Well, I have no way of measuring them myself, and I haven't used the "standard" Garbo set, but that's how they're described on the Link Removed.
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Double Bass Velvet strings megathread part III
- Thread starter Dudie
- Start date
Well, I have no way of measuring them myself, and I haven't used the "standard" Garbo set, but that's how they're described on the Link Removed.
Jake deVilliers
Commercial User
- May 24, 2006
- 6,349
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- Owner of The Bass Spa, String Repairman at Long & McQuade Vancouver
Interesting! That page is very different from the page I found yesterday when I wanted to check what I was saying: Link Removed
I wonder if they made the change more recently and the set that I installed were older production?
EDIT: I just went and measured the Garbo Light which are on my old Bohemian bass and the 'D' string is the same diameter as the one in the Garbo/Gut set. The measurements on my website were from an outside source... I just updated them with the sizes from the Garbo Lights currently in the shop.
Thanks for the data!
Interesting! That page is very different from the page I found yesterday when I wanted to check what I was saying: Link Removed
I wonder if they made the change more recently and the set that I installed were older production?
EDIT: I just went and measured the Garbo Light which are on my old Bohemian bass and the 'D' string is the same diameter as the one in the Garbo/Gut set. The measurements on my website were from an outside source... I just updated them with the sizes from the Garbo Lights currently in the shop.
Thanks for the data!
Not at all, and glad to be of some small use! I'm not sure why Velvet maintains these seemingly independent websites; if memory serves, this is not the only conflict in the information provided between them. I think the one I linked to is more up to date, so perhaps Velvet have changed the sets since they were released.
In any case, great to see a luthier/vendor keeping abreast of such things and passing on the best available information!
I've been using that set for a while now after changing from Animas and although the difference in feel isn't massive, I do love the sound and the Gut G looks cool, as well as balancing perfectly with the other non-gut strings (EAD).
I love the way it goes "translucent" in sunny conditions!
From reading threads here, I thought Garbos would be very different from Animas; but they feel the same to me and the difference is in the sound, which is still subtle - but more bassy?
(I must say though I only bow rarely and I am 99% pizz)
So, I've been playing Velvets, in some configuration or other, for about 2 years now, either as the bottom for a plain gut setup or as a full set. My early 90s Eberle/Musima loves them. The latest blend I have tried is the Garbo D with an otherwise full set of Animas and I really dig it. The girth (feels even with the Anima A) and fatness up the neck. Arco, its no worse than the Anima G, which for me is fine up into thumb where it becomes a mess. They amplify evenly and even look like they could be from the same set other than the top silk. Overall for the stuff I do, this might be the winning set.
My Anima A is almost toast, so I'll definitely consider a Garbo A to replace it. My Anima E just keeps getting better.
My Anima A is almost toast, so I'll definitely consider a Garbo A to replace it. My Anima E just keeps getting better.
i just put on a new set of velvet anima strings today. my first velvet experience!
the G string feels a lot thicker than what i'm used to but the bass resonates a lot more now
Link Removed
the G string feels a lot thicker than what i'm used to but the bass resonates a lot more now
Link Removed
Bassico in Munich, Germany, annouced that the Velvet Classico strings are now avalilable.
I got a test set a few months ago and they are similar to the Compas 180, but sound better with the bow and a bit softer plucked. They have loop ends now.
I'm totally happy with the G, the D is not bad either, may getting better over time.
My A was not wound well and cut into my fingerboard, so I removed the set after some weeks. The E was broken when I put it on the 2nd time, probably because the metal part was wound onto the peg. Velvet said winding onto the peg is possible with these strings, but I will avoid this on my replacment string.
It is still possible to open the loop (cut on the right side!) and use the Compas 180 mounting method to adjust the position of the string on the bass. (Looping twice around the tailpiece might be an option too if you don't want to open the loop.)
I am still waiting for the replacements which might take some more time than usual.
I think these strings are closer to a mixed arco/pizz string than the Compas 180. Sometimes missing the pizz bite from the Compas 180, but much nicer arco.
I'm pretty sure there will be a set on BASS2012 in Copenhagen next month.
I got a test set a few months ago and they are similar to the Compas 180, but sound better with the bow and a bit softer plucked. They have loop ends now.
I'm totally happy with the G, the D is not bad either, may getting better over time.
My A was not wound well and cut into my fingerboard, so I removed the set after some weeks. The E was broken when I put it on the 2nd time, probably because the metal part was wound onto the peg. Velvet said winding onto the peg is possible with these strings, but I will avoid this on my replacment string.
It is still possible to open the loop (cut on the right side!) and use the Compas 180 mounting method to adjust the position of the string on the bass. (Looping twice around the tailpiece might be an option too if you don't want to open the loop.)
I am still waiting for the replacements which might take some more time than usual.
I think these strings are closer to a mixed arco/pizz string than the Compas 180. Sometimes missing the pizz bite from the Compas 180, but much nicer arco.
I'm pretty sure there will be a set on BASS2012 in Copenhagen next month.
Hi DoubleMidi,
thanks for your message. How can you obtain a test set? I would like to test it myself....
TonyD
thanks for your message. How can you obtain a test set? I would like to test it myself....
TonyD
Hi TonyD,
they only gave five test sets to different bassists durng the testphase. Luckily I was one of them.
You can write to Nuno Alexandre at velvet who does the customer support ([email protected]) and ask. Maybe you can get a test set (but you would only get one set of velvet strings for testing, not a different one after that).
I got the set because I gave an extensive report to them for some strings I got for testing, so they knew that I would give a good feedback for the strings.
they only gave five test sets to different bassists durng the testphase. Luckily I was one of them.
You can write to Nuno Alexandre at velvet who does the customer support ([email protected]) and ask. Maybe you can get a test set (but you would only get one set of velvet strings for testing, not a different one after that).
I got the set because I gave an extensive report to them for some strings I got for testing, so they knew that I would give a good feedback for the strings.
DoubleMIDI, are you still using Innovation 140 strings? I just ordered a set of the 140H. Ive been using a set of Spiro Weichs with a Velvet B G for a while now and love the feel of the Blue G, but only wish it was just slightly more tension. If the whole set of Velvet Blues were slightly higher tension, they would be my favorite...but Im hoping the 140H set is maybe a compromise between the Spiro Weichs and the Blues.
I'm use 140B strings on a 109cm scale. Nice soft feel. But I also tried the 140H for a few weeks on that bass. A bit more punch due to higher tension than the 140B, but not the sound I was looking for. Might be good for pickup amplification. Really nice strings, but not my taste and a bit less bow friendly than the 140B.
The 140H have almost the same tension than the Compas 180 and Spiro Weich 3/4 (as I feel it). Maybe a bit less than the Spiro Weich 3/4, since I use them on a 105cm scale, so you might be happy with the 140H.
The 140B have less tension, so these are not for you.
Some of the Innovation strings might change in character a bit in the future. This happens from time to time for any string manufacturer since the suppliers may no longer make the needed products. But I was told there are still strings in stock and the new cores might even work better.
But the 140H and 140B are good as they are now, so if you like them get some sets, if you want to try first time them maybe wait about half a year.
The 140H have almost the same tension than the Compas 180 and Spiro Weich 3/4 (as I feel it). Maybe a bit less than the Spiro Weich 3/4, since I use them on a 105cm scale, so you might be happy with the 140H.
The 140B have less tension, so these are not for you.
Some of the Innovation strings might change in character a bit in the future. This happens from time to time for any string manufacturer since the suppliers may no longer make the needed products. But I was told there are still strings in stock and the new cores might even work better.
But the 140H and 140B are good as they are now, so if you like them get some sets, if you want to try first time them maybe wait about half a year.
Thanks DoubleMIDI, Im hoping the 140H have a tension somewhere in between the Velvet Blues and Spirocore Weich. I like that they are supposed to have a slightly thicker gague as well, except Im hoping the E isnt too thick. I like the Weich E's gague.
The lower strings are a bit thinner than the Spirocore, I think. Specially the E. The D and G have a larger diameter. I hope you like the sound. It's more old school than modern.
Since I like the more modern sound I used the 140B which has some highs (at least at the beginning). Also less tension, but not too less. (I might want a bit more but on the 109cm scale not more than 140H.)
I have not played the Velvet Blue yet, but Compas 180 or the new Velvet Classico are not bad and in your tension range. But more expensive than the Innovations.
Since I like the more modern sound I used the 140B which has some highs (at least at the beginning). Also less tension, but not too less. (I might want a bit more but on the 109cm scale not more than 140H.)
I have not played the Velvet Blue yet, but Compas 180 or the new Velvet Classico are not bad and in your tension range. But more expensive than the Innovations.
IF the lower strings are slightly thinner or similar in gauge to Sprio Weichs I will be very happy. The Weich E is a very nice gauge, but wouldnt mind slightly thinner at all. The Velvet Blue E is a bit thinner and that is very nice as well. I do not mind a thinner gauge on the lower strings - in fact I prefer that. A thicker gauge on the G (at least as thick as the Blue G, if not a bit more) is what Im really after, so Im hoping these end up being that right mix. The Spriro Weich D is a nice gauge, so is the Blue D.
If these 140H dont work out, I may try the full Blue set again. The organic sound an feel of the Velvet Blue really is much more inspiring to play than the kind of dry plain sound and feel of the Spriro Weichs. The Blue are very musical strings, definitely takes some time to adjust to the low tension though.
If these 140H dont work out, I may try the full Blue set again. The organic sound an feel of the Velvet Blue really is much more inspiring to play than the kind of dry plain sound and feel of the Spriro Weichs. The Blue are very musical strings, definitely takes some time to adjust to the low tension though.
Dont mean to highjack the Velvet threat with talk of another string...but anyone here who is looking for something with less tension than Spiro Weichs, with a G and D that is thicker than the Velvet Blues, with a warm punchy, non-metalic tone...PLEASE try the Innovation 140H set. They are about $130 and very nice. For people who like Velvet strings, but want a more conventional winding, a bit more tension...try these.
Interesting advice Jas. I use weichs, but am wanting a warmer tone. Are the h bowable? I love the arco tone and response of the weichs. Also, do they just go thump, or do they have some sustain and growl
Yes, the 140H are bowable, but I think the 140B (with less tension than the 140H) is even more bowable and still useful when plucked, but with a bit less attack. Depends on your taste of tension and sound. For a louder/larger band the 140H might be better than the 140B.
Both need some time on the bass, I would say at least a week, better two until they settle. I got wolf/sheep tones that went away after that time with my 140B strings.
The sustain is good with both, just a little bit shorter than with Spiros. I wouldn't say they growl anywhere like Spiros, but I can live with that.
Since I had 4/4 S42W Spiros on E and A with 140B D/G/highC for some time, I can say they both bow at least as good as these Spiros, but a bit different. The lower two strings needs the longest time to develop sustain (mostly 140B but also 140H), I bent them a bit over the whole length of the string to enhance the sustain quickly, but I'm sure it will develop over a longer time period itself.
The 140H might work with the E and A of the 3/4 3885.0W set, if you do not like the 140H E and A. But you need to adjust your bowing between these different strings if you mix.
At least the 140B get a lot darker over time, so you should give them a few months.
Both need some time on the bass, I would say at least a week, better two until they settle. I got wolf/sheep tones that went away after that time with my 140B strings.
The sustain is good with both, just a little bit shorter than with Spiros. I wouldn't say they growl anywhere like Spiros, but I can live with that.
Since I had 4/4 S42W Spiros on E and A with 140B D/G/highC for some time, I can say they both bow at least as good as these Spiros, but a bit different. The lower two strings needs the longest time to develop sustain (mostly 140B but also 140H), I bent them a bit over the whole length of the string to enhance the sustain quickly, but I'm sure it will develop over a longer time period itself.
The 140H might work with the E and A of the 3/4 3885.0W set, if you do not like the 140H E and A. But you need to adjust your bowing between these different strings if you mix.
At least the 140B get a lot darker over time, so you should give them a few months.
I've been using a set of blues for about a 1/2 year now and I think their pretty good. I like the lower string tension, and the tone is full and even across the strings.
Playing with a bow is touchy though. I tried several different kinds of rosin and found that the harder the rosin, the harder it is to get a good sound. I settled on Pop's rosin and a "neutral" tension on the bow (where you almost touch the stick to the strings when pressing a bit hard) and they sound quite nice. A little scratchy, but I'm not the best with a bow either.
I've had no problem with the wrapping unwinding that I've read other folks having issue with But my bridge notches are quite smooth and well lubed with graphite.
Playing with a bow is touchy though. I tried several different kinds of rosin and found that the harder the rosin, the harder it is to get a good sound. I settled on Pop's rosin and a "neutral" tension on the bow (where you almost touch the stick to the strings when pressing a bit hard) and they sound quite nice. A little scratchy, but I'm not the best with a bow either.
I've had no problem with the wrapping unwinding that I've read other folks having issue with But my bridge notches are quite smooth and well lubed with graphite.
Hey guys hope you are all doing well!
I've been using my blue for a few months now, as much as I love them, I can't get the D string to sound well. I'm having almost no problem with the other string a bit scratchy from time to time, but the D is messy...
Can it be the string or is it just me?
Should I change rosin or bow hair?
I'm almost thinking about getting an anima D or something else
What do you think?
Thank guys
I've been using my blue for a few months now, as much as I love them, I can't get the D string to sound well. I'm having almost no problem with the other string a bit scratchy from time to time, but the D is messy...
Can it be the string or is it just me?
Should I change rosin or bow hair?
I'm almost thinking about getting an anima D or something else
What do you think?
Thank guys
Hey folks- I just restrung my Eminence Bass with some older Animas. I noticed what looks to be the copper winding coming undone around the bridge and nut.
Can any of u take a quick look and tell me if I have something to worry about?
Can any of u take a quick look and tell me if I have something to worry about?
