The 5-String Double Bass

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Also, this bass being a 3/4 Wilfer/Juzek style model (if not an actual Wilfer re-labeled) might be best utilized as a high 'C' 5er rather than an Orchestra 5er with Low 'B' but only time will tell. The bass IS fairly loud so I need to take it out to a rehearsal or two and see what she can do.

I've fooled around quite a bit with C strings over the years. The best C string I found was a Corelli (Forte - from memory). The most fun I had with C strings was playing solo pieces up a fourth (same fingering) but, apart from that, I've found them a bit of a waste of time. I mean, they only add a few inches to how high you can play. Still, those solo pieces, up a fourth, can really sing like a cello. Ah, but there again, I'm a double bass player - let the cellists do that stuff.

[Steve Alcott]

Anybody ever try (on a 5 stringer) a high C string and a C extension?

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Steve Alcott

Anybody ever try (on a 5 stringer) a high C string and a C extension?

Okay, I'm listening.

[Ken Smith]

My quest if ONLY for a Low 'B' to match the Permanent set at the moment,

[Brian Gencarelli]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

My quest if ONLY for a Low 'B' to match the Permanent set at the moment,

Ken,

I think the Perm B would be a good solution. I really like the low C, so I don't see why it would be much different.

You could also go with a spirocore, but it will sound better if it's old.

FWIW,
Brian

[Alex Verbree]

If you've got the spare scratch, I'm sure a Genssler (sp?) string would be the best. aside from that, I think most 5ers I've heard of have a spiro low B because it's reliably loud and articulate.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Alex Verbree

If you've got the spare scratch, I'm sure a Genssler (sp?) string would be the best. aside from that, I think most 5ers I've heard of have a spiro low B because it's reliably loud and articulate.

Those choices to match the sound and tension or a Permanent set already on the bass?

I have a Spiro solo Extension E/C on the my Claudot and the other 3 strings are Original Flexocors. It sounds good but not a perfect match. It does work however.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

My quest if ONLY for a Low 'B' to match the Permanent set at the moment,

I like the Thomastic Superflexible B. It has bite, but it's not as bright as the Spiro.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

I like the Thomastic Superflexible B. It has bite, but it's not as bright as the Spiro.

Where would you place the Permanent string in that group being that the other 4 are Perm's as well.

Oh, and I ordered the B yesterday with some other stock I needed.

Should be here today.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Not sure I understand your question, Ken, but I used the Superflexible B with a full set of BelCantos. It sounded well-matched.

[Robert J Spear]

Originally Posted by Steve Alcott

Anybody ever try (on a 5 stringer) a high C string and a C extension?

Never saw anything like it. I have seen 5-stringers with a high C and a low E, and with a low B and a high G. It would be interesting to see (and hear) a 5-er with a C-extension on the low E. But, I think that would be quite a cumbersome rig to handle.

[Eric Hochberg]

I had a chance yesterday to briefly play Joe Guastefeste's Busan which is set up with five strings. The fingerboard is extended width over the neck on the B side and the bridge takes a dive from the E to B string putting the B somewhat out of the way. Beautiful bass.