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Double Bass String Suggestions?

Vinton

Vinton

Guest
Jun 3, 2015
10
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#1
I finally got my first upright! It's a Shen SB90. The previous owner fitted it with gut strings but after playing those for a while I think I would like to switch to steel. I've read that steel is typically louder and I think the gut is too soft for me. I plan on trying to play street side (no mics) with my friends playing acoustic guitar and hand percussion (mostly folky, maybe a little more jam band style) and I want to make sure I can be heard.

I had a friend tell me I can put regular bass strings on an upright, I assume this is probably a huge no-no. But since I really only know about regular bass strings, I was hoping I could get some suggestions. I don't have a ton of money to spare, but I want to do it right!

(btw, I did read the newbie faqs and couldn't really find much on strings there.)
 
#3
Is this the same friend that gave you that other totally bogus advice on strings? If so, you should stop listening to them. Bass guitar strings will be almost a foot to short to string on an upright bass.

Steel is absolutely not typically louder. The harmonics are different, so you might think they're louder while you're playing alone, but with other instruments the super-deep, penetrating THUNK of guts is absolutely louder than steel.

Pro tip: Learn to play the bass first, mess with strings later. You'll save yourself a lot of money and disappointment that way.
 
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#4
Gut strings project a huge fundamental tone, they seem quite to the player but they are boomy goodness 5 feet away. Actually perfect for outdoor playing.

Have some else play your bass on the other side of the room and you'll see what I mean.

Steel strings just have more overtones (brighter) that you can hear when your playing, I doubt they are actually louder. Steels strings are also much higher tension, and will shred your hands until you know how to play them.

That said I am sure you could sell the guts after you find a string you want to try to off set the cost.
 
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#5
Unless you plan to do a bunch of arco stick with the Guts. They'll kick your ass a little bit which would be good. Like someone said above if you decide to change strings then you can sell the guts here. Unless its an amazing bass I can't see steel strings being louder for the music you're trying to play. Just some quick suggestions for when you do decide to change strings:

Spirocore Weich: Easy on the hands and will last a long time. Would probably need an amp
D'Addario strings: Not very expensive and sound fine for not very serious players. I'd suggest the Hellicore Hybrid or Zyex. Neither will last as long as spirocores.
 
#9
Sam Dingle said:
Sorry for any offence
Click to expand...

None taken. I have Spirocore mittels on my other bass and I think I actually prefer the Zyex. Few the past several years I've mostly used synthetic core sets (Obligato and Evah Pirrazi) and I've come to prefer that type string. The reasonable price of the D'Addario strings is a nice bonus and certainly makes them a good choice for a beginner or hobbyist. I also agree with your suggestion that the OP give the gut strings some time before deciding they need to try something else.

- Steve
 
#10
I think that new players such as yourself coming from electrified bass guitar tend to automatically think you need steel strings, because that's probably all you've ever known. Like many, I've been there too.

However the upright bass is a complex animal, and your options for strings are vast. There are just as many options for synthetic and hybrid strings as there are for steels. Once you REALLY start looking for your string, your head is going to explode and your wallet will empty. Find out what brand of guts you have, because some are quite pricey and sought after on the used market.

If you do feel the need to change to steel strings, be prepared to feel a significant increase in string tension. If guts feel to soft for you, and you've only been playing for a month - then it's likely your technique that's the problem. Steel strings wont be easier to play. Each string type requires different touch.

If you must change, then I would suggest splitting the difference and going with a synthetic core string. Innovation makes many economical options. Velvet Garbos and Obligatos are both great strings, but very expensive. Check the classified ads here as you'll find many good deals on used strings.

I played a Shen SB80 for about 6 years, and tried out more strings than I can even remember. If you have any questions related to that, feel free to PM me.
 
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#11
Jay Corwin said:
Once you REALLY start looking for your string, your head is going to explode and your wallet will empty
Click to expand...

This should be the warning label on gollihurmusic.com.

But yeah +1 for going synthetic. I thought my bass was garbage for the first few years (Strunal 50/1), until I tried a set Zyex lights and the thing just opened up and really started vibrating. I feel like the helicore and sprios just had too much tension and they were choking the top. Of course there is always the question if the bass opened up or I did. (but I did try the spiro E recently and found the same thing)
Anyway take all string reviews with a grain of salt, cause really there's only one way to know what's going to work for you, and it ain't cheap.
 
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#13
Thanks for the help everyone!
I actually found the steel strings the instrument originally came with in a secret pocket in the soft case. That being said, I think I will stick with the gut for a while, you've convinced me that the reasons I wanted to switch were not valid ones!
 
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