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Double Bass Strings for Arco on Plywood Basses

#41
You're right: Spiros are more popular for jazz than orchestra. But they were initially developed as an orchestra string to have the quickest response under the bow. For most folks, however, there is just too much zing for arco. But depending on the bass, they can be a viable option, especially an E string underneath something else.

Now, seriously - you may prefer one of the Pirastro offerings instead. Also, if you don't mind the Pirastro bias, Ken Smith's bass forum talks extensively about orchestral issues, and a perusal of the threads on his forum may also give you some ideas about string preference, as Ken seems to change strings and basses frequently, including the entire range of Pirastro, and since he is also a luthier and bass shop owner as well as an orchestral player and the builder of his famous line of electric basses. He is well versed on how different strings react on different basses, and you might find something there that will benefit you.

smithbassforums.com
 
#42
Steve Freides said:
I have a theory - a carved top is stronger in the direction the strings pull, and therefore is a better match with a higher tension string than a plywood top, which is a better match for a lower tension string.

All other things being equal, of course. ;):meh::confused:

I'm asking only about arco because that's my focus and I'm content with whatever sound I get for pizz. My main "gig" is playing for free as a member of a local concert band, mostly arco, and my current Flexocors, not a string recommended for pizz, sound good enough for pizz for me.

I was discussing my experience with strings on Friday afternoon with Jay Vande Kopple, who takes care of my basses. My bass, a plywood from Germany, 1940's, we think, which I really like, came with a very old set of Obligatos on it, and they sounded old but they sounded good. In particular, the lower two strings really spoke, and I am frankly interested in making as much sound as I can when I play arco.

For a replacement set of strings, I followed my teacher's recommendation to try a set of Flexocors - not "original" not super-duper, just plain Flexocors, medium tension. And my bass doesn't speak as loudly. It doesn't sound bad, and it doesn't sound like a different instrument, but I liked the sound of even a well-worn set of Obligattos better.

Which is what got Jay and I talking about the strength of tops and string tensions So, what say you about my theory?

Recommendations for strings for me to try next? My obvious inclination is to get another set of obligatos (and if anyone has that they want to swap for what I have, let me know. My Flexocors are about 3 months old.) I didn't love the Obligatto's top two strings but the bottom two really worked - maybe a suggestion for a pairing with bottom two Ob and top two something else?

Or other, lighter tension strings, e.g., a Flexocor in a lighter tension, or Evah Pirazzi weich? I've had EP weiches before and wasn't bowled over, but that was on another bass so who knows what they'd sound like here.

Ah, so many choices. Comments on my theory (credit for anything good about the theory goes to Jay, and anything awful/stupid is my responsibility).

-S-
Click to expand...
 
#43
Steve Freides said:
I have a theory - a carved top is stronger in the direction the strings pull, and therefore is a better match with a higher tension string than a plywood top, which is a better match for a lower tension string.

All other things being equal, of course. ;):meh::confused:

I'm asking only about arco because that's my focus and I'm content with whatever sound I get for pizz. My main "gig" is playing for free as a member of a local concert band, mostly arco, and my current Flexocors, not a string recommended for pizz, sound good enough for pizz for me.

I was discussing my experience with strings on Friday afternoon with Jay Vande Kopple, who takes care of my basses. My bass, a plywood from Germany, 1940's, we think, which I really like, came with a very old set of Obligatos on it, and they sounded old but they sounded good. In particular, the lower two strings really spoke, and I am frankly interested in making as much sound as I can when I play arco.

For a replacement set of strings, I followed my teacher's recommendation to try a set of Flexocors - not "original" not super-duper, just plain Flexocors, medium tension. And my bass doesn't speak as loudly. It doesn't sound bad, and it doesn't sound like a different instrument, but I liked the sound of even a well-worn set of Obligattos better.

Which is what got Jay and I talking about the strength of tops and string tensions So, what say you about my theory?

Recommendations for strings for me to try next? My obvious inclination is to get another set of obligatos (and if anyone has that they want to swap for what I have, let me know. My Flexocors are about 3 months old.) I didn't love the Obligatto's top two strings but the bottom two really worked - maybe a suggestion for a pairing with bottom two Ob and top two something else?

Or other, lighter tension strings, e.g., a Flexocor in a lighter tension, or Evah Pirazzi weich? I've had EP weiches before and wasn't bowled over, but that was on another bass so who knows what they'd sound like here.

Ah, so many choices. Comments on my theory (credit for anything good about the theory goes to Jay, and anything awful/stupid is my responsibility).

-S-
Click to expand...
 
#44
I suggest using Obligatos as a good all around string. They work well on plywood basses and carved basses. And they work well arco and jazz pizz. Of course the set up of your instrument is the key to ease of playability. The curvature of the fingerboard, as well as the amount of scoop in the neck must be spot on, the position of the sound post, and the string height is of the utmost importance. Have a qualified Bass luthier check out your instrument set up. Don't go to the violin shop....violin set up is totally different than double bass set up. Once your bass is properly set up then try the strings to find your sound and ease of playing. I speak from 50 years of experience playing bass. Good luck fellow bassists.
 
#45
Whit Brown, I had Obligatos for a few months and wasn't,t that happy. The roll a bit, and as I said in an earlier post, I found they sounded good close up but din't keep that sound in the house, for whatever reason. I think my next string is going to be a "pure" arch string.

My setup was done by a bass specialist luthier and I don't think that's the issue.

Thank you for replying, I appreciate it.

-S-
 

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