Austrian String maker Thomastik Infield makes some of the most popular doublebass strings and has been at it for a long time. Though the last 2 decades have brought us a bevy of excellent alternatives, Spirocores are generally considered the gold-standard for metal jazz strings. It is a blessing and a bit of a curse that they have more practical gauges than any other string and there is neither nomenclature nor physical markings sufficient to explain them. So, here's a sticky-quick-guide to Spirocore and other Thomastik strings for 3/4 doublebasses:
Q: So, I have a 3/4 bass (or 5/8ths) how many Spirocore gauges are there?
A: The simple answer is - 7, assuming that you tune in 4ths to orchestral pitch.They are in descending order from heaviest to lightest:
They also make Spirocores for 1/2 and 1/4 sized basses
They also make a 5ths tuning set (Red Mitchell Set) in both 4/4 and 3/4 lengths
So, that is technically 11 different sets of Spirocores, 7 of which can be and are used on roughly 3/4 sized basses tuned in 4ths to orchestra pitch.
If you have a 7/8s or 4/4 bass, presumably you are limited to the S42 sets.
The only real way to tell the difference between an S42 set and the corresponding 3885 set without the packaging is by measuring the length. Easiest if you have both sets and can just compare them, the S42s will be noticeably longer. Strung up on the same instrument, the 4/4 sets will be lower tension than the corresponding 3/4 set.
Q: What about Belcantos?
A: Belcantos are well regarded strings favored by orchestra section players. They make an orchestral and a solo set. If you are inclined to tune solo strings to orchestra pitch, then technically that is 2 gauges. There is no "Stark, Mittel, Weich" with Belcantos.
Subjectively Belcantos seem to be closer in gauge to Spirocore Weich gauges than Mittel gauges.
Q: Isn't there something called "Superflexibles"?
A: Yep, they have sky blue windings and feel a bit like Spirocores. They are brightish, but allegedly a bit more arco friendly. This model is not currently enjoying it's heyday as more people seem to be warming up to the idea of arco on Spirocores and since the introduction of Belcantos, which are also usable as a hybrid string.
Like Belcanto, they do not offer Superflexibles in "Stark, Mittel, Weich" iterations, but they do make 4/4, 3/4, and 1/2 sized versions in orchestra tuning and 4/4 only for solo tuning. So, technically 3 of those could be used on a 5/8 or 3/4 bass.
Opposite of Belcanto, they are closer to "Mittel" gauge than "Weich" compared to Spirocores.
Q: Dominants?
A: Dominants have been around for a long time and have a synthetic (perlon maybe?) core and chromesteel winding. They pre-date Obligatos, Evah Pirazzis, and the other mixed materials strings that have gained in popularity since Y2K. Since Jean-Luc Pizzicateau's tragic passing in a fiery rosin factory explosion, they are only used by @Chris Fitzgerald, who swears that they don't break!
They are available in orchestra and solo tunings only. I'm unclear if anyone tunes the solo versions to orchestra pitch, but sticking with our convention, that makes 2 options for 3/4 basses.
Q: Well hang on a second, what about PRÄZISION strings?
A: Hey, watch the 'tude, I wasn't finished yet! Thomastik markets them for student instruments. They are a bit cheaper. A few forum members have some nice things to say about them, but they don't seem to be discussed as an alternative for professionals to Spirocores or Belcantos. They might work best on your bass or for your tastes, though.
They are available in orchestra and solo tunings for basses 4/4 and smaller and also in 1/2 size.
Q: Can I use 1/4 or 1/2 size strings on my 3/4 bass?
A: No. You may not.
Q: So, I have a 3/4 bass (or 5/8ths) how many Spirocore gauges are there?
A: The simple answer is - 7, assuming that you tune in 4ths to orchestral pitch.They are in descending order from heaviest to lightest:
- Stark
- 3885 Mittel (intended for 3/4 basses)
- S42 Mittel (intended for 4/4 basses, but anecdotally the most commonly used gauge for jazz in the US. If you have red silks on both ends and you aren't sure what gauge, this is most likely.)
- 3885 Weich (intended for 3/4 basses)
- S42 Weich (intended for 4/4 basses)
- 3885 Solo - tuned to orchestra pitch
- S42 Solo - tuned to orchestra pitch
They also make Spirocores for 1/2 and 1/4 sized basses
They also make a 5ths tuning set (Red Mitchell Set) in both 4/4 and 3/4 lengths
So, that is technically 11 different sets of Spirocores, 7 of which can be and are used on roughly 3/4 sized basses tuned in 4ths to orchestra pitch.
If you have a 7/8s or 4/4 bass, presumably you are limited to the S42 sets.
The only real way to tell the difference between an S42 set and the corresponding 3885 set without the packaging is by measuring the length. Easiest if you have both sets and can just compare them, the S42s will be noticeably longer. Strung up on the same instrument, the 4/4 sets will be lower tension than the corresponding 3/4 set.
Q: What about Belcantos?
A: Belcantos are well regarded strings favored by orchestra section players. They make an orchestral and a solo set. If you are inclined to tune solo strings to orchestra pitch, then technically that is 2 gauges. There is no "Stark, Mittel, Weich" with Belcantos.
Subjectively Belcantos seem to be closer in gauge to Spirocore Weich gauges than Mittel gauges.
Q: Isn't there something called "Superflexibles"?
A: Yep, they have sky blue windings and feel a bit like Spirocores. They are brightish, but allegedly a bit more arco friendly. This model is not currently enjoying it's heyday as more people seem to be warming up to the idea of arco on Spirocores and since the introduction of Belcantos, which are also usable as a hybrid string.
Like Belcanto, they do not offer Superflexibles in "Stark, Mittel, Weich" iterations, but they do make 4/4, 3/4, and 1/2 sized versions in orchestra tuning and 4/4 only for solo tuning. So, technically 3 of those could be used on a 5/8 or 3/4 bass.
Opposite of Belcanto, they are closer to "Mittel" gauge than "Weich" compared to Spirocores.
Q: Dominants?
A: Dominants have been around for a long time and have a synthetic (perlon maybe?) core and chromesteel winding. They pre-date Obligatos, Evah Pirazzis, and the other mixed materials strings that have gained in popularity since Y2K. Since Jean-Luc Pizzicateau's tragic passing in a fiery rosin factory explosion, they are only used by @Chris Fitzgerald, who swears that they don't break!
They are available in orchestra and solo tunings only. I'm unclear if anyone tunes the solo versions to orchestra pitch, but sticking with our convention, that makes 2 options for 3/4 basses.
Q: Well hang on a second, what about PRÄZISION strings?
A: Hey, watch the 'tude, I wasn't finished yet! Thomastik markets them for student instruments. They are a bit cheaper. A few forum members have some nice things to say about them, but they don't seem to be discussed as an alternative for professionals to Spirocores or Belcantos. They might work best on your bass or for your tastes, though.
They are available in orchestra and solo tunings for basses 4/4 and smaller and also in 1/2 size.
Q: Can I use 1/4 or 1/2 size strings on my 3/4 bass?
A: No. You may not.
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