downright upright," and how stunning the bass sounds. so much character in the sound. really great tone on that record.
 
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