Double Bass The Best Hybrid Arco/Pizzicato String? Hellicore Hybrids!?

[groovemerchant]

A bit of history. I’ve been playing upright for about 3 years and took up electric during the pandemic and have played saxophone for about 42 years (god). I started on spiro weichs on my Eastman VB95 Hybrid bass and while great for pizz not a great string to learn how to play arco. I love jazz players that arco on bass and I wanted to explore the classical repertoire so the search began. The first arco strings I tried were D’addario Kaplan Mediums and love them they work well for me and they became my litmus for arco and trying to find a string I could do both with. I tried the Bel Canto g d a spiro weich E combo but found the Bel Cantos loose on my bass making intonation tough for me. I tried spiro mittels which I liked more than the weichs and I combined obligato d and g with the spiro mittels e and a but didn’t really like the obligatos. I tried the Eva weichs and didn’t like them as a hybrid string. I just couldn’t make them work for me. I tried Kaplan solos tuned to orchestra and they arco very well but on my bass dark and just not a great pizz sound to my ear. I just bought some D’addario Hybrid Strings, mediums, and I have to say so far for me they work for both arco and pizz. They aren’t as brilliant spiros or have as much sustain or mwa as spiros but they do possess those qualities and have a lot of volume and you can control the volume easily! They are surprisingly arco friendly. I also tried the D’addario pizzicato strings which are NOT arco friendly. The hybrids aren’t perfect but they are better than anything else I’ve tried that does both well and allows me to execute faster passages with a range of dynamics while not having to think of my bowing hand. They have a pleasant sound out of the box, aren’t as expensive and a couple players I admire like Christian McBride (mediums) and Phillip Morris (lights)use them. I was just wondering if anyone else has had any experience with these strings?

 

[afroblue]

Tempera hybrids are now considered the best arco/pizz string by many. Really beautiful sound. They are expensive though.

 

[oren]

I’ve been using Helicore Hybrids for about three years. They came on my carved bass (2018 Akos Balazs) and I still have the same set on. I started taking arco lessons when I got the bass, so my basis for arco comparison is limited, but they seem easier to bow than the Spiro Weichs that were on my previous bass. I like them for jazz pizz too - not too bright and easy on both hands. I’m planning to change them out after my current symphony season ends next month. I have a set of Perpetuals I’m going to try next just to see how they compare.

 

[groovemerchant]

I’ve been using Helicore Hybrids for about three years. They came on my carved bass (2018 Akos Balazs) and I still have the same set on. I started taking arco lessons when I got the bass, so my basis for arco comparison is limited, but they seem easier to bow than the Spiro Weichs that were on my previous bass. I like them for jazz pizz too - not too bright and easy on both hands. I’m planning to change them out after my current symphony season ends next month. I have a set of Perpetuals I’m going to try next just to see how they compare.

I also have a set of perpetuals. Again nice pizz strings but I found the A as troublesome as spirocores. I actually preferred the spirocores for arco over the perpetuals thow in the sense there was more centre to the pitch at least on my bass. There is a player in my orchestra bass section playing a fully carved hundred year old bass that loves perpetuals on that bass.

 

[groovemerchant]

I also have a set of perpetuals. Again nice pizz strings but I found the A as troublesome as spirocores. I actually preferred the spirocores for arco over the perpetuals thow in the sense there was more centre to the pitch at least on my bass. There is a player in my orchestra bass section playing a fully carved hundred year old bass that loves perpetuals on that bass

I’ve been using Helicore Hybrids for about three years. They came on my carved bass (2018 Akos Balazs) and I still have the same set on. I started taking arco lessons when I got the bass, so my basis for arco comparison is limited, but they seem easier to bow than the Spiro Weichs that were on my previous bass. I like them for jazz pizz too - not too bright and easy on both hands. I’m planning to change them out after my current symphony season ends next month. I have a set of Perpetuals I’m going to try next just to see how they compare.

ill sell you my perpetuals at half price I used them for about 3 days. They’re mint.

 

[Don Hergert]

A reference from your other thread...

Post in thread 'The Best Arco/Pizzicato Hybrid Upright Bass String'

May 15, 2025

A lot of folks are looking at Tempera Hybrids now, as well as other string sets in the Tempera line. They are pricey, but they come from a team with a historically strong reputation for quality and service. Even if you don't plan on getting them now, they are good to be aware of.

(I personally am not a user of these strings, but have been impressed by their specifications and their fast ascension in popularity here.)

There's a TB/DB thread about them here:

• Don Hergert

Double Bass Thread 'Tempera Hybrid Strings'

Sep 2, 2023

A couple months ago I received my new Temperas in the mail ( way before I thought I was going to get them) I ordered them for my Contrabassetto a small bodied fully carved travel bass. Previously I have had all kinds of different strings on there from : Pirastro Perps (starks sound great) spiros (both Weich and Reds) with Oliv G, a flirtation with Solo perps, and Velvet Animas (Garbo G).
Just to say I have strung the bass with a bunch of strings.
This spring before I put on the Weichs and Perps I had the fingerboard redressed and the soundpost altered for the first time since the bass left...

• flatback

• 

 

[PBandJazzBass]

I used Helicore Hybrids off and on for a few years and thought they were okay, but nothing special. This was usually most apparent when using them immediately before or after strings from Thomastik or Pirastro. I always felt they were definitely more of a pizzicato than arco string.

As far as hybrid use strings, I have no experience with the Tempera’s but Pirastro Evah Pirazzi’s are excellent for both pizz and arco. I also feel like Thomastik Spirocores have a bad reputation. They’re certainly not the easiest to bow but they do a good job of making you focus on your technique and you can get a great arco sound out of them with practice and patience.

My biggest piece of advice would be just find what works for you and stick with it. I’m a recovering string addict myself and, while it’s tempting to experiment, the truth is it’s better to focus on practicing and honing your skills. Good strings can certainly make a difference, but your sound ultimately comes from you.

 

[LaFaro01]

I used Helicore for Hybrids for some time years ago, but with my instruments Evah Pirazzi worked better as "hybrid" strings.. and discovering Perpetuals was another "step forward"...but going to Tempera Strings was a "game changer"...
and as said before... for me with my instruments and I think, that you'll have to check it out yourself.. with your instrument and your playing style and your "visions of sound" and so on...

 

[TheBassPreacher]

I've been using Corelli 370s recently and found them to work well for pizz and arco. That being said they may or may not be the sound you are looking for. Anyway, if you give them a try just note that they are lower tension. The "Medium" set is more light and the "Forte" is more Medium. Edit: Needed to mention I used Helicore Hybrids for a bit but never got along with them.

 

[Scott Lynch]

My biggest piece of advice would be just find what works for you and stick with it.

+1. If you're digging the Heli Hybrids, lean in.

There's too much variation in basses and bassists for there to be a "best" hybrid string. Each of us needs to consider our use case scenarios and our constraints. Maybe one lucks out and lands on a string that works well for all of that, maybe there's a compromise one can live with, or maybe the answer is two or more basses.

I can only speak for myself, but Spirocores work for my mostly pizz with occasional arco gigging life (and lots of time with the bow in the practice room). Though I've tried a fair number of so called "hybrid" strings I always find myself coming back to them. If I were bowing a lot more, I'd ideally want an orchestra bass with something like Bels/FDs and a jazz/pizz bass with Spiros.

 

[turf3]

I don't know about "best" but I like Bel Canto very much for pizz. Of course they're great for arco. On my heavily built Romanian no-name, the E is a bit weak. I tried the Spirocore E thing - first Mittel, then Stark - and it diidn't really give me that much more volume, plus I didn't like the tonal difference of the twangy Spirocore and the thick heavy sound of the BCs, so I took off the Spiros and went back to all Bel Cantos.

 

[damonsmith]

Spirocores + practice are the best. The solos tuned to Orchestra pitch probably the very best.

 

[Selim]

If your bass likes Spiros: Spiro weichs.

If the E is too light for you, swap it out for a mittel E

If your bass doesn’t take to Spiros, then don’t waste valuable time trying to like them just because everybody says they’re the best..

 

[logdrum]

Pirastro Flexocore Deluxe would be my number one recommendation. I just like the sound of Perpetuals, I haven't put mine back. Zyex are IMO better then Evahs and cheaper too.

But Spirocore's can do both. IT will probably take more than 3 years to get good on upright even if you start younger and the only ones that excel faster played cello or violin previously and have bow experience under their belt. Do you have a teacher? Do not switch strings too much. Most of the strings you mentioned should work though. As @damonsmith says practice is the key

I'd prioritize arco over pizzicato if you want to improve on arco and your string choices should dictate that.

 

[logdrum]

E was added later for bass, they started as 3 strings. Unless you have giant 7/8 or 4/4 E will always sound weak next to you but will be thrown out further. Use a pickup or play in a room that will allow you to hear it.

 

[TDAN]

I don't know about "best" but I like Bel Canto very much for pizz. Of course they're great for arco. On my heavily built Romanian no-name, the E is a bit weak. I tried the Spirocore E thing - first Mittel, then Stark - and it diidn't really give me that much more volume, plus I didn't like the tonal difference of the twangy Spirocore and the thick heavy sound of the BCs, so I took off the Spiros and went back to all Bel Cantos.

I also enjoy the Belcantos for pizz. I have a perpetual E on there now which sounds a little better to me in the mix and seems to blend well. Great for my use with Western swing, bluegrass, and trad jazz kind of stuff, as well as supporting my arco learning efforts

 

[sean_on_bass]

not a fan of Helicore Hybrids, would take Spirocores over them any day of the week. Spirocores are the most satisfying hybrid string to me because they sound incredible and have power/range. While they can be a little harder to bow compared to other options, your technique can overcome that over time and get wonderful results.

 

[koricancowboy]

Tempera hybrids are now considered the best arco/pizz string by many. Really beautiful sound. They are expensive though.

I have let tries those but I can attest to Gerold’s quality as I’ve been using his Helix strings for a while now. I think these are by far the best strings I’ve ever used. I will simply just get the same ones when I need to replace them. They are VERY expensive though. They have been holding up like a champ. Friends I know also like the Genssler J-Roque as a hybrid string. For context, I play orchestral, chamber, jazz, new music, folk, and free improvisation. Never feel like I’m missing something in any context

 

[groovemerchant]

+1. If you're digging the Heli Hybrids, lean in.

There's too much variation in basses and bassists for there to be a "best" hybrid string. Each of us needs to consider our use case scenarios and our constraints. Maybe one lucks out and lands on a string that works well for all of that, maybe there's a compromise one can live with, or maybe the answer is two or more basses.

I can only speak for myself, but Spirocores work for my mostly pizz with occasional arco gigging life (and lots of time with the bow in the practice room). Though I've tried a fair number of so called "hybrid" strings I always find myself coming back to the Spiros. If I were bowing a lot more, I'd ideally want an orchestra bass with something like Bels/FDs and a jazz/pizz bass with Spiros.

Yeah I’m trying to do both on one bass and so far this has been the best arco/pizz string so far but I agree to do it right 2 basses with the correct setup would be best!

 

[Simon lob]

I’ve tried everything, Tempera Hybrids are the only strings that truly feel like a real hybrid. Just insanely good: long-lasting, beautiful in both arco and pizz. I know quite a few bassists who say these strings have been a game changer for their playing. And honestly, I am really not sure if they are actually expensive. Evahs or Helicore usually stopped working for me after maybe 6 months, the Temperas are on my bass now since April 2023, still sounding fantastic.