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Double Bass What are best strings for bowing on CR5M

bassmanrudi

Guest
Dec 29, 2011
14
0
I just got my CR5M and find the A,E,& B strings very unresponsive, the thicker the string the worse the response. I've never had this problem on my regular upright with (usually) "Thomastic Welch" spirocore strings.

Any suggestions for natural sounding, responsive strings on this unit.
Thanks Rudi
 
The easiest would be the NS Electric "Traditional" Set, which is essentially a set of Helicore Orchestra strings sized to fit the bass. They would go on easily, with no need to wrap around the bottom of the bass and put the ball ends into the slots on the back plate, as you would do with full-size strings. They bow very well, and sound great for both pizz and arco on my WAV4; and they'll work with the magnetic pickups on your CR5M as well. They have both a low B and high C available, as well. And they're not too pricey, which is nice.

If you're not into those particular strings, you probably want to look for a very bowing-friendly string, with a steel core (for the mag pickups), that also has a 5th string available. That narrows the field, but there are options. Let me know if you want me to look a few up.

FWIW, the NS basses come stock with the NS Electric "Contemporary" strings, which are much "zingier" and don't bow as well.
 
Thank you Mark.
I took your advice and am much happier with the bowing response. I would have ordered through you, but my local store where I teach had the order come in the next day.
Saturdays (7th) gig in front of a symphony orchestra will be much easier thanks to you.
Thanks again.
Rudi
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