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

[Phil Rowan]

I've been using Kaplan A D G with a Spiro Stark E (the E is probably going on 3 years old now.. oy) for about year and I still enjoy them a good bit (they still sound pretty focused too). I may eventually check out the Kaplans in light gauge (for at least the D and G) because my bass itself is a tad stiff/tight.

 

[SVT4001]

Edvin,

Sounds like you might do best with a mixed set. Many people find Pirastro sets to be mismatched with the low E being weak when compared to the rest. They rectify this problem by bumping up a gauge for the E- for example- one might have a stark E and mittel's for the A, D and G, or a mittel E and weich A, D and G.

You may go further down the mixed set road to address your G string problem by trying a different type or different brand of string.

BTW- Speaking of sets you have used in the past, have you noticed the G not blending well with the rest of the set? I find the Flex 92's balance perfectly on my bass. I bring this up because you may experience a similar issue with other Pirastro strings, like the Passiones...also, keep in mind the E balance if you do decide to try the Passiones. They are a great string imho, well worth a try.

One more thing: Taming the G of the Flex 92 set could be a simple as a sound post adjustment too...just a thought.

Best of luck with your search! Please let us know how it works out!

Joe

 

[Edvin]

Thank you so much for your answer DC!
Actually i've noticed it on a set with D&G zyex with spiro weich bottom. But that was with a different bow, rosin and setup (though, the D did sound similar).

It could be a setup thing, but i recently got it back from a luthier who shortened the soundpost and moved it downwards (i think down).

I'm also starting to think it might have something to do with my bowing technique (at least the sloppy E) so i'll talk to my teacher about it and see what he thinks next lesson.

 

[LouisF]

Jargars! Seriously under-rated around here.

Louis

 

[tomshepp]

I have a full set of Spiro Starks on my carved bass and they are great! Plenty of volume. Great dynamic range. Nice dark arco. Equally nice pizz. Haven't thought of changing them out in about a year, and probably won't ever change the E.

Not to throw another wrench in the gears.

 

[Edvin]

i've talked to my teacher my recent lesson and he did agree about the E. He recommended a Belcanto E string for it's response.
Also, i'm starting to think that the G think was in my head. I recorded myself and listened to
my teacher play it and it's really not that scratchy as i imagined in my head.
Though, i'm considering to buy a full set of Belcantos. Can't hurt to try.
The 92's i have is my really first arco strings, and they are REALLY old (but unused until this year).
When i got them it had som metal thing to put in the bridge to replace your old gut strings.
But yeah, not older than '92 anyway... too shame, one year more and they would be as old as i am!
Anyway, I'm gonna try a set of belcantos too see what they have to say to my bass!

 

[Bin Son of Bin]

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

Sorry for the late comment on this thread but I started out with my bass having all Belcanto's and I agree with Eerbrev that the E is very soft and creamy. I find that all them are but I love that sound on the A, D and G strings and I have no problems with projection or power with those strings. I recently replaced my Bel E with a Dominant and have found a lot more power with it.