• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Velvet strings megathread part II

Status
Not open for further replies.
#821
Phil Rowan said:
Hey Mark, have you ever used a Pirastro Chorda D? If so, how does the gauge of the Pistoy D compare to that of the Chorda?
Click to expand...

The regular Chorda D is significantly larger. The Carlos signature Chorda D is comparable. In fact, I ordered my first light D (I used to use a medium; that string is currently on Marcus Johnson's bass) to get a string that was about the same thickness as the Carlos Chorda D.

That said, I tried Chorda's about 10 years ago during my second try at gut (first was Golden Spirals on the D and G) . I didn't stay with it going, instead, back to Spiro Mittels. The more recent switch to gut has stuck and I can't forsee ever going back to metal. I don't really remember what the Chorda's were like though. I almost bought a set of Carlos' Chordas a few months ago but I've been so ecstatically happy with the Gamuts that I decided to wait a while.

mark
 
#823
TPugh said:
On Mark's note, have you play them at a gig? I have found that on my bass, guts sound better blended with other instruments that at home alone. Vice versa with metal strings, btw. TETO.

TPugh
Click to expand...

I, on the other hand, love them everywhere. At home, they make me want to practice just so I can hear that sound. On the gig, I can play without an amp and still be heard. My dislike for the sound of metal strings clanking and buzzing on the fingerboard has gotten to the point now where I had to replace my Garbo A with a wrapped gut A because the metal winding on the Garbo annoyed me when it clacked against the fingerboard. Still use a Garbo E though. I'm really hardcore on this gut thing now.

mark
 
#824
I should clarify, I love gut. Overall, despite their maintenance requirements, I prefer them. Upon installation, my plain D string (which was used, btw) sounded a bit muddy and unfocused compared my plain A. As they settled and when I played them in group settings, it became less noticable and I no longer think about it.

Simply, to me they just sound different when blended with other instruments and personally, I had a difficult time drawing a fair overall conclusion until I played them in that setting.

TPugh
 
#828
I have had the compass strings on for a year now and am extremely happy with there versatility and tone both pizz and arco. Currently I have them installed using the 'bowline' knot well known to yachtsmen and mountain climbers. It is easy to undo after being under tension and is way simpler to install. No durability issues so far. I hope it does not void any warranties! There should be plenty of 'getting knotted' type websites demonstrating this knot. Good Luck.
 
#829
I'm using red spirocore on the EAD and have had an anima on the G for some time now- I love the sound of it but it really doesn't match up very well in terms of the tension, and that can still throw me off sometimes. I think part of what's going on is that the G is about a year old now and needs to be replaced, but I'm wondering if anyone knows anything similar in tone with a bit more tension, since I'm going to be spending money either way.

Soundwise it seems to match well.. I think- there are clips of this setup on my bass on the website in my profile btw, if that might influence your suggestions on what would be a good match. Thanks much.
 
#830
High,

Spiro E/A, and D/G Oliv, it's a good match with more tension than velvet
I think it's very difficult to match velvet with any other strings, except gut strings, for an example, a very good set for Jazz is two unwounded gut strings on D/G like Chorda C Henriquez, and E/A garbo

My best Olivier
 
#831
I like that idea as well. I'd leave the three regular spiros and try an Oliv G. I've been messing around with that setup off and on and find it quite good. Oliv D I'm not so sold on but that Oliv G is a thing of beauty.
 
#834
I have been noticing lots of guys mixing in anima's with steel strings lately. Some that come to mind: Larry Grenadier, Ben Street, Eric Revis (check out the new Kurt Rosenwinkel CD), plus lots of locals too. I have been using a Anima G and D with a variety of steels E and A for some time and don't find the combo that odd. To me, it feels like gut G and D (minus the wrap differences) tension wise. Amplifies really well too.

I just saw this on eMusic. Eivind Opsvik uses a broken anima set and bows them VERY well. Check out the video of Indian Summer.
 
#835
Funny enough my bridge had shifted a bit so that the lower strings were higher from the board and vice versa. This really exaggerated things, and this seems to be why the anima was feeling so low and dead (obviously it's a lot lower tension string anyway, and it's an older string).

Now that it's shifted, it feels like putting it back on there will be just right.

I put an old oliv from a friend on there-- especially now that things are back in check with the bridge, this string actually feels as, if not more tense than the steel D. It also has a lot less of the 'gut' character than the anima both sound and feel wise on my bass at least. Is this an issue like some other pirastro strings where they get a lot stiffer over time?

Learning much here.
 
#836
Someone with more Olive G experience will know if the tension changes over time.
I just put one on atop Animas and really dig it. It has more tension than the Anima G for sure, but I don't find it to be higher than steel strings. It is indeed a string of beauty.
 
#837
My notes indicate the oliv G is 63.2lb tension at pitch. For comparison a Mittel G is 66.1lbs and Weich G is 60.6lbs.

I have no numbers on the Velvet strings but they are significantly below that, at least 20% and maybe as much as 40% lower.

Gut strings tend to loosen up quite a bit over time however I'd think the steel wrap would resist that on an oliv.
 
#839
That's about how those strings feel to me. IMO tension is only part of the equation though. Diameter and the feel of the windings, or lack thereof all play a part. I played weich and Corelli strings for a short time and neither did it for me because they just felt way too thin. Mittels feel good to me but I like a fatter string with manageable tension.
 
#840
I spent years on olivs and still go back to them. Never had any wrap issues either. They do feel a bit more tense than Animas. I actually like the clarity of Animas better. I feel like they are able to cut better and amplify better too. One of the main reasons I keep using them. I also love the decay and attack. They are old school...with a twist of contemporary. A place I like to be. Olivs have their positives as well. Both are killing strings. And expensive. Both are always with steels on the E and A in my case.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back