Double Bass Zyex lights tension compared to Thomastik 4/4 solos or weich?

[basss]

I've been enjoying downtuned Thomastik Superflexible solo gauge for a while. I'm finding that I like the soft feel under my right hand for jazz pizz. How do the Zyex lights compare for tension/softness under the right hand for jazz pizz?

I've used 4/4 weichs a lot too so any comparison to those is welcome.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Very favorably tension-wise to solos, and they have a much fuller sound, IME. 4/4 weichs are similar I think.
Your bass has a lot to do with perceived tension, too. I've been playing Z lights for many years, partly because
of the ease on my hands.

 

[basss]

That's good to hear, the only thing I didn't like about the SF solos is acoustic volume, although that wasn't terrible. Most of my gigging is amplified so sound/feel is more important but would be nice to get a bigger sound.

How is the longevity of the Zyex lights for you?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

That's good to hear, how is the longevity of the Zyex lights for you?

Depends on your playing schedule. When I was doing 5-6 nights/week I'd get maybe a year. I'm a fairly agressive
player, too. I gave an old set to one of my students and he used them at least a couple more years, and they sounded
fine on his ply.

 

[basss]

Thanks, may have to try these

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Tension is similar to weichs but the diameter is greater so they don’t feel wimpy.

 

[Ben Rolston]

I just switched from Spiro 3/4 Solos over Spiro Weich 4/4 at orchestra pitch to Zyex lights. I really like them. I think they feel slightly less tense than the numbers suggest, maybe because of the larger diameter and non-steel core. I also think daddario has the best tension approach, a very even but subtle increase from string to string.

 

[basss]

Funny I just took the Spiro 3/4 solos off myself. They sounded great but I'm just spoiled by the super light tension of the 4/4 solo gauge strings and the 3/4s are more like weiks in feel. Also feel like I'm drifting away from that Spyro sound on my bass.

 

[Ben Rolston]

Funny I just took the Spiro 3/4 solos off myself. They sounded great but I'm just spoiled by the super light tension of the 4/4 solo gauge strings and the 3/4s are more like weiks in feel. Also feel like I'm drifting away from that Spyro sound on my bass.

Cool!!

For what it’s worth, though the tension numbers are similar, the Zyex light feel better to me. The spiros bow better (more cello like), the Zyex have an upper mid character that I’m growing to like but is a little less predictable.

 

[sean_on_bass]

IME the Zyex light will be a little heavier than a downtuned solo string, but still pretty flexible/playable. I do feel Zyex will die out eventually though, while a steel string like a Spiro has much more longevity.