Best Double Bass Strings, Best String for Double Bass & Best Upright Bass String Brands
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Are you looking for the best double bass strings? Choosing the best double bass strings shouldn’t be a Herculean task. But if you’re a newbie, finding the best double bass strings can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Like all other bassists, if you want to play beautiful music, you will need the right double bass strings.
Bass strings make up one of the most critical components of the double bass. When you combined them with a bow, they generate the deep and effective sound that basses are renowned for. So if you want the best sound, only the best double bass strings can guarantee you that. And here is how you can get them.
What are the Best Double Bass/Upright Bass Strings to Buy?
What to look out for when buying your double bass strings
It is no secret that every brand of bass string comes with different qualities for your instrument. Considering that some players like to mix and match string sets, you have to know what to look for when buying your bass strings.
Apart from trying out different brands to find the best match, this is what you should do before paying for your double bass strings.
Check the Gauge/Thickness:
Double bass strings are available in different gauges (thickness) and widths which defines the level of tone proceeding off the sound from both the pizzicato and the bow. This is one area where you have to carry out some experiments because such differences are very important with an instrument that is as large as the bass.
Consider the string’s material design
Majority of the bass strings are constructed off synthetic materials carefully wrapped in steel. However, there are strings that feature sheep gut as a core. So think about that because the material affects the sound produced by the strings.
Any need to consider Cost?
You have to prepare to pay for your strings at a fair price because double bass strings don’t come too cheap. Price shouldn’t be your concern, even when you’re on a budget. The reason is, you cannot play good music without good strings. Therefore, ensure you strike a balance between price and sound when looking for the best strings.
What style do you play?
Strings come with different designs suited for certain playing styles. For instance, if you’re playing a jazz band, go for strings that have a nice growl or sustain, since you will be plucking the strings most of the time.
If you are playing in an orchestra, go for strings that carry ‘orchestra’ as part of their names or descriptions online. Such strings usually sound nice when played with a bow.
That is all you need to buy the best double bass strings. Now let’s see some of the greatest double bass strings reviews.
9 Best Double Bass String Reviews and the Best Double Bass String Brands
1) Pirastro Obligato Upright Double Bass Strings
Here is another amazing double bass string you can describe as a hybrid. They are a medium gauge, full set of A, D and E strings, made of a synthetic core that boasts reliable chrome steel wound design. The strings are unique in the sense that they are made by hands using modern construction techniques and definite quality control measures.
The only thing is that some players find it comfortable because they sometimes twixt around their fingers. These strings are mostly used in orchestra settings. They also appear a little flexible and mellower under the fingers compared to other strings in the market.
However, they have a fair degree of projection and volume when used in play.
2) D’Addario Bass String Helicore Hybrid Medium Tension String
D’Addario medium tension strings are primarily designed and optimized to fit the playing needs of most bass players.
Measuring 8.7 x 5.6 x 8.7 inches in dimensions, these strings provide a nice playing range which enables the player to have a nice sound and good sustain when playing the pizzicato sound. But that isn’t all it has got to offer. The Acro sound renders by these strings is also full and excitingly round.
Although you’re never going to get as much of that rich volume as you would in a traditional orchestra string, the D’Addario Helicore strings fit in nicely for those who do a bit of both on one instrument.
The strings’ standard steel core renders optimum playability, even as it keeps a good balance between bow response and pizzicato sustain.
3) Pirastro Bass Evah Pirazzi String
These are strings that were originally designed for the primary interest of the orchestra, but they have become the favorite for jazz lovers. The preference for these instruments is because they generate a great deal of warm sound during pizzicato. When attacking, they have a remarkable gut-like sound as well.
Although they are made of steel wound and synthetic core, they have a long-term durability that excels credibly beyond expectation. The medium gauge and overall playing define this strings as a nice one to have.
They rank better and higher as one of the best hybrid strings in the market.
4) Thomastik Spirocore Upright Double Bass String set
The Thomastik-Infield upper bass strings are the perfect types of strings for jazz players. The strings provide extremely full and loud sound. These Spirocore strings from Thomastik offer all pizzicato players great sustain and brightness while creating the best of a jazz sound.
The strings are made of flexible spiral strings which excel in quick response, consistency in performance, and with gut-like tenacity to last for a very long time. You can use the strings for bluegrass, blues and similar style of play. Spirocore is known for their high, powerful string tension appearance. They provide a well balanced and homogenous sound as well.
5) Thomastik 3885.OW Infield Custom
The Thomastik –Infield is a Spirocore string that features excellent designs. They are described as Spirocore because they have multi-wire spiro core that is flexible. These strings are remarkable for their ability to reduce inertia in a significant proportion. They also offer a much longer time frame of musical vibration when in use.
If you’re going to play pizzicato or Arco, these are the strings that you should buy. They are designed to be highly responsive while reserving the ability to endure a long period of play with a good lifespan. The strings weigh 8 ounces and measure 8.8 x 1.1 x 8.8 inches in dimensions. They are available at a bass set of 3/ 4 in size while being light tension as well.
6) D’Addario Medium Tension Kaplan Bass String
The Kaplan Bass String is yet another medium-sized strings from D’Addario. The strings of this model also feature standard steel core, with medium tension capability. These strings are extremely rich in response and clarity, providing unbeatable balance across the set as you play. The response time is very quick, which is a big deal, compare to other strings in its category.
For those who are looking forward to playing fast runs, these are the strings you need. What about tone? Well, the quality is much better, compared to previous models. D’Addaro did a nice work, especially when playing in the highest registers. These strings are just superb in their steel core design.
7) Pirastro Double Bass Strings Flexocor Series
Are you looking for a medium double bass strings set? Pirastro Flexocor series of double bass strings offer a wonderful set of 3 /4 for medium orchestra performance. These strings are the perfect choice for any beginner who is not sure which strings to experiment with. The sound every string in the Flexocor series produces is great. Another plus is the fact that they have a reputation for lasting longer than expected.
The unique thing that set these strings from a host of others is that they have a remarkable ‘growl’ when playing arco, plus a great chocolate sound to wit. Although they have excellent sound, they may not provide you with that amazing sound projection in a larger space. Notwithstanding, their core steel strings enable them to provide easy response and short sustain which is ideal for warm orchestra sound.
8) Pirastro D-Bass Solo Set Original Flat-Chrome
These Pirastro strings are a classic choice, similar to the unique Flexocors. They are made of Fis steel and contain high tension strings that produce remarkable and magnificent sound, especially when played in the lower register. However, you may not find them very much appealing in the upper register.
Durability is one of the high-end features of these strings, which comes with chrome steel winding. This model has a distinctive feature from the Original Flexocor string, and that difference lies in the area of having more slightly brilliant sound. If you are looking for a high-pressure string, this is it.
9) D’Addario Zyex Single Bass D String
The Zyex is one of D’Addario’s best bass strings ever. It features a synthetic core that produces amazing warm and rich gut-like tone that flows smoothly with the play. These strings are manufactured for the sole purpose of producing an unrivaled pizzicato attack and relatable sustain. The strings also give a superb bowing response that far outweighs most of its competitors.
If you are looking for something that can bring out the best in your bass playing career, the Zyex strings will help you a great deal.
They have a great playing range measuring 8.7 x 5.6 x 8.7 inches in dimensions, which is just perfect on the hand with the light tension play.
Choosing the Best Double Bass Strings
Strings are essential parts of your bass, and you should always be on the lookout for the best and the worst when shopping for them. Although they come in different styles of design, make sure you select the right fit.
We have selected and reviewed some of the best double bass strings in the market, so choose yours and play happily thereafter.