Upright Bass Strings - Bluegrass

Subject: Upright Bass Strings & Setup
From: wilco
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 11:10 AM

I've recently purchases a new Englehard Bass. The store wouldn't swap out the strings, so I need to purchase a set. Your recommendations? This is for bluegrass and old country (US) music.
   Also, does the bass usually require any set-up (bridge, etc.) like a guitar?

Thanks!!!

Wilco

Subject: RE: Upright Bass Strings - Bluegrass
From: Once Famous
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 02:47 PM

Hi wilco48

I am also a bluegrass bassist. I have had great success with D'addario Helicore strings. They make 3 versions. One is designed for bowing, which you obviously don't want. The other is primarily for pitzstacco ( a bi sp!) which would be great, and the kind that I ended up with, which is designed for either. These are steel wound strings that have the "punch" that is needed for bluegrass. Stay away from nylon or gut strings as they do not have the punch that is truly needed.

Surprise! Bass strings are expensive!

I have seen these Helicore strings advertised on Internet string sites from $80-125. Elderly Instruments, a fine catalog house I think asks $119. Sam Ash, a huge chain wanted $125, but I took them up on the sign that is in every store that says "we will not be undersold" and printed the item from the lowest Internet site I could find. The clerk showed the ad to the store manager who looked at me, looked at the printout, and then looked at the sign and said "give 'em to him for the ad price." Research pays off!

The bridge has to be properly aligned with the sound post inside. Not really difficult, but I have found the whole string change and bridge alignment/stabilization almost a 2 person job, and my teenage son, a violinist, was a big help.

Remember, you will be the most welcome person at any bluegrass jam!

Subject: RE: Upright Bass Strings - Bluegrass
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 03:11 PM

And, just like any of the viols, if the nut is too high it will be hard to finger.

Subject: RE: Upright Bass Strings - Bluegrass
From: wilco
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 04:51 PM

Martin: I went through my catalogs, and I found these strings at International Violin for about 35% less than Elderly's price.

Thanks for advice.

Subject: RE: Upright Bass Strings - Bluegrass
From: Once Famous
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 05:34 PM

Sounds like a good deal. Go for it. They are high quality and other bassists I know have been happy with them.