• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass strings for a very bright new double bass

G

gilshaked1

Oct 10, 2010
6
0
#1
Hi everyone
I have a curved new hungarian double bass with a set of obligato strings.
The bass have a loud, bright tone which suit me well while playing pizz.
However, after couple of months of playing i really don't like the arco sound as i'm looking for a dark, warm and smooth woody sound instead of the bright and "plastic" sound which i have now.
I play now mostly arco and was thinking a new strings will make the difference but which strings?
I know there's other things like "open" the bass (as we are talking about a new bass), sound post, bow, etc but still, what are the best strings to make a new bright bass to a warm dark one?
 
#5
Belcantos ring a lot more than Evah Pirazzis. As a result they are quite beautiful with the bow - especially in the upper registers - but are quieter than Evahs. Their pizz is also quieter, and they don't have much 'mwah'.

The Evahs win hands down for darkness and bassiness. I have a fairly new Shen hybrid, which is also bright, and they make the bass sound like a cannon. The only drawback is that they seem to be higher tension than the Belcantos. But given time, you adjust!
 
  • Like
Reactions: boyceb
#6
Evahs, i had an E and A on my eastman, and they were real dark, bowed well, but too quiet and soft on my bass so now i have two barely used ones sitting around. they might do well on yours though. i do a good bit of both pizz and arco, and i found the inexpensive helicore hybrids to be wonderful, especially on the upper end with a medium G. they bow well and are LOUD, at least on my bass. hope this helps!
 
#9
trevastation said:
Evahs, i had an E and A on my eastman, and they were real dark, bowed well, but too quiet and soft on my bass so now i have two barely used ones sitting around. they might do well on yours though. i do a good bit of both pizz and arco, and i found the inexpensive helicore hybrids to be wonderful, especially on the upper end with a medium G. they bow well and are LOUD, at least on my bass. hope this helps!
Click to expand...

Helicore hybrid have a really bright arco tone. Probably not what the OP is looking for.
 
#11
gilshaked1 said:
From what i red the Evahs are somehow simular to the obligato's. true?
I don't like the Obligatos arco and the A & E are don't start easy at all!
Click to expand...

In my experience, the Evahs are darker and stiffer with little or none of the roll on the A and E. The Obligati sound thin and plasticy as they age but the Evahs hold that solid tone.
 
#12
If you're trying to decide between Evah Pirazzi and Belcantos, I would base it off of what you do more. For orchestral stuff, Pirazzis are the way to go. They have powerful, warm low strings and a really nice pop to the pizz.

Belcantos are also quite warm, but they have a more singing high sound which is great for any solo playing. I'm not a fan of low Belcantos though... and the pizz leaves a little to be desired.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back