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Double Bass Velvet strings megathread part III
- Thread starter Dudie
- Start date
Sam: Ugh. Brings back bad memories. I used Garbos 5 or 6 years ago for about 6 months. I loved the equal tension and the full sound but the string wrap separations were too much of an aggravation.I did not slap back then and certainly was not rough on the strings. Velvet has great customer service but it doesn't help when you have to wait for a replacement to come from Switzerland. I concluded that for all their benefits, they were not worth the trouble. Worn-in Spiro Weichs have given me worry-free service, long string life and a solid, full sound.
- Jul 19, 2000
- 2,014
- 2,224
- Disclosures
- Owner/President, Gollihur Music LLC
Can we see where the strings break over the bridge? The slots on the bass might be too “tight” for the strings. Perhaps s/he switched to these strings from another string that has a thinner diameter? Seeing if the windings are "bunched" on the other side of the bridge would be how I'd diagnose whether this might be (at least, part of) the problem.
What happens is this - the string, the first (and every) time you tune up, "snakes" through the bridge (and nut) slot. If the slot is too deep, too narrow, or has sharp edges, the slot actually "catches" on the outer winding of the string. So while the tuning machine pulls and adds tension to the core of the string, the windings are “held back” by the nut. It’s kind of like trying to take a ring off a swollen finger. This, as you can imagine, causes the windings to separate/spread on one side, and “bunch up” on the other side. This causes the whole string to eventually fail. Or at least, separate, like those have.
The Velvets can sometimes be more susceptible to this, owing to their slightly larger diameter and different materials used in their cores and their windings.
For every one of these complaints there are dozens upon dozens of satisfied Velvet users who've never experienced anything of the sort. Though, I am not currently using them, I've played Animas and Garbos for years at a time without problem. Great sounding strings with a wonderful feel.
+1
People use Olivs and Eudoxas too, which are twice the cost and even more fragile.
People use Olivs and Eudoxas too, which are twice the cost and even more fragile.
There are definitely players who have gotten lucky with these, and I’ve had sets I’ve gotten a year-ish out of with really heavy use. I’ve also had strings fresh out the pack snap while being put on at david Gage’s shop in NYC. Such is the way of a natural core string of any kind, it’s unreasonable to hold it to the standards of a steel string. My solution was to carry spares.
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This is my A string after several months of occasional playing. It's a shame as I bought them second hand. Even with the receipt the retailer could not warranty it. Should I contact Velvet? I love the sound and size. Not real crazy about the winding. This has nothing to do with a pinched winding. The string stretched more than the winding could handle.
could handle.
contact velvet they may help. but thats exactly why so many people stopped playing velvets and moved on.
Just an update from this. I bought these strings for a friend so took it upon myself to contact velvet and get replacements. I sent an email back in March, got a reply saying new strings were on the way. Waited 2 weeks and sent another email, 2 weeks later got a reply saying the factory was under construction and they almost shut down production entirely, but decided against it. They said they would keep me updated. I've emailed twice since then asking for an update and no reply. Granted I haven't been on them, but I sent my 3rd email today and have to say I'm a little annoyed with the lack of response. I personally won't use them because of this, but my gift to a friend who had just bought a new bass had to be taken off, and a different set bought. I won't be surprised if they stop production eventually.
Yep I got no response from them. It sucks because I really liked the sound and tension. Anybody have a good Garbo A string they can spare. Tempted to order some Red Diamonds.
Really not liking the sound of this. I just put a set of Animas on my bass. Again, the feel is fantastic, but I've got separations on the G, D and A strings after installing them carefully. Hopefully the retailer/importer comes good on replacing them. They were more than AU$500. 
If the separations are between the string and fingerboard it's not bad. I have compas 180's on my bass 2 1/2 years with separations on d and g. If they are on top of the string, that's another story.
I feel like the problems with velvet strings has actually been exacerbated over the past couple of years. I always felt like these would eventually go the way of golden spirals and Lycons, which was really why I stopped using them all together. When they were working well, animas were easily my favorite strings.
Really not liking the sound of this. I just put a set of Animas on my bass. Again, the feel is fantastic, but I've got separations on the G, D and A strings after installing them carefully. Hopefully the retailer/importer comes good on replacing them. They were more than AU$500.
Velvet has been unable to replace a set I bought in March. There is a broken machine and they can’t send out any replacements, at least that’s what the guy keeps telling me every time I ask.
I was just able to semi fix my A string. I grabbed the string from the middle of the neck and pulled up. I then pulled up from the bridge and pulled toward the nut. I at least moved the separation to an area that I don't play. It's about 1/4 inch north of the bridge. If I could move it past the bridge or above the nut that would be better but I am sure the core is smaller under tension which is where the problem comes from in the first place. It still sounds the same. I wonder if the silk changes size with temp and humidity?
Supplier tells me the importer is really good and will replace my faulty strings. Yay! 
That's good newsSupplier tells me the importer is really good and will replace my faulty strings. Yay!
Supplier tells me the importer is really good and will replace my faulty strings. Yay!
Not your fault but if they do I’ll be pissed, having waited this long. Last they said they just don’t have any anima strings to send out -_-
