Double Bass Tendonitis friendlier String Advice

[cst bass]

Hi all,

I have re-curring left hand tendinitis and am wanting to find some strings that might be a bit easier on the hand.

My playing is more pizz than arco, however I would like a string that could do both. I am looking for a dark full bodied sound. I currently use
D'addario Helicore Hybrids.

Thanks for your help,

CST bass

 

[John Chambliss]

Velvets and/or guts.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Spiro solos tuned orchestra. You could try the D'Adar solos, too. Pricier, Velvet Compas 180 suits.

 

[cst bass]

Thanks for the suggestions. I forgot to mention I use a Realist pickup. Would you happen to know if the Velvets pair nicely with a Realist?

Thanks again,

cst bass

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I don't think there's a relationship between PU and strings like that.

 

[kurt]

Evah Pirazzi solo gauge or Innovation 140B solo gauge if you like darker strings. both are real easy on the hands.

 

[LouisF]

Corellis --- although I don't know which ones would work best with a pick up. Talk to Bob Gollihur. He uses them for the exact same reason

Louis

 

[ERIC A]

I have the same problem. Gut strings are the answer.

 

[houblon]

I have the same problem and the same question.

I have been playing spiro solos tuned down for 20 years. I switched a couple of month ago to EP weichs. Although I like the sound a lot better, I don;t seem to be able to handle the stiffness. Tried on two instruments.

Where should I go from here, and if guts which ones?

(70%pizz, 30% arco, low action)

 

[aaronallen]

Just want to add that you can significantly reduce the stiffness of any set of strings by switching to a lighter endpin such as wood or graphite. Sounds crazy but its true. I recently started using a steel endpin again after using wood endpins for about a year and my hands are taking a beating from it. Also, if you space the tailpiece wires closer together on the saddle, this too will reduce stiffness.

 

[ethnotime]

I would go with guts for a low tension string that goes easy on both hands/arms. Velvet garbo or animas are good or any brand of unwound gut will do. After playing guts for ten years I find Evah pirrazis kind of tight and my arms tire out. But the bowing sound is far sweeter than the velvets. Good luck.

 

[cst bass]

thanks for all the responses everyone,

i appreciate all the tips.

cst bass

 

[HateyMcAmp]

I found even Spiro Weich too stiff for my (apparently) sensitive tendons. I needed them bass guitar low to be comfortable, and didn't love that sound to say the least. This might also have had something to do with tons of practice and gigs. My "solution" involved some rest, work with my teacher on good technique that creates less tension, and a more realistic/efficient practice regime.

As far as gear goes, my last ditch attempt was a Garbo Light / Gamut gut combo which allowed me to play without pain even ampless with high strings and lots of playing. That being said, even with low tension / stiffness strings super high strings can be tough on the body, though nothing like steels!

I ended up settling on Animas at medium height, which feel for my hands and sound great on my bass. Yeah, they are louder way high and I dug that sound, but you can only do what you can do, you know?

 

[Ike Harris]

I have a similar problem and I'm enjoying Evah Weichs on my big bass, but it's a low tension ax to begin with, particularly after the rebuild. I've put Kolstein Heritage on my Wilfer and they are definitely looser than Helicores and Evahs too. You might also want to look into other things that will make your bass easier to play, like a more flexible tailpiece cable or maybe the Marvin cable tailpiece. Also, a raised saddle will help.

Ike

 

[BeowulfKingsley]

Evah Pirazzi solo gauge or Innovation 140B solo gauge if you like darker strings. both are real easy on the hands.

I have used both. I thought the EP Solos were a more articulate string, while the Innos were a little darker and less defined...I had a little trouble with the lower volume of the E string on the Inno set till they broke in and evened out a bit. Both are very very comfortable on the hands, both have plenty of volume and great tone and both bow well...I particularly liked the EPs arco sound. I hope that helps!

 

[alon212]

HI
I HAD similar problems to what you described and here is a list of stuff that help me get over it:
1. Lowered my action
2. Use baby powder on the neck and strings so my left hand won't jam
3. Shorten string size by enlarging the nut near the tuners.
4. Scrub my Ankels wrist and shoulder 3 times a day to increase blood flow.
5. Got rid of all the gigs that i didnt really like
6. Breath like crazy every time there is pain.
7. Streach before playng. Espcially shoulders and fingers
8. Shake my hands like sppagettii to realease tention.
Sorry for all the spelling mistakes

 

[Matt Ides]

I have had the hybrid helicore light gauge on my bass and they were very low tension. Have the EP weichs on now and same thing. Might be two good options.

 

[madmatt]

I do not play DB, but I can tell you from experience the only way to get relief is to take a break, maybe even a long break. If you keep playing thru the pain it will continue to inflame the tendons. It isn't the tension of the strings or your technique, it is the repetitive motion.
Good Luck.

 

[bejoyous]

You might want to have a luthier setup up your strings so they can be as low as possible and not buzz.

Maybe install an adjustable bridge, plane the fingerboard so there isn't so much of a scoop, file the nut slots to less than 1mm above the fingerboard.

I found a wire tailpiece reduced the force needed to bring the string to the fingerboard.

Also, play lighter and turn up the amp more.

Or even go the electric upright or fretless bass guitar route.

 

[Bassmickeyd]

Always check your posture, keeping you back straight by slightly bending your knees like an athlete would stand, think golf and batting in bassball. ..... Breathing and stretching is really important. ..... And hope you're keeping you left arm elbow up. .....