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Double Bass Superflexible question

#2
Hello Bobby

I noticed on the Thomastik site that the superflexibles come in 3/4 and 4/4 orchestra strings, both have the same tension measurements but string gauge wasn't mentioned. Are both of your D strings the same length. This is just a guess but if both strings have the same tension then the gauge would have to be different to tune to pitch to compensate for the difference in length.
 
#3
Superflexibles only come in two gages. Regular (medium) orchestra and solo. I would imagine that if one were thinner it would most probably be the solo gage.
 
#5
Bobby King said:
This is what has me puzzled, the string has the usual blue wrapping, and says "O" and "II" on the ball. Do Superflex Solos have a different color silk?
Click to expand...
So they are definitely both "Orchestra gauge", but apparently not the same gauge as each other, due to being designed for two different scales. Now I'm curious if this holds for the other strings in the Thomastic line.

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#8
The first SF's I ever used was a very old G & D from about 20 yrs ago that I had in the string drawer forever. I bought the A & E to add to them and then later a new whole set. Only difference I noted from the older SF's were that the ball end silks were longer than the newer ones. Perhaps they've changed the formula over the years and one of yours is new old stock w/ thin or thicker braided core than the other.
 
#9
I have always wanted to know the difference between 4/4 and 3/4 on thomastik's web page. I remember reading another thread a long time ago that discussed using 4/4 on a 3/4 bass and getting great results (same sounding string w/less tension). If this is the case I would be very interested in trying this combination. Especially wit Superflex's. I love thomastiks but find they are just too tense on my bass. If this could solve the problem, I am sold. Keep going Bobby and let us know the results.
 
#10
RShew said:
I have always wanted to know the difference between 4/4 and 3/4 on thomastik's web page. I remember reading another thread a long time ago that discussed using 4/4 on a 3/4 bass and getting great results (same sounding string w/less tension). If this is the case I would be very interested in trying this combination. Especially wit Superflex's. I love thomastiks but find they are just too tense on my bass. If this could solve the problem, I am sold. Keep going Bobby and let us know the results.
Click to expand...

This is not what I'm experiencing, the string that was from the package marked 3/4 is the one that has lower tension and is thinner in diameter. I actually think there is something odd going on and this is actually a solo gauge string. It measures around .064" and the other one I have measures around .074.
This corresponds to the measurements of solo and orchestra gauges for Superflexibles on the gauge charts. The thing is, it has blue silk, and a ball with "O" and "II" stamped on it. So is it possible a batch of these was made incorrectly? I plan to contact TI customer service.
 
#12
Superflexibles are a neat string, but they are stiffer feeling(if slightly lower tension) than Spirocore Mittel. Of course, it depends on the bass. They are a good comprimise string though. Decent arco, and a warm and clear pizz.
 
#15
I spoke to Kevin Reynolds at Thomastik (Connolly) customer service, he was very helpful and is sending me a replacement.
He said that there may be a very minor difference in gauge between the 3/4 and 4/4 string, but not like what I'm reporting. It may in fact be an anomaly.

However, he said he's had people inquire if Spiros and Superflexes have been changed, and it's often the case that they have bought a 4/4 set and are now using it on a 3/4 bass, which will make the tension feel a little lighter. (this is not the problem I'm having) I couldn't keep it straight about what all the various sets are currently called, but be careful that you differentiate between 3/4 and 4/4 when ordering. Of course you may want to use 4/4 on a 3/4 too.
 
#18
Bobby King said:
I spoke to Kevin Reynolds at Thomastik (Connolly) customer service, he was very helpful and is sending me a replacement.
He said that there may be a very minor difference in gauge between the 3/4 and 4/4 string, but not like what I'm reporting. It may in fact be an anomaly.

However, he said he's had people inquire if Spiros and Superflexes have been changed, and it's often the case that they have bought a 4/4 set and are now using it on a 3/4 bass, which will make the tension feel a little lighter. (this is not the problem I'm having) I couldn't keep it straight about what all the various sets are currently called, but be careful that you differentiate between 3/4 and 4/4 when ordering. Of course you may want to use 4/4 on a 3/4 too.
Click to expand...

How did you get in touch w/ them? I sent an email awhile back to them about a defective SF E and I never got a response.
 

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