Double Bass Study string - advice needed

[Norre]

I'm looking for a high quality arco-only string for studying. I've been playing double bass for a couple of years now. I started with classical for 3 years (studied Simandl and Nanny) but then I quit and started playing in bands and never touched my bow since. I want to study arco again, on my own and taking lessons once in a while. I've been looking at Pirastro but to be honest I'm a little confused. Flexocor, Flexocor Deluxe, Original Flexocore, Chromcor, Original Flat-Chrome, Flat Chrome-steel, ...
I have no clue which one to get. I'm just looking for a string with an easy and forgiving bow response.
Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Sean Riddle]

Honestly any of those would be fine. I’m personally a fan of the Flexocore Deluxe because they have an actually decent pizz response and sound good amplified, so if you have to use this bass for pizz playing you could still maintain a solid pizz sound. In the end I’m always an advocate for Spirocores and probably a decently broken in set of weichs since they’re pretty damn great under the bow.

 

[elmer]

What is your string length? If your mensure is long, Flex Deluxes may feel tight. Around 105cm I would try those first.
On my longer scale bass I got more comfortable results with Passione Stark. But I ended up with EP weichs which give me good volume, relaxed tension, deep and dark arco tone and good grip with the bow. As a bonus you get a great hybrid set for jazz pizz.
Bel Cantos are also a good choice for a good bow response but on my bass they sound less colourful and duller than those Pirastro strings. Same is true with Kaplans on my bass.

 

[Sam Dingle]

I’m gonna suggest a full set of belcanto to get you started. Really REALLY forgiving and one of the standard arco strings today. If you spend a few years on these then most people can help you look for your next set because many can compare most strings back to belcanto.

Only other set is Flexocore originals but I think belcantos should be first because Flexocore are a little heavier

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Agreed that Bel Canto are forgiving but boring.

Original Flexocor or 92s have personality and grit.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

A very forgiving string might lead to a sloppy bow handling. If it is mainly practicing, Spiros are not bad because you immediately hear if you’d something wrong. Might be discouraging first, but it helps you better than an all-easy string.

 

[paulunger]

Most professional orchestra bassists that I know use: Flexocor (92), Passione (stark), Belcanto. A few people with older basses like Original Flexocor and Original Flat Chromesteel.