35 replies to this topic

[endorka]

Hi Daf,

For some time I've been looking for a double bass string that is good for both jazz pizz and classical type arco playing. Previous experiments with hybrid strings have not been that great, so I've contemplated getting two instruments with ideal strings for each type of playing. However, quite often I'm in the situation where both types are required - the Horse tours are like this - and taking two double basses as well as bass guitar etc. is not really practical.

One of my students has a double bass with the Innovation SIlver Slaps, and I was really impressed with the sound and playability of these strings. They don't seem great for bowing however.

I wonder if there is a string set from Innovation that will address this requirement? The Honey's seem to be quite close, but of course it is quite tricky to judge from just reading about them. Have you any experience of them in this regard?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Jennifer

[Beer of the Bass]

Honeys do a decent job on this front. The Pizz sound is softer in the attack than Spirocores but has a fair amount of sustain and growl available, and the bowed response is good. They don't feel too low tension either - a little lighter than Spiro mittels but not floppy.

[hubrad]

If you're swinging by W.Yorkshire you're welcome to have a play on mine, usually strung with Honeys. I've also tried the Orchestral Braided, which are slightly better under the bow but softer attack pizz. On balance as a general string I am in favour of Honey Jazz

[owen]

I will also speak for the honeys. I have spent a LONG time looking for a decent hybrid. None of them actually do both, but honeys are the closest I have found.

[daflewis]

Thanks everyone, I think I'm a bit redundant here!

Jennifer, I'm curious as to what it is you don't like about any hybrids that you've tried, so i can get an idea of what you're after (and thanks for filling in my questionnaire btw). I notice you mentioned the flexocore pizz sound being too dark (and the tension too high); is that basically the problem? (pretty standard issue for orch strings)...

Cheers,
Daf

[endorka]

Thanks for all the advice everyone, useful indeed.

I've tried D'addario Helicore Hybrid strings, which had a "twangy" aspect to the sound I didn't like, in particular I found getting good intonation more difficult than usual with these. I also briefly tried Eva Pirazzi but was a little underwhelmed by them.

Yup, the dark / high tension aspect is more of a feature than a bug with orchestra strings. I like the Flexocores for bowing, but for jazz pizz I find the sound lacks character and "mwah", for want of a better word, and that I have to work very hard to get expression from them when playing jazz.

Jennifer

[daflewis]

Yes, don't get me wrong, dark sound and higher tension are only an issue if you want to play jazz - it's an integral part of the setup for a good bowed string, and therein lies the problem - the one kind of precludes the other and we get the classic search for the perfect hybrid....

I too have tried the helicores and the evahs - the first stayed on my bass for about 10 mins!... as for the evahs, i know what you mean - there's nothing really wrong with them that you can put your finger on, "underwhelmed" pretty much sums it up.... i think for me it was a mix of the "stretchiness" and the slightly darker sound.

It's worth trying the honeys, though a work of caution, they are designed to sound like gut, so they aren't the most growly and sustaining string in my experience - though Beer seems happy with that side of things.

I've currently got some prototypes of a new hybrid on my main working bass and have to admit that they're very promising - a bit higher tension, but really responsive under the bow with a lovely thud at the beginning of a pizz note and a brighter sustain (they'll even work with a magnetic pickup) - i actually don't want to take them off, which is a good sign!

Edited by daflewis, 10 November 2011 - 11:55 AM.

[owen]

daflewis, on 10 November 2011 - 11:35 AM, said:

I've currently got some prototypes of a new hybrid on my main working bass and have to admit that they're very promising - a bit higher tension, but really responsive under the bow with a lovely thud at the beginning of a pizz note and a brighter sustain (they'll even work with a magnetic pickup) - i actually don't want to take them off, which is a good sign!

You are teasing us!

[daflewis]

owen, on 10 November 2011 - 11:43 AM, said:

You are teasing us!

[daflewis]

Actually, if anyone can make it to Victoria, (west central London) I'd love to get some feedback on them!...

[owen]

Just turn your amp up.

[owen]

Sorry, I came over all "MB1" there.

[daflewis]

yeh! - let's rock!

[hubrad]

owen, on 10 November 2011 - 11:58 AM, said:

Sorry, I came over all "MB1" there.

You'll be needing your coat then..

[Beer of the Bass]

daflewis, on 10 November 2011 - 11:35 AM, said:

It's worth trying the honeys, though a work of caution, they are designed to sound like gut, so they aren't the most growly and sustaining string in my experience - though Beer seems happy with that side of things.

I've currently got some prototypes of a new hybrid on my main working bass and have to admit that they're very promising - a bit higher tension, but really responsive under the bow with a lovely thud at the beginning of a pizz note and a brighter sustain (they'll even work with a magnetic pickup) - i actually don't want to take them off, which is a good sign!

Yeah, I like the Honeys for pizz, but they're more Charlie Haden-ish then Dave Holland-ish, if that makes sense.
The new hybrids sound intriguing - do keep us posted!

[daflewis]

Certainly will!

hubrad, on 10 November 2011 - 01:48 PM, said:

You'll be needing your coat then..

A nice leopard skin one perhaps...

Edited by daflewis, 10 November 2011 - 09:55 PM.

[owen]

daflewis, on 10 November 2011 - 09:54 PM, said:

Certainly will!




A nice leopard skin one perhaps...

Now that's what I call tasty!

[endorka]

Thanks Daf, my preference for walking basslines is more "old school", i.e. a shorter, punchier note as opposed to the more sustained types, so the Honeys sound like a good bet.

I'll get a set and let you know how they work out. Any recommendations as to the best (cheapest :-) place to buy them? String Express have a set for £75, with free delivery, which seems like a good deal.

Jennifer

[daflewis]

Hi Jennifer,

I must admit that I've not found them any cheaper than that, and on the innovation site they're a tenner more - can anyone else beat £75?

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to get the string trial thing sorted yet - it would have been ideal for you.... soon, i hope.... but when i get these prototypes sorted i shall be on to you guys to beta test them for me anyway, if that's ok....

Edited by daflewis, 12 November 2011 - 10:53 AM.

[hubrad]

I'd just like to get my name on the beta testing list!!
If you do get round to taking your proto set off....