Double Bass String Journey

[bassmastan]

Hi All,

So recently I switched from Flex Deluxe strings to Flex 92. I am liking the Flex 92's for Orchestral playing, however for solo playing there was a lot to be desired. The Flex Deluxe strings were too bright on this bass. The color of the 92's are darker, however I feel like they're missing something to the sound, or rather sound plain. What I am wondering is if I should switch to something else? I am looking for something right in the middle of Flex Deluxe and Flex 92. I do love the tension of both of these strings and would not want to go any stiffer. Maybe Orig Flat Chrome Steels or Original Flexocor? The bass I own is on the brighter side, Im worried if I go darker I lose clarity.

-N

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

IME 92s are quite dark, which is what led me to switch to Bels earlier this year. The 92s will give you grit and color aplenty...try raising your bridge and digging in aggressively down by the bridge.

Original Flex is probably not the answer. The string-to-string tension balance is all over the place and the G is absolutely piercing on many basses. I have a thrashed set of OFC steels, which are in the same ballpark as Original Flex but more balanced and predictable. You can have them if you're passing through any time soon.

 

[Francois Blais]

Helicore orchestrals?
Kaplans would probably be too dark for you, but Helicores are brighter.
As funny as it may seem, D'Addario Preludes are cheap but not bad at all...

 

[DoubleMIDI]

What about Pirastro Passione?
They are darker than the Flex Deluxe but otherwise similar.

 

[Jon Stefaniak]

I have a really simplistic perspective on these choices...

Range of tones
Original Flatcrome
Flexicor Deluxe
Original Flexicor, Flex 92's

Ease of bowing
Flex delux
Flex 92
Original flex, original Flatcrome tie

The originals probably get the most bass out of the bass, but they are heavier and take more pressure to get going.

I wouldn't say that flex deluxe is just bright - they have the full spectrum. Original Flatcrome is like this too, just more. More bass, but also more weight. They are thicker. I really like the deluxes, but if your bass is too bright....Hmm

Kaplan are dark and dead sounding out of the package - if you like the power and color palette of Flexicor deluxe, you would be really disappointed. Passione are pretty dark too as I recall.

Sorry I can't help more. Maybe Belcanto?

 

[Francois Blais]

I didn't suggest Passiones as I know Nicholas had them in the past.

 

[bassmastan]

I didn't suggest Passiones as I know Nicholas had them in the past.

Thanks Francois, my problem with passiones, too little resistance in the right hand, and while the starks feel like regular orchestral strings they are darker than the orchs from what I understand...then again I haven't tried them on this bass...