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Double Bass Which classical string should i choose? Kaplan, Belcanto or Passiones or...?

E

Edvin

Feb 25, 2010
254
0
Sweden
#1
I'm mainly a jazz player but i'm going to hop on the classical train for a while. With that, i'm going to buy a new set of strings. I've been thinking about D'addario Kaplan as well as Belcantos. My bass is pretty bright and projecting, and i would like a string that gives me the Bottom that's in the tone chamber as well. I'd like a big sound with lots of bottom and volume as well as easy response in the stacatto/spicatto.
Is the Passiones a good choise as well?
I've tried Obligatos and Dominants but on my bass they sound quite thin.
 
#2
90% classical player here. I use Spiros on the bottom, bel cantos on the top (currently. I have previously used dominants and would continue to do so if I thought they were audition friendly). Some people find the low strings of Bel Cantos a bit soft under the bow (to which I agree), so you may want to try something in the range of a Flexocore, maybe? I hope others will chime in and help you out.

eerbrev
 
#4
Flexocor 92 is a great classical string- keep in mind that they have a bit of "sizzle" to their sound when they are brand new so don't be too quick to judge straight out of the box- they settle down very quickly. You should find them to be an easy starting string with a very focused, dark, velvety tone with a wide dynamic range.

Passione are a great choice to balance out a bright bass. They are dark, but not at all muddy or wooly- they are very clear and focused and a joy under the bow.

Some will caution you that the E strings sound out of balance (weak) with many Pirastro sets- I don't find this to be the case with my basses, but thought it worth mentioning.


Have fun with your classical train ride!!! :)

Joe
 
#5
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
10% arco player here. If you want power, Flexocor are where it's at. My technique isn't good enough to judge their spicatto performance, but if your bass is bright Flexocor 92 may work on some jazz gigs.
Click to expand...

IMHO- Flex 92's are fine spicatto, but to be honest, I find spicatto response to be more dependent on the bow than the string. MHO.

I agree that they can be a fine jazz string too, depending on what you're looking for. I've been taking my "classical" bass (wearing Flex 92's) out on jazz gigs since the fall and LOVING it!!! YMMV...

Joe
 
#8
thank's for all your answers, love this forum!
So now i'm thinking Flexocor's. But the 92's, is that and old gauge?
Someone here at school have something i think might be flexocor, but how do you recognize the 92's and how is the others? If i buy new ones, should i buy originals or just flexocor?
 
#9
Post a photo showing the silks on both ends of the string. We'll tell you what the string is.

Flexocor original (blue silk) are very deep and dark on the bottom while the G is bright and penetrating. Flexocor 92 (maroon silk) are more balanced and predictable. I have Flexocor 92 Stark gauge on my arco bass, and they're incredible, but stiff.
 
#10
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
Post a photo showing the silks on both ends of the string. We'll tell you what the string is.

Flexocor original (blue silk) are very deep and dark on the bottom while the G is bright and penetrating. Flexocor 92 (maroon silk) are more balanced and predictable. I have Flexocor 92 Stark gauge on my arco bass, and they're incredible, but stiff.
Click to expand...

Is Flexocor 92 available new?
 
#18
I play 90% classical also, and have played the Flexicor'92 mediums with a heavy (stark) E, the Evah Pirazzi regulars, and the Belcantos, all on the same Shen Hybrid bass with the same octagonal, pernambucco bow.

I have played the Evahs for about three and a half years (two sets), and just recently switched to the Belcantos.

From your stated requirements, I would recommend the Evahs. They are loud, deep (even the E is strong and loud), they bow easily, and are also very good for jazz.

The Evahs are, in my opinion, not as smooth sounding as the Belcantos, but they have a rich tone with lots character.

I also agree that spiccatto friendliness is more in the bow than the strings. Though I do think that a higher tension string, like the Flexicor, might make the spiccatto a bit easier.
 
#20
BUMP on this thread!
Now i've tried and auditioned the flexocor 92's since january, and been enjoying playing these a lot (especially since switching from anima's).
I have two concerns about these:
* i have a hard time playing the E string, i need a little more response and attack.
* the G string is just Too harsch. Right now i'm avoiding the D->G switch because it's too uneven. That makes me think of two alternatives:
Either find a G string that will even out the transition to the G.
OR finding a new set that will fit better.

I got over the flexocors for $40 so it doesn't feel that big of a waste to try a new set.
Right now my head screams: Passiones or Evahs??
What do you guys think?
 

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