If you're re-strung your Yamaha--what are you using? How do they compare to the factory strings? I find the factory strings sound ok, but compared to Pirastro Deluxes on my acoustic upright, these are pretty rough on the fingers.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass Yamaha SLB 300 strings?
- Thread starter mattgreven
- Start date
I'm now using Spiro Solos. Have used Evahs and Spiro mittels at various times. I like the Solos. The original strings were one year old when I bought it and needed to be replaced; I bought used.
I’m a couple months into my SLB300 and looking for a string change.The Helicore Hybrids are decent enough, but looking for something better. I don’t do Arco or slap (yet). Playing some bluegrass, Americana, country, etc and my favorite sound is with a little mute on it. I guess I would like a string with a nice solid thump, fairly quick decay, not too bright but still with good note definition. I’m trying out a new product from Nino Mute which is a “hybrid” of sorts. Nino says it has a little more mute on the E and A, a little less mute on the D and G. Any and all thoughts are appreciated! I’ve been playing electric bass for 50 years, URB for 10.
Keith
I just finished a three-hour gig tonight on my 300. Spirocore solos down tuned and wearing the Nino mute. Because of comments on another thread I paid close attention to sustain/decay tonight. With the above combination I have a decent thump with some sustain. More when I dig in.
Signal chain is 300 - fdeck HPF - Baggs Paracoustic DI - Evolve 50 sub/speakers. Tonight I used the preamp on the Yamaha, set 50% mic/piezo, and the #2 mic setting. If the preamp noise is ever objectionable to a band mate I can get really good results with the piezo only using this signal chain. The outboard preamp is key. Doesn’t have to be a Baggs; many will work.
With the Baggs preamp I can roll off some bass and easily boost mids and treble. As I mentioned in the other thread, I never play without the Nino mute. I even keep a spare in the case! I’ve used it with a variety of strings. I happen to like Spiros of any type.
Hope this helps.
I just finished a three-hour gig tonight on my 300. Spirocore solos down tuned and wearing the Nino mute. Because of comments on another thread I paid close attention to sustain/decay tonight. With the above combination I have a decent thump with some sustain. More when I dig in.
Signal chain is 300 - fdeck HPF - Baggs Paracoustic DI - Evolve 50 sub/speakers. Tonight I used the preamp on the Yamaha, set 50% mic/piezo, and the #2 mic setting. If the preamp noise is ever objectionable to a band mate I can get really good results with the piezo only using this signal chain. The outboard preamp is key. Doesn’t have to be a Baggs; many will work.
With the Baggs preamp I can roll off some bass and easily boost mids and treble. As I mentioned in the other thread, I never play without the Nino mute. I even keep a spare in the case! I’ve used it with a variety of strings. I happen to like Spiros of any type.
Hope this helps.
I’ve got Spirocore Mitts on my 3/4 Upton Bohemian. I also use a Nino Mute, but the best position is when it’s barely resting on the strings. If I press it down on the strings, it’s too much. Nino is developing a new hybrid mute that mutes more on the E and A, less on the D and G(he’s sending me a prototype). I’m looking forward to trying it out. Also thinking about different strings, but I’m going to try the new mute first.
My pedalboard is tuner, comp, Caveman DI, HPF, and DCX preamp. It’s a simple setup which is how I like it. I almost always double on electric guitar, so I don’t use specific URB gear, but I’m usually able to get a pretty nice sound. Who knows, maybe I’ll try your string setup or even Spiro Weichs. Thanks for your thoughtful advice, it’s much appreciated!
Personnally, I'd try to get strings that give me the tone I want without the mute.
So possibly orchestral-type strings.
Could be Helicore Orchestrals, Thomastik BelCantos, Pirastro Evahs or even Flexocors.
I'd avoid typical pizz strings where you need to add a mute, but that's just me.
So possibly orchestral-type strings.
Could be Helicore Orchestrals, Thomastik BelCantos, Pirastro Evahs or even Flexocors.
I'd avoid typical pizz strings where you need to add a mute, but that's just me.
That’s certainly part of the plan. I don’t mind the tone of the Helicore Hybrids, just want a solid punch on the front end with a shorter decay. Within reason I can dial in the tonal qualities I’m looking for. I’ve been considering the Orchestrals or possibly the Evah Pirazzi Gold/slaps.
I’ve recently discovered the Tempera Oak which seem to fit the bill, but are very expensive! However, if they lasted many years like my Spiro Mitts on my 3/4 Upton Bohemian, it might be worth the investment. Thanks for your input, it’s much appreciated!
EP Slaps are definitely in that category!
Solo-gauge orchestral strings tuned down at orchestra pitch are another option, with the added benefit of low tension and easier playing.
Solo-gauge orchestral strings tuned down at orchestra pitch are another option, with the added benefit of low tension and easier playing.
I just put on some Perpetual Strings on my SLB200 and I'm loving the sound I get. Lower tension and a nice fat pizz sound. Arco is great too. I'm playing in 5ths tuning and have Spirocore Red Mitchell weichs for the two lower strings along with now a Perpetual D and a Solo A.
If I was playing in 4ths, I would definitely try the orch set out. I've tried several different sets that used to be on my regular bass incl Spiro Solos, obli's, etc. This is the best I've heard it sound.
If I was playing in 4ths, I would definitely try the orch set out. I've tried several different sets that used to be on my regular bass incl Spiro Solos, obli's, etc. This is the best I've heard it sound.
The EP gold (slaps) have tension in the mid 40’s which is quite a bite lighter than the stock Helicore Hybrids. Do you what kind of tension you’re referring to with the orchestral solos tuned down?
