Double Bass Time for New Strings

[clclark]

Hey all,

I'm looking for new strings for my upright. Currently I have Flexocor 92s on the D and G and Helicore orchestra on the E and A. They have been on for quite a while and my harmonics are starting to go out of tune. They have worked well, but I've always had a hard time hearing a centered pitch from them. I have never been impressed with Helicores and have played them on many basses.

In the past I have used Spirocore mittels and dug the sound, but I'm looking for something that starts a little easier with the bow (thought I could bow them if I had to) and is a little softer on the hands, maybe the Weichs or solo (downtuned) would be good for me. My bass has a 41.5 inch mensure if that is a consideration.

I used to be primarily an arco player but now split my time about evenly (small orchestra and pit gigs). I've also heard great things about Passione, Belcanto, and Daddario Kaplans. Are these very dark strings? I have never played them.

I guess I'm looking for something a little lighter/softer that has clarity and definition. I'd prefer steel strings for the longevity (budget woes). Any recommendations?

Thanks everybody!

 

[Sam Dingle]

Look into Evah Pirazzi strings. The weich are good if you do more jazz, but I think the mediums are the best 50/50 string.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Passione are nice strings.
For synthetic core I would recommend Innovation Braided over Evah Weich, but they are not too far away from each other. The Braided are quicker in tune and a little bit brighter and better if pizzed hard.

 

[clclark]

Thanks for the ideas - I'll have to look into those. I was really interested in strings with a steel core though. I haven't played too many varieties. I'm leaning toward going back to spiros since I know I liked the sound of the mittels. Any idea how the weichs or solos (tuned EADG) compare in terms of brightness/darkness and quick bow response?

DoubleMIDI, how dark did you find the Passiones? I heard they were quite dark and I'm concerned I won't be able hear my pitch in a pit.

I appreciate your suggestions.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Spiro Weich works a bit better with the bow than Mittel, but my experience is mostly with the 4/4 S42 series. They are also a bit darker but not too much, so they are not extremely bright, but still the Spiro sound a little bit darker.
I had no problems with bow response, but what do I know about bowing a bass...

I only had a direct comparison of Passione and Flexocore DeLuxe. The Flex DeLuxe were darker and with less sustain down the fingerboard, the Passione had a similar sound but clearer and a bit brighter.

 

[Matt Ides]

If you want the middle ground between Spiro weichs and EP weichs then zyex would be the way to go. I have played all three over the years and just put a set of zyex and they seem to be the best of both the spiros (dead of course) and eps, IMO.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Flex Deluxe are great if you like low string heights and have a fairly straight fingerboard. I found them to be nowhere near as supple as the 92s. When they're fresh they pizz well and even growl a little but man, they're a little stiff.

Bels are soft under the hands and fairly dark with short sustain but have a bright edge under the bow. I didn't like them.

Spiros, Weich or Mittel, I only buy when they're a few years old and on their way to being dead. I'm hopelessly addicted to the pure power they give under the bow. Yum.

Kaplans are ridiculously loud under the bow but lack the oomph on the low end you get from Flex Deluxe. Pizz, they're good for reggae and not much else. Even fresh, they refuse to sing pizzicato.

Innovation Braided left me cold. I got rid of them as quickly as I can.

Haven't tried Passiones or Zyex. My experience with synthetic core strings hasn't been positive. They run out of dynamic power long before I do.