Double Bass Synthetic Gut - Updated thread

[J_Bass]

Hello friends.

Since I bought my new (to me) double bass, I’m trying my 3rd set of strings.

The TI weich that worked well on my old bass, sounded too harsh on this one.

I switched to Corelli and loved the light gauge and how easy they were to play. But the sound wasn’t all there and I always felt like something was missing.


Now, my friend and teacher gave me some 12yo Innovation Super Silver strings and I am really liking the tone of these strings!

My taste has evolved to that old school tone. PC tone, Garrison tone, Art Davis.


I realize they used real gut strings. I also know that if you want true gut tone, you have to play gut strings.
But I don’t want to deal with the downside of these strings and I don’t want to pay the price they cost.



So, what should I do? Keep the old and “abused” super silver? Buy a new set? Buy another and better sounding set of synthetic strings?

What do you think?

 

[Don Hergert]

Innovation's strings are very good. They are made in the USA now so you may have to work out special arrangements to get them in Portugal. Here are some other options that I've had some experiences with...

If you're liking the gut-like tone but don't want to go all the way to gut, you might want to look at the new lineup of Aquila synthetic double bass strings (I've linked there to Gollihur's Aquila website but you can also purchase directly from Aquila -- Gollihur also carries Innovartion strings). A number of folks consider the Aquila synthetic strings to be close enough to gut that it's hard to tell the difference with just listening.

Also, if you can get them in Portugal, you might want to try Superior BassWorks Deluxe "Dirty Guts". These are an inexpensive weed wacker (actually "gator line") Kevlar core synthetic string bump-set that is treated with a spiral cut for the length of the strings (plus they have nicely done custom tailpiece anchors). They are also very close to guts in sound, and they look and feel like guts. Most significantly, they bow very well, if that's your interest in strings.

I currently use Innovation Silver Slaps E and A with Superior BassWorks "Dirty Guts" D and G; this mixed set provides great volume, tone and playability for pizz, arco and slap on my DB. I've tried Aquila Sugar Slaps and really like them, but they don't work well with my custom tailpiece so I had to retire them.

 

[Notaluthier]

Innovation's strings are very good. They are made in the USA now so you may have to work out special arrangements to get them in Portugal. Here are some other options that I've had some experiences with...

If you're liking the gut-like tone but don't want to go all the way to gut, you might want to look at the new lineup of Aquila synthetic double bass strings (I've linked there to Gollihur's Aquila website but you can also purchase directly from Aquila -- Gollihur also carries Innovartion strings). A number of folks consider the Aquila synthetic strings to be close enough to gut that it's hard to tell the difference with just listening.

Also, if you can get them in Portugal, you might want to try Superior BassWorks Deluxe "Dirty Guts". These are an inexpensive weed wacker (actually "gator line") Kevlar core synthetic string bump-set that is treated with a spiral cut for the length of the strings (plus they have nicely done custom tailpiece anchors). They are also very close to guts in sound, and they look and feel like guts. Most significantly, they bow very well, if that's your interest in strings.

I currently use Innovation Silver Slaps E and A with Superior BassWorks "Dirty Guts" D and G; this mixed set provides great volume, tone and playability for pizz, arco and slap on my DB. I've tried Aquila Sugar Slaps and really like them, but they don't work well with my custom tailpiece so I had to retire them.

+1 on dirty guts.

 

[Dr. Love]

The SBW dirty guts are a cheap enough set that you can try them and not feel terrible if you don't like them...unlike real gut strings.

 

[elmer]

Lucky you! You probaply got the original first UK version (brass "barrel" tailpiece ends) Super Silvers. I´m still using my old set as a gut substitute. They have a very guttish sound with some singing sustain, strong low end, comfortable bouncy feel and they seem to last forever. If they are in good shape just clean them and play!
If you buy a new set (2nd generation UK or new US made with brass rings on tailpiece end) unfortunately they don´t feel the same because the tension is lower. The first gen has just the right amount of tension for my taste.
+1 also for the Aquila line of synth. strings. I have a set of almost unused Red Springs D & G with series 16 E & A to sell if you are interested.

 

[J_Bass]

brass "barrel" tailpiece ends) Super Silvers

Those are the ones, yes!

 

[elmer]

To be more accurate - my G is newer (US) Super Silver which has suitable tension for my bass and I have a Spirocore weich 4/4 E because the old version Super Silver E is so thick it´s choking on my bass.
I´ll soon get a new set of Helix strings made by Gerold Genssler. So the Super Silvers will likely move to my backup set IF I like the Gensslers better. Let´s see

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

You could do worse than Rotosound E&A under plain gut D&G. The Rotos have most of the sound and far more stability than wound guts, and there’s nothing like plain gut on top.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Since you like the super silvers, stick with em. Use them until they are dead, then think about what to replace them with.

 

[MaxJohnson]

Spiro solos tuned down to concert pitch would be a middle ground btw Weichs and corellis. Easier to play than weichs but more sound and roundness than corellis.