Double Bass The most versatile orchestral string?

[Leonidbass]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been struggling recently with my orchestral bass sounding too muffled, and I’ve made it my goal to find a set of strings that works well in orchestra but also projects decently on stage.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

• Permanents – too bright for orchestra on my bass.
• Original Flat-Chromes – sound great in orchestra, but come across muted on stage.
• Spiro Weich – gave me the impression of great projection and volume, but possibly at the cost of tone quality.

For context, my bass is naturally quite bright.

Has anyone found a good middle ground in this situation? In particular, I’m curious about experiences with Peter Infeld strings for balancing projection with warmth. Do they open up after break-in, and how do they compare with OFC or Spiros in a hall?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jallenbass]

I like Pirastro Flexocor Deluxes. Not too bright, not too dark.

 

[Francois Blais]

Stage = jazz ?

 

[Leonidbass]

Stage = jazz ?

Oh by stage I mean classical solo with piano accompaniment

 

[AGCurry]

I can't help you with the Peter Infeld strings, but I have a question: Are your impressions based on the sound you hear while playing, or on a more distant perspective? In my opinion, the bassist is not in the best position to judge.

Oh by stage I mean classical solo with piano accompaniment

Do you use solo strings for these performances then?

I suspect you will not find a string set that covers both situations (solos and orchestra) to your satisfaction.

 

[Scott Lynch]

How about two instruments, such as one for section playing and another for solo work? Is that a feasible solution?

 

[SeayBass]

Hi,
Forgive me if this is redundant.... If you bass sounds muffled, I'd start with structural stuff, not strings. Stuffy sound is not usually the strings fault. It's usually soundpost/bridge stuff.

DIY- check bridge feet and bridge angle, string length. Make sure your bridge is in the right place on the body of the bass. Repeat.

Next, soundpost. this usually requests a professionally trained luthier.

 

[jazzwalk]

Hi,
Forgive me if this is redundant.... If you bass sounds muffled, I'd start with structural stuff, not strings. Stuffy sound is not usually the strings fault. It'sof usually soundpost/bridge stuff.

DIY- check bridge feet and bridge angle, string length. Make sure your bridge is in the right place on the body of the bass. Repeat.

Next, soundpost. this usually requests a professionally trained luthier.

Seaybass, spot on. Earlier this year I somehow, delightfully made contact with Thomastik Infeld, about the first ad for Peter Infeld strings I came across which did not seem to have anything for double bass, but ample for all the other string instruments. Months later, Bernhard replied, offering me (who, me?) a set to test. Why, sure; wow! I opted for solo instead of medium orchestra, as I was then doing reasonably OK with solo Pirastro Perpetuals. Many weeks later (as these were still very much at the testing stage), my set arrived.
OK, here's where it gets interesting; I learned something that will forever change what happens whenever I install a new string set. I visited my luthier right after installing these for a sound post check/reset. It took quite a chunk of time in one visit, but now my instrument has NEVER sounded as great as it presently does! I would suggest to all those who seem to find themselves haplessly stuck on an endless merry-go-round of purchasing one brand/model of string set after another, endlessly in pursuit of that timbre response they're so craving to experience.
So, you're onto it; these parts tend to creep around over time with playing, heat and humidity variances, you name it. Just installing new whatever strings without checking everything else can get who knows how excessively or needlessly expensive (of course, considering all your other variables to also keep in mind, like instrument wood type, its cured age, etcetera).

 

[SeayBass]

Hi all,

To the OP and the rest of us- I have recently been reminded of another cause of muffled and unsatisfying bass sound and response: Cracks!
Cracks and open seams will cause of variety of problems, including muffled sound or thin, weak tone, and can totally change the feel and balance of an instrument. One little bitty opening where there's not supposed to be an opening will cause big problems.