I think their pricing is fair. I own a 4 string Martin bass and I'm very happy with it. I found them to be very easy to deal with - it was a great experience. I unfortunately just can't afford another one right now!
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Double Bass Thinking about a five string
- Thread starter Calvin Marks
- Start date
I think their pricing is fair. I own a 4 string Martin bass and I'm very happy with it. I found them to be very easy to deal with - it was a great experience. I unfortunately just can't afford another one right now!
I've been following this thread for a bit, and I was wondering what the most popular string choices were for 5 string upright basses that utilized a low B (BEADG tuning). For example, it seems like Spirocores have low C extension string, but I don't think that they have a low B. Anyway, I'm curious as to what everyone is using.
They do indeed make a Mittel low B. I have it on my 5 string and it sounds monsterous yet clear both pizz and arco. I use a full set of Spiro Mittels on my 5 string.
From videos I've seen of Berlin Philharmonic, it looks like they use one of the following three: Spirocore across the board, Bel Canto across the board, or Original Flatchrome across the board. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, this is just from observation of a few videos I've seen recently.
Thanks for the helpful responses. I'm partial to Spirocores, so it's good to know there's an option. The other string choices also seem good, especially with a bow.
I briefly had a Helicore Hybrid B on my bass. The rest of the bass was strung with Spirocores. The maker personally found the Helicore Hybrid to be not as harsh as a Spirocore. I tried it for awhile, but felt like I needed more gravitas on the B. Decided to give a Spirocore B a chance and found it to be just right for my needs. I haven’t tried many other B strings but since I play a lot of pizz, a Spirocore is hard to beat.
I had commissioned Andrea Spada to build a 5 string bass (with a high C) about a year and a half ago. It was going to be based on his Bosforo design. Sadly he left us before he began work on it
I felt it was my only opportunity to ever have a bass of that quality built for me….I have heard good things about Martin 5 strings as well, yet the high C string seems to open up more harmonic opportunities (and I do not play in an orchestra)
I felt it was my only opportunity to ever have a bass of that quality built for me….I have heard good things about Martin 5 strings as well, yet the high C string seems to open up more harmonic opportunities (and I do not play in an orchestra)Both my Flexocore B and my Tempera B are deep and powerful. The Tempera took a while to break in, and in fact the first one got replaced, but now it sounds terrific.
I dig that solution. I'm hesitant to have another string's worth of tension on the top. I wonder how long it would take to get used to playing the E string notes a couple positions higher on the neck?
My gear acquisition syndrome has been manifesting itself in the idea of selling off all my personal instruments and commissioning a five string high C “forever bass” for a while now. I’m leaning towards an Upton Bostonian with the adjustable/removable neck. I’ve got a customer who is on the fence about a Shen Gemunder 5’r, and I really hope he goes for it so I can play around with it a little before I make the leap (I’ve never gotten a chance to really get into a 5 string)... I keep telling myself to shut up and be happy with the four string basses I’ve got (and go practice!), but the temptation is strong. The extended chordal possibilities and cello-esque range extension keeps haunting me, thanks in no small part to Renaud Garcia-Fonz ... It’s just a matter of time. Has anyone bought a fiver (high C) and regretted and/or been disappointed and gone back to four?
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You may run into some interesting shift aerobics. You could install a low C and if shifting is not manageable replace your A with a solo F# tuned to G (C,G,D,G). Also, I regularly go on my low C right up and above the mid harmonic, it is not difficult and the big string is very playable with the bow.
For playing classical I considered closely whether to get an extension, 5 string or tune in 5ths.
5ths work for me. I had no issues with the new fingering, even though I have about 45 years of playing in 4ths. The switch was no problem. I have compared my low C side by side to a fine old Italian with C extension with favourable results. Yes, the Italian was better but not by much. I recorded it on my phone and actually cannot hear the difference in the recording, only live. That’s why I joke my low C can loosen gold crowns.
I don’t buy what everybody says about the extra string length extension always blows away a regular length C. Depends on the bass. Five strings or a bass with a C extension both have way more top pressure than a 5ths bass.
I have installed many low B strings tuned to C. None have been difficult or poor to play. Obligato, Jargar, Spiro RM, Spiro regular. Spiro is my favourite for the low C. It’s a beautiful string.
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Oscar, where did you play one? We live in the same city and I genuinely haven't ever seen one here.
Tuning in fifths can be a great solution for a lot of people. I tried it briefly and I personally found my hands to be a little to small to do the extra shifts efficiently enough to play a lot of the repertoire, so I decided it wasn't worth the low notes. That said, if you can do it without much, or any, problems, it's probably the way to go.
I’ve also found that to be true too, but with me coming from having commissioned a 5 string bass. The maker, Kent McLagan, built mine with a 41 inch string length to help lessen some of the extra weight, which allowed him to not make the top extremely thick. It helped tremendously with the overall response of the low B. It’s very full and clear both pizz and arco, with a huge dynamic ceiling. It can easily go head to head with a bass that has a good extension. I played Handel’s Messiah back in December and my 5 string blended very well with the pipe organ.
Just checked my records and the low C I’m using, and loving, is a Spiro Red Mitchell. I do have a brand new Spiro standard B that’s been waiting in the wings. May be a while.
Joel Quarrington currently uses a low C Spiro RM light.
Joel Quarrington currently uses a low C Spiro RM light.
I have always found it really hard to get much of a decent sound out of any note above F on the low C string. Hard to speak with the bow and rather muffled. Must just be my technique, or lack thereof!
Arnold E Schnitzer is contemplating a 5 string build and I understand he is wondering who may be interested.
If you are, this could be an opportunity.
Here is one he built in 2008. Looks amazing as expected.
@arnoldschnitzer
If you are, this could be an opportunity.
Here is one he built in 2008. Looks amazing as expected.
@arnoldschnitzer
