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Double Bass Thread about lifeless synthetic core strings

Anton Johannes

Anton Johannes

Sep 25, 2007
30
5
53
Denmark
#1
I write a blog about bass solutions - my main focus is double-bass. Today I wrote about how to lengthen the life over synthetic core strings bassolution

This thread could be about sharing tips on synthetic core strings. How often do you change them? Do You have other ideas about how to keep them in good shape?

- Johs
 
#3
Anton Johannes said:
This thread could be about sharing tips on synthetic core strings. How often do you change them? Do You have other ideas about how to keep them in good shape?

- Johs
Click to expand...

I play Thomastik Dominant nylon core strings. I have had them on for about 2.5 years now, and they sound as nice as ever. If they degrade, they do it MUCH slower than Spirocores and in fact, so slow I don't notice. Still loads of sustain, just the right brightness, loads of thump.

I write a blog about bass solutions - my main focus is double-bass. Today I wrote about how to lengthen the life over synthetic core strings bassolution
Click to expand...

With Obligatos, I'd be worried that they're not too happy about tuning down and up again. I've read somewhere that that dulls them out and shortens their life, but obviously, your experiences differs from that...

Best
Sidecar
 
#4
Hmm, the snapping the strings idea is interesting. I'd imagine it loosens the caked on dirt and goo that is stuck between the windings which dampens their ability to vibrate.

I play on all Spiros with a Stark E detune to low-D now, but I used to play on Obligatos, then Dominants, then Evahs. I noticed they would all die a rapid death around the 1 year mark. They'd have harmonics slightly off-tune and sound really dull and flabby.

I clean my steel strings by loosening them one at a time so they'll bend in an "S" between my fingers and run an alcohol soaked face cloth up and down them until no more dirt comes out. Bending them opens the gaps between the winding so the alcohol can dissolve the dirt and lift it away. I've had my Spiros on for 3 years now and they still sound and respond great.

I've never tried this on a synthetic string though. I don't know if the liquid would get into the micro-filaments of perlon and do something weird to them. Might be worth a try.

I would think snapping the strings would break some of the micro-filaments causing off harmonics, etc.
 
#5
Snapping and tugging on the string might also be tightening it around the peg. For me I don't care for the brightness, I want them to mellow out.. I want fat dark and ballsy.

Regardless, imo the real solution is adapting your technique to get the sound you hear in your head. I love synthetic strings and there is such a great range in tonal palette there out there. Often times just when I assumed my string was going dead I'd find a new way to play it. Still go back to Jazzers every now and then with a 1 year spell at a time.

I'll end up being one of those dudes who keeps the same set of strings on a Bass for 13 years once I find the right one. trying out Garbos now and they're fun. I only clean my strings when it gets sticky from dirt and oils. :bag:
 
#9
Especially strings like Velvets or Kolstein Heritage. You're giving the strings a chance to break the windings. Gonna be $$$ when that happens.

IMO, it's a stupid idea. Don't do it. This is not electric bass.
 
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#11
MrSidecar said:
That's what I meant.
Bejoyous, my Dominants are more than halfway through their third year and sound perfectly fine,... I had dulled-out-Obligato experiences though.

best
sidecar
Click to expand...
Indeed, and here we have the OP recommending that folks intentionally de-tune and re-tune. Seems many of us disagree with that advice.
 

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