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Double Bass Which strings are these
- Thread starter Jay Carter
- Start date
Pirastro Evah Slaps. (full synthetic set)
www.pirastro.com
Pirastro - Strings Handmade in Germany since 1798
Handmade in Germany As a result of the quality of both their strings and rosin, Pirastro has become a byword for a sound which is both beautiful and reliable
www.pirastro.com
They are on a Shen SB100 and I play jazz. I am guessing they might not really work too well for loud amplified quartet stuff with drums. I wasn't crazy about them but yesterday was the first time I touched that bass so don't have much context. I feel like spiro's might cut the mustard better for what I'm doing. They seem to be quietish, woolly without much sustain. I just don't think it will do too much more than whisper on stage with the cabs I have available to me here. Do you have any experience of them? I think in some contexts they might be fine!
Slow decay and modern tone for more modern types of jazz is pretty standard. I think your leanings toward Spiros is probably a good thing. Old jazz and roots, maybe different depending on your tastes. Volume with the Slaps shouldn't be an issue if you're amping, but decay and tone probably would be.
Just keep in mind every DB responds in its own way to strings, including Spiros. Setup, including sound post positioning, can make a huge difference.
Regarding setup, you might want to check how much relief (scoop) has been provided in fingerboard dressing for the Slaps. If you have sufficient relief so the Slaps are not buzzing, it might be too much relief for Spiros which are generally thinner (especially with the higher strings) and higher tension. Too little relief for the strings in use can cause buzzing, too much relief for the strings in use can make the instrument difficult to play.
Strings can be a rabbit hole. Best of luck with your decisions.
Just keep in mind every DB responds in its own way to strings, including Spiros. Setup, including sound post positioning, can make a huge difference.
Regarding setup, you might want to check how much relief (scoop) has been provided in fingerboard dressing for the Slaps. If you have sufficient relief so the Slaps are not buzzing, it might be too much relief for Spiros which are generally thinner (especially with the higher strings) and higher tension. Too little relief for the strings in use can cause buzzing, too much relief for the strings in use can make the instrument difficult to play.
Strings can be a rabbit hole. Best of luck with your decisions.
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Evah Slaps can sound a bit quiet from the driver's seat. Consider having a friend play your bass while you stand out in front of it to hear what they sound like from that perspective.
I haven't found much of a volume difference between different strings when amplified - even between sprirocores and some really acoustically quiet synthetic strings. I'd give it a try before running too quickly to change things up. Take a look at this forum and you'll quickly find stories of people chasing their string itch, at great expense and maybe not that much gained sound-wise.
As far as strings, and this is from a recovering string addict, just find what works best for you and stick with it.
