If I were to add a Spirocore E to an ADG of Flexocors (92s), which Spirocore would match best in terms of diameter and tension? 3/4 Mittel? 4/4 Mittel? Weich? Would it be better to pair the D&G Flexocors with both a Spiro A&E? It's for a small, short-scale, 3/4, Italian model, Hungarian bass. Thanks.
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Double Bass Spirocore E below Flexocors
- Thread starter BassBurns
- Start date
Just to give a little more information; I'm looking for a set up that can do a little bit of everything (except slap), but definitely doesn't sacrifice too much on the arco side. I like the Meyer/Kowert set up, but the Permanents are too bright for me, and I don't use solo tuning (or have a C extension). Flexocors seem to work on this bass, but I was wondering if the overall sound would benefit from a beefier E, so a Spirocore seemed the obvious solution. I am open to other suggestions though from people who have more experience with the Flexocors (I've mainly played on Original Flat-Chromes). I also forgot to mention that the Flexocors are mittels.
I guess I may end up having to try all the different Spirocore E options, but was hoping some sage TB advice could save me a little time and money. I've of course studied the TB dropbox files, but there's no substitute for advice from people who have actually played them all. Thanks.
I guess I may end up having to try all the different Spirocore E options, but was hoping some sage TB advice could save me a little time and money. I've of course studied the TB dropbox files, but there's no substitute for advice from people who have actually played them all. Thanks.
That's a very normal scale length for 3/4-size bass ... it's not a short scale.
The three factors in the pitch of a string are length, tension, and string mass. Mass doesn't necessarily correlate to diameter, but given identical materials, it does. For a given pitch, if you keep tension unchanged but shorten the length, mass must be increased.
The Spirocore S42 set, ostensibly made for 4/4 basses, comes in weich, mittel, and stark, but they're widely used on smaller basses. The 3885 set, designed for 3/4 basses and therefore thicker, comes in weich and mittel.
There are many adherents for all of these choices. I prefer the S42 weich E string, but so much depends on your bass and what you like.
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Flexocor Deluxe ADG and Spiro Mittel or Stark E.
Oh, I didn't realise that, I just new it was significantly shorter than my old German bass. Out of interest, what would count as 'short-scale'?
Thanks for this. How much more pizz sustain do you get with the FDs in comparison to the 92s, and how much brighter are they? I really quite like the warmth and short sustain of the 92s, so I've been reluctant to try the FDs. Are they stiffer as well? They do on paper seem a better match for the Spirocore E though.
Just going on the official string tensions and diameters, this does seem to be the obvious choice to partner with the Flexocors, but as a general rule I've not got on with weich gauges in the past (though it was mainly the upper strings that I objected to). Would it still have the depth and bassy oomph I'm looking for? I'm guessing it's the 3/4 weichs that you're recommending?
I and many others here have never found any E string that speaks better (arco) than a Spiro, if "better" means loud, deep, and growly ... but there is some difference in preferences for S42 mittel, S42 weich, S42 stark, 3885 weich, or 3885 mittel. I find the S42 weich speaks fine on my basses.
If I had to vote for a best bass string ever, it would be a Spiro weich E, and I've always ended up with it back on my bass regardless of what other strings I was using.
Agreed, except for the Tempera set I have on one of my basses. Those strings just match up with each other so well.
FDs are stiff, heavy, gritty in the midrange and obstinate. They’re everything you’ll hate in a string until you have to play with other people. 92s are silky, comfortable and sound like butt outside of an orchestra. They don’t crunch. Deluxes and Spiros crunch.
Funny, I think FDs bow pretty well. It’s been a very long time since I had F92s but I don’t recall being overly impressed. To be fair, my bow technique has come a long way since then...
My good bass currently has a Permanent E and FD for the rest. Debating trying a Spiro E and either sticking with FDs or maybe trying out Perpetuals.
I have a full set of Perps on the rental bass I've been using here in Denmark, and I hated them at first but they've grown on me. I love the resonance and sustain and I've learned how to bow them reliably. The tone is a touch reedy for me, though, not as sweet as the FDs.
My good bass currently has a Permanent E and FD for the rest. Debating trying a Spiro E and either sticking with FDs or maybe trying out Perpetuals.
I have a full set of Perps on the rental bass I've been using here in Denmark, and I hated them at first but they've grown on me. I love the resonance and sustain and I've learned how to bow them reliably. The tone is a touch reedy for me, though, not as sweet as the FDs.
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Do you think the Permanent E might potentially be a better match for the 92s than a Spirocore, or are you another vote for forgetting the 92s, and just getting the FDs instead?
I think I have a spiro E sitting around and I may test it out when I get back to the US. My fear is the tone difference between the FDs and the Spiro E will be too, well, stark.
If you like the F92s (lots of folks do) no reason to ditch them. I would assume the Permanent would sound closer to them than a Spiro but I’ve never had them side by side, and it’s been like 10 years since I had F92s.