Double Bass Orchestral and Solo Strings

[Bassist555]

Hello,
I have seen many people have play solo literature and play in orchestra. They have solo tuned string for the solo and orchestral tuned strings. I have seen many people use a different instrument for solo and orchestra. However, I have seen people use the same bass for both solo and orchestra. If someone were to use the same bass, would they have to change the string every time they had to play in solo tuning from orchestral tuning?

 

[Francois Blais]

You can use solo strings all the time and just retune them when needed.
Of course there will be less tension at orchestra pitch, but if you’re comfortable with that, then it’s not a problem.

 

[Sam Dingle]

Interesting enough I was at the louisiana philharmonic talking to Dave Anderson. He uses a strange setup:

Spirocore Light long E/C string (tuned down to Bb)
Spirocore Medium A string
Superflexible SOLO D and G tuned to orchestra pitch.

Other than the E string which he wishes was a medium, he likes the set. Had to use the solo tuning strings when he played with edgar myer a few months back and really liked the feel of them at orchestra tuning. Had an A but liked his super dead spiro medium there.

 

[LouisF]

I think Eugene Levinson used superflex solos tuned down as his orchestra string. Not sure.