Double Bass String recommendations

[shakey_slim]

I'm looking to upgrade my 71 Engelhardt with a new set of strings. I'm currently bouncing between the D'Addario Zyex strings and a set of Corelli 370M.

I'm looking for a 50/50 mix of arco and pizz. Currently it is strung with a set of Rotosound RS4000s.

Any tips or pointers would be helpful. Being a beginner I'm not fully versed in string lore (other than all the reading I've done here!), I'm just looking for a set that works well with the plywood Kay/Engelhardts.

 

[Sean Riddle]

From what you’re bouncing between, I’d recommend the Corellis. Otherwise I’d recommend either Pirastro Evan Pirrazi weichs, TI Superflexibles, Pirastro Obligato, or a well worn in set of TI Spirocores.

 

[Matt Ides]

Are you looking for more sustain or less than what you currently have? I have had Zyex and Spiro lights on my ply bass and they both worked great but have differences. What are you currently using?

 

[Francois Blais]

He wrote "Currently it is strung with a set of Rotosound RS4000s."

Corellis 370M are thin and easy to play but would probably me more quiet than Zyex.
They don't have much dynamic range for the same reason.
However I don't know how the Zyex perform with the bow.
370s are also available in F and TX gauges.

 

[shakey_slim]

Rotosound RS4000

I got them for rockabilly slap, but I want to move on and really learn the upright. Hence the search for a decent multi-purpose string

..preferably a good beginner set (meaning affordable )

 

[DoubleMIDI]

You can find affordable strings for pizz and slap or for pizz and arco (but that might be a bit harder) but common sense is that if you want to do all three there is nothing beyond gut strings and they are a lot less affordable or work not equally well for all three playing styles.

 

[Peck_Time]

Get some spiros- mittel or weich.

Play those for a few years until you feel an urge to change strings, then slap yourself in the head and stay on spiros.

 

[BassinCT]

If you don’t need a deep, orchestral arco sound, Spirocore weich will give you a satisfying growl when you dig in and a longevity that exceeds most other sets. Playing arco on them will take practice to find the balance of weight, speed and contact point that makes them sing.

Evah Pirazzi weich is my favorite for accompanying, jazz and theater playing. Warm and easy to bow. Less growl and more low end “bloom” compared to the Spiros. I much prefer these over Zyex for arco, but the Zyex has more pizz attack presence. (Edit) For an affordable hybrid, the D’Addario Helicore hybrids are worth a look.

 

[logdrum]

Aren't Zyex a bit more plasticy pizz. Maybe because I have dark sounding basses. They are easy to bow but do not have the same nuance as other strings