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Double Bass You have to mix a set

Sam Dingle

Sam Dingle

Aug 16, 2011
6,786
5,561
Nashville TN
#1
I was talking to a fellow bassist and like every conversation we got to strings. We were trying to decide how to make the perfect mixed set with each string being a different kind. Curious to see what others say. I said (without the factor of cost obviously):

Spiro medium E
Evah medium A
Eudoxa D
Oliv G
 
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#2
Sam Dingle said:
I was talking to a fellow bassist and like every conversation we got to strings. We were trying to decide how to make the perfect mixed set with each string being a different kind. Curious to see what others say. I said (without the factor of cost obviously):

Spiro medium E
Evah medium A
Eudoxa D
Oliv G
Click to expand...


bskts: That combo may be perfect for some basses but I don't think there is a "one size fits all" solution even with mixed strings.
I think your list is quite good though.
I have used all those strings but would substitute a Spiro Weich A for the EP medium.
Here's why...I think mixing strings 3 ways is a problem. Synthetic strings, over time, will demonstrate their "plasticky" composition and stand out from steel and gut strings.
I also think there is a big tension mismatch and feel between the Evah medium A ( no figures available but they are close to a Spiro med A which is 70.6 lbs) and the Eudoxa D ( 62.6 lbs).
Steel and gut (especially metal wound gut) can work well together. A 3885 Spiro Weich A (63.9 lbs) is similar in tension, sound and diameter to the Eudoxa D....and the Oliv G and Spiro Medium E go well with almost anything.

I'm sure there will be no shortage of opinion on everything we have both written! :D
 
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#4
Some feel mixing sets too much can be detrimental to the sound of the instrument because of the uneven pressures on the top, too much mixing could really be bad. The perfect mixed set is the pure unmixed set, we mix to suit different needs.

I am not a fan of mixing strings, Sadly we don't have anything like the violinists who have Infelds red and blue, which are two sets that are actually made to be mixed.
 
#5
I am guessing this is more of a "hey, let's have some fun tossing around an idea" than "wouldn't it be a great idea to have 4 different strings on the bass?" I do agree 2+2 or 1+3 or occasionally all 4 the same works for most basses, but it's a fun idea, so just run with it. My mix: (in 5ths)

Spiro Mittel C
Spiro Weich G
Permanent D
Flex Deluxe A

I have no idea how the top two would get along, but I have heard good things about the Flex Deluxe and I'm curious about trying them. I play the middle two as is right now, and I'm thinking about switching from a Weich low C to a Mittel because it's a bit of a noodle down there.
 
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#7
bassmastan said:
Some feel mixing sets too much can be detrimental to the sound of the instrument because of the uneven pressures on the top, too much mixing could really be bad. The perfect mixed set is the pure unmixed set, we mix to suit different needs.

I am not a fan of mixing strings, Sadly we don't have anything like the violinists who have Infelds red and blue, which are two sets that are actually made to be mixed.
Click to expand...


bassmastan: Does the top of the bass recognize individual tensions....or does it vibrate from the total tension from all the strings?
 
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#8
martinc said:
Does the top of the bass recognize individual tensions....or does it vibrate from the total tension from all the string?
Click to expand...

Since the strings are distributed over the bridge and the bridge is in contact with the top at two points, the pressure on each foot depends on the distribution of the total load on the strings. So distribution of string tension might have some influence.
But I won't argue about if this is something that has a substantial influence.
 
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#9
DoubleMIDI said:
Since the strings are distributed over the bridge and the bridge is in contact with the top at two points, the pressure on each foot depends on the distribution of the total load on the strings. So distribution of string tension might have some influence.
But I won't argue about if this is something that has a substantial influence.
Click to expand...


Double: My thoughts too. My concern about strings is from the perspective of the left hand. I don't like high tension or widely differing diameters regardless of how good a string may work on my bass. So I look for gradual tension increases and diameters that are not a huge mismatch.
If this sounds like I should be buying a matched set of strings you are probably right. But I have yet to find a set that has all four strings in sync. Usually the G is too bright. When you find a G string that sounds and feels good, it often affects the sound of the other strings from the set you left on.
So begins the trip to string hell.:banghead:
 
#12
Here's a wacky set I tried and it worked in a really interesting manner (even Darek Oles dug the set).

Labella Tapewound E&A
Gamut D & G plain gut

I have to say the Lenzer G/Garbo set that Bob G sells is probably the best set of strings I've ever used. Really impressed with it for pizz only. Surprisingly well balanced.
 
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#14
I have always assumed that the Garbo gut G is a Lenzner plain gut G that has been given Velvet 'end windings'. So the Velvet Garbo gut set is effectively a Lenzner G, re-badged, plus three Garbos. I presume thats what hdiddy meant?

Unless Gollihur make a custom set comprised an actual un-doctored Lenzner G and Garbo EAD, which would amount to the same thing - just without the nice dinky yellow loop!
 
#15
Have used various combinations in the recent years..a couple of combinations I tried..
Eva E-A (Mittle), Olive D-G. Powerful Acoustic only set up for both Pizz and Arco. It was somewhat a little too dark and muddy through the amp. It also a little stiff and hard on the hands .Diameters of the strings were a little tough too deal with.
Spiro E-A (Mittle) Eudoxa D-G. This was the most balance of the two experiments. Through the amp with this sounded better,more even, tone decent high -lows etc. good with bow, not quite as powerful as the Olive -Eva. Once again the size difference was the deal breaker on this,a little uneven and stiff across the board.Might try this again one day, possibly could work for you...
 
#18
I've never wanted to mix sets or been happy with mixed sets. I'm bothered by the shift in tonal character and feel of a mixed set more so than I am happy about any advantage. YMMV, of course. Different strokes for different folks. Whatever floats your boat. :)
 
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#19
DEWRUB, I never liked to mix either but the Lenzer/Garbo set is a special exception. You should try it, serious.

Guys, Bob G's set is not a rebadged G. They're all single strings, it's just that Bob and Co package it as their own set. IINM, Garbo sets a set that has thier own G and I'm guessing it's not the same string as a Lenzner.
 
#20
Personally, I've never felt the need to mix sets on any of my instruments, but I do concede that there are circumstances which warrant it.
If mixing sets gets you where you need to be, then make it so (Number One :cool:).

That said, in the presumed spirit of the thread, here is my offering for a "four different strings" set:

Evah E/C; Eudoxa A; Gamut Pistoy D; Damian Dlugolecki G.

Joe
 

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