Double Bass Zyex strings?

[Francois Blais]

Thanks Matt!
And did you use the Zyex E string as well?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I started with the full light set and then started using a medium E. Then added a medium G.

 

[Francois Blais]

Thanks.
I read somewhat differing opinions about the E string, being not very well matched with the rest of the set.

 

[Matthias Hacker]

I was told by a luthier that they changed the formula of the E string some time ago, the first version was a bit weak on some instruments. True? My set of lights felt very balanced.

 

[Francois Blais]

Interesting, thanks.
They have two E string lenghts available too, so the metal wrap doesn't reach the tuning peg, but on some longer instruments, the upper silk gets lower than the nut.

 

[lurk]

I gave a student with a nice but cheap Chinese ply an old set of Zyex lights to replace the strings that came with it. Two years later they sound and feel so good that I'm wishing I could ask for them back and try them again.

 

[bassmanbrent]

I read somewhat differing opinions about the E string, being not very well matched with the rest of the set.

This was my experience 100%. I even got a replacement E from them, but it was the same. I hadn't heard that they changed the formula for that particular string, but I hope it's the case...

 

[Francois Blais]

Did this happen recently?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I gave a student with a nice but cheap Chinese ply an old set of Zyex lights to replace the strings that came with it. Two years later they sound and feel so good that I'm wishing I could ask for them back and try them again.

I did the exact same thing. I'm waiting for them to die out on his bass but it seems they'll last forever.

 

[leonard]

I used a Spiro Mittel E with my medium Zyexes. Actually I still have the Spiro E with the Evahs. All other E-strings sound weak on my bass. It might have something to do with the thick ply. I remember the Evah E sounding fine on the carved bass I used to have.

 

[stefaniw80401]

I paired medium Zyex G/D with Helicore Hybrid med A/E+ and that worked great. Had that combo on my bass for a while.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I used Zyex lights for a while. I liked the pizzicato tone and the overall feel, but the E was a bit weak and the lower strings were difficult to start with the bow. I went back to Pirasto's synthetic core strings (Obligato and Evah Weich) which I found more balanced across the set and much better under the bow. Now I use their Perpetual set which I'd describe as having the softer feel and hybrid capabilities of a synthetic string with the clarity and durability of a metal string.

- Steve

 

[bassmanbrent]

Did this happen recently?

At least 5 years ago... Can't remember exactly when, unfortunately.

 

[Matt Ides]

Thanks Matt!
And did you use the Zyex E string as well?

I stick with full sets when I can so used the E. It never gave me any issues and felt it was fine with the set. Also, I used EP lights EAD with Oliv G for years (mostly for orchestra). I really liked the Zyex but also felt they would choke when I really dug in (I can be pretty heavy handed).

 

[arseniotall]

Love the mediums on my 7/8 bass. Seems like they never die. I used to go back and forth with the lights if I was out of shape, but the mediums just have so much more thump. Love the G especially. One of my favorite strings. Only negative for me is they amp a little funny like any synth string, but I still like the clarity amplified over evahs.

 

[Francois Blais]

Thanks.
They are indeed very different than Evahs!

 

[BassiklyAC]

Hi.
Just wanted to ask if people are still playing on Zyex strings, or if they switched to something else.
If you're still playing them, what gauge are you using?

Thanks in advance!
François

Posted a new thread on this very subject earlier. Yes, I’m back on Zyex…medium. Using a Helicore Hybrid on the E though. I should also like to echo the opinions posted by a couple folks earlier in this thread who said that Zyex combines the best characteristics of steel strings with those of a synthetic. It just has the right amount of sustain with a nice subtle attack and friendly under the hands.

The Helicore Hybrid on the E makes up for what I’ve noticed to be a somewhat tame sounding E string in the Zyex set relative to the other strings. The HH “E” has a nice growly sustain (I just love those notes in half-position that sound like Mother Earth), but not too bright, and pairs well with the other three Zyex strings.

I tried both Evah Pirazzi and the new (at the time) Perpetual strings during my quarantine string experiments and neither set sounded or felt good on my bass.

And now, fade to black with Sinatra singing “I’ve Got The World On A String”…

 

[Francois Blais]

Thanks AC!

 

[bassmanbrent]

Posted a new thread on this very subject earlier. Yes, I’m back on Zyex…medium.

How's the tension of Zyex mediums? I've only played on lights, but am definitely curious. If it's anything like the difference between Evah lights and mediums, I'll probably pass. Thanks in advance!

 

[Eric Hochberg]

How's the tension of Zyex mediums? I've only played on lights, but am definitely curious. If it's anything like the difference between Evah lights and mediums, I'll probably pass. Thanks in advance!

It's not that drastic. They actually mix well. I've been using a med E and G and light D and A.