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Old 05-31-2012, 07:27 AM
Scott Pope Scott Pope is offline
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Ken, I know that you know, but for the rest of the crowd interested in Spiros, everyone needs to remember that there are five different sets of orchestra tuned Spiros, and then there are two solo sets, the quint tuning sets, and the fractional sets after that. Most people only talk about the S42 4/4 sets. For the standard tuned sets, in ascending order of tension, if all were fitted on the same bass:

S42W 4/4 Weich
3885W 3/4 Weich
S42 4/4 Mittel
3885 3/4 Mittel
S42 4/4 Stark

So that I could make an informed decision about fit on my particular instrument, I contacted Connolly about the differences in speaking lengths and silk lengths between the S42 4/4 and 3885 3/4 sets. They sent me a very explanatory email with a chart, but the chart is coded into the email, and I don't know how to reformat the chart so it is clear, and not just linear data. When I try to cut and paste the chart out of the email, I just get strings of numbers. I'd like to forward that to you. Please let me know either here or by PM how you would like me to send you that information.
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Old 05-31-2012, 09:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Pope View Post
Ken, I know that you know, but for the rest of the crowd interested in Spiros, everyone needs to remember that there are five different sets of orchestra tuned Spiros, and then there are two solo sets, the quint tuning sets, and the fractional sets after that. Most people only talk about the S42 4/4 sets. For the standard tuned sets, in ascending order of tension, if all were fitted on the same bass:

S42W 4/4 Weich
3885W 3/4 Weich
S42 4/4 Mittel
3885 3/4 Mittel
S42 4/4 Stark

So that I could make an informed decision about fit on my particular instrument, I contacted Connolly about the differences in speaking lengths and silk lengths between the S42 4/4 and 3885 3/4 sets. They sent me a very explanatory email with a chart, but the chart is coded into the email, and I don't know how to reformat the chart so it is clear, and not just linear data. When I try to cut and paste the chart out of the email, I just get strings of numbers. I'd like to forward that to you. Please let me know either here or by PM how you would like me to send you that information.
Forward me the email to support@kensmithbasses.com

I think there is one set of Reds for a normal size bass that I consider mediums aka mittels. These other names and gauges are newer to me than what we had 30-40 years ago. That's all I know. Whatever a 4/4 is in their language, I have no idea. The modern 3/4 bass is a small instrument as compared to the manageable 7/8th which is actually a 3/4 or Orchestra Norm with and average body length of about 45 1/4". From 46-48" bodies, you are in the 4/4 range in my world. Maybe they need to make a 7/8th length? I will wait for your chart in my email.
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Old 05-31-2012, 11:27 AM
Scott Pope Scott Pope is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Smith View Post
Forward me the email to support@kensmithbasses.com
Email forwarded. I think the set everyone refers to as the "Reds Mittel" is the S42 Mittel set. I am using a 3885W E string with the Bels ADG and it is a great match for feel and tone on my bass.
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Old 05-31-2012, 04:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Pope View Post
Email forwarded. I think the set everyone refers to as the "Reds Mittel" is the S42 Mittel set. I am using a 3885W E string with the Bels ADG and it is a great match for feel and tone on my bass.
I can't post that chart either. As far as the subject goes, what can you tell me if anything about Orchestral bowing for the Red set, medium gauge, either length.
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Old 05-31-2012, 04:55 PM
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Anselm Hauke Anselm Hauke is offline
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this one?

TI saiten.pdf
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Old 05-31-2012, 10:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Anselm Hauke View Post
this one?

Attachment 2446
Wow, great. Much more info than the email but that was specifically for just one model.

Now that we have you here, I have mentioned that I think Spiro reds are more common in Europe for Orchestra than the states, I think. Can you elaborate a little on that in any way? I know you play bass in German Orchestras so your personal experience and observations with S.Reds would be warmly welcomed here.
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Old 06-01-2012, 01:20 AM
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Terry McDougal Terry McDougal is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Smith View Post
Wow, great. Much more info than the email but that was specifically for just one model.

Now that we have you here, I have mentioned that I think Spiro reds are more common in Europe for Orchestra than the states, I think. Can you elaborate a little on that in any way? I know you play bass in German Orchestras so your personal experience and observations with S.Reds would be warmly welcomed here.
Yes Anselm, I'm really interested to hear your thoughts too.
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