Double Bass Strings for young players

[John Burgess]

Hi, I am looking at purchasing a set of strings for a 14 year old beginner bassist. The strings that he is using are too high in tension. He will be playing 95% arco, classical only. Nothing like jazz pizz.

I was thinking of Corellis as an inexpensive string brand that will be good for arco and have very low tension. Loss in volume is probably going to be inevitable, but ease of playing will be the priority. Will the 360's tuned to orchestra be too loose though? Otherwise other brands would also be considered.

 

[MikeCanada]

A lot of people use solo strings tuned to orchestra pitch for exactly this reason. As for the Corelli strings in particular I do not have experience with them tuned down, but wasn't a fan of them as solo strings. I have also heard that D'Addario strings have significantly improved and are really great for inexpensive strings now. The Helicores come in light tension sets and solo sets as well, and are in the same ballpark as the Corelli strings price wise.

 

[Sam Dingle]

From what you're saying I would recommend D'Addario Helicore Orchestra strings. They come in a light tension so you might try them. D'Addario also makes a set called Kaplan that comes in Light set, but their more expensive ($167 vs $114 at String emporium).

 

[dieterdiettrich]

I'm also onboard with the Helicore Orchestras. Most shops I know put those on as the default strings for starter basses.

 

[John Burgess]

I forgot about the helicores, Ive ordered some solo gauge ones to see how they play.