Strings strings strings... And pickup...

[Jason Mendelson]

I need some thoughts on strings...

Long story short, My upright has had the same strings on it for,,,, ohhh... say about 9 years! I havent really played the thing unfortunately much at all the last 5 years, just getting back into playing it again...

I have a low C extension (not the mechanical type)...

99% jazz finger pizz playing... so dont really need an easy arco string...

Whats the string to get these days?

I think I have spirocore vikes on them now... something like that...



And while we are on the subject... a good pickup... I used to use the Fishman (clipped on to the bridge between DG and EA strings), dont know where all the parts are...

I think the other pickup to get was the underwood?

Whats out there these days?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Jason Mendelson

I need some thoughts on strings...

Long story short, My upright has had the same strings on it for,,,, ohhh... say about 9 years! I havent really played the thing unfortunately much at all the last 5 years, just getting back into playing it again...

I have a low C extension (not the mechanical type)...

99% jazz finger pizz playing... so dont really need an easy arco string...

Whats the string to get these days?

I think I have spirocore vikes on them now... something like that...



And while we are on the subject... a good pickup... I used to use the Fishman (clipped on to the bridge between DG and EA strings), dont know where all the parts are...

I think the other pickup to get was the underwood?

Whats out there these days?

What kind of Bass is this? What does it sound like now with 9 year old strings? I would have you find the strings first that work for you on that bass and then, worry about a pickup and amp. Can't easily amplify what's not there.

I use the Shadow pickup, 2 tabs like the Underwood. Works fine on all of my basses. Use the strings you are used to if they work for you. A new set will do wonders. The 'Weichs' are lower tension that Superflexible or Spirocore. Solo SFs might be softer even in tension but not the same sound. I play mainly Pirastros for Bowing but have other sets on some of my Basses as well. Describe your bass and the sound you need. You will get plenty of suggestions. Not all will be suitable.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

If your strings ARE Spirocore Weich (red bottom, purple top), why not just leave them on? I doubt they are toast yet. Do you like them? They are a good string for pizz, and easier on your hands as you become reacquainted with your instrument.
Your pickup can be bettered by many. Google is your friend.

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Greg Clinkingbeard

If your strings ARE Spirocore Weich (red bottom, purple top), why not just leave them on? I doubt they are toast yet. Do you like them? They are a good string for pizz, and easier on your hands as you become reacquainted with your instrument.
Your pickup can be bettered by many. Google is your friend.

I'm with the 'Prairie Village boy' on this one, though I think I'd bang a new set of Weichs on.

[Jason Mendelson]

They are red and purple...


They may sound a little dull, but it could just be the bass is waking up again...

to give an idea of what it sounds like now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51sXrLnvYxE

I think a new set of Weichs is in order then.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Buy a new set if you must, but I think it sounds great. My $.02: If the windings are good, leave 'em. Spirocores are the Energizer bunny of strings. I'll bet a new set won't be any different after a few weeks. If you're intent on new strings, send me a pm and we'll set a price for your old ones. I can use a set.

[Jason Mendelson]

The windings are all still good. not rough or anything,

When I was playing a lot, I used to change them every 6 months... so never really had a set on this long, let alone YEARS, but its also been so long I dont really remember what it was like to play them when they were new verse 6 months...

Maybe ill keep them on for a while but get a nother set to carry around till these die...

Do need a pickup though...

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I like either a Realist (natural, woody) or a Full Circle (similar, but more string sound and volume before feedback). An Underwood can be good if you are used to hearing more string sound, but I think they make a DB sound like a fretless slab.

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Greg Clinkingbeard

I like either a Realist (natural, woody) or a Full Circle (similar, but more string sound and volume before feedback). An Underwood can be good if you are used to hearing more string sound, but I think they make a DB sound like a fretless slab.

My Underwood sounds great! I've just bought a second one for my new bass.

[Jason Mendelson]

I think the realist may have came out like 10 years ago? if its the one I am thinking of...

I gotta do some tryin out again :-/

I did a mic setup for a while, but I wanna do this on the cheap for now...