Zyex Lights on top of Spiro Lights (Weichs)

[rickwolff]

I have a 7/8 Shen Gemunder and started with Spiro Mitts but have been experimenting with different strings.

I play 90% pizz but am trying to play more arco, and as a primarily pizz player I'm looking for something as EASY TO BOW as possible.

I recently switched to the Spiro Weichs (full set) but wanted something that was still easier for bowing. Put on the Zyex Lights on D and G and am liking those a lot.

HOWEVER, I find that the G string (which is wound with titanium) starts more easily and has a richer, fuller fundamental that does the D. I wish the D would match the G (the D is wrapped with Nickel rather than Titanium).

I have a call in to D'addario to see if there is a possibility they could make some prototype D strings with a Titanium wrapping.

Any thoughts? And would you be interested in trying such a string if they are willing to make it?

PS I have not yet tried the Zyex A or E but have seen a number of comments that talk about the A being difficult to bow (the A & E are wrapped in YET another material - tungsten). What is your experience with the two lower Zyex strings?

Thank you,

Rick

 

[DaveAceofBass]

I recently put Obligato solos on top of Spiro Weich in orchestra tuning. I’m digging it so far!

 

[rickwolff]

I have a set of Obligato Orchestras (they don't make a 'light', just Orch and Solo). I may throw that D on and try it while I'm waiting to hear from D'addario.

 

[SRawl]

I've played on Zyex medium strings but not the lights. The E string has a full tone, but the A is difficult to start. I play classical and jazz gigs an equal amount and have found them to be the best strings for switching between the two. The Helicore A string gets a great sound (in my opinion) and the Pizz sound isn't too bad. BUT it wouldn't match the sound of your Zyex and Helicore whatsoever. Best bet is to use the Zyex lower strings. The spin is good for pizz and the timbre will match the other strings. Using black or salt and pepper hair will help compensate for starting the A string. You could try asking Lynn Seaton, I know he uses the Zyex light strings and he manages to get a great tone with his bow.

 

[rickwolff]

I've played on Zyex medium strings but not the lights. The E string has a full tone, but the A is difficult to start. I play classical and jazz gigs an equal amount and have found them to be the best strings for switching between the two. The Helicore A string gets a great sound (in my opinion) and the Pizz sound isn't too bad. BUT it wouldn't match the sound of your Zyex and Helicore whatsoever. Best bet is to use the Zyex lower strings. The spin is good for pizz and the timbre will match the other strings. Using black or salt and pepper hair will help compensate for starting the A string. You could try asking Lynn Seaton, I know he uses the Zyex light strings and he manages to get a great tone with his bow.

Yes, I hope Lynn weighs in here. For now, I put on an Obligato D. It's slightly more 'damped' than either the Spiro Weichs below it or the Zyex light above, BUT it blends acceptably well (to my ears) and is definitely easier to start with the bow. BTW I do already have black hair on my bow. I recorded a couple little clips comparing the Zyex light D with the Obligato.

Strangely enough, I started this current quest after hearing Charlie Haden on the duo album with Keith Jarrett. There are 'light years' between his rather thumpy old-school sound and my ringing Spiros, and I have since decided I'd like to land somewhere in the middle. Perhaps the Oblis on top of the Spiros will move me a little more in that direction.

In any case, it looks like I'm going to need a larger string drawer.





EDIT: The Zyex are fresh out of the package and I bought the Obligatos used, so that may account for a large part of the (small) difference between the two.

 

[rickwolff]

I just spent a little more time with the bow on the Obligato D string. That thing almost starts itself. AND is maybe just a bit darker, more damped, and a 'tich' less sustain. Might be just the sound I'm looking for. Watch out Zyex G, the Obligato is gunning for ya.

 

[Lynn Seaton]

Hi, I just found this thread.. I am still using Zyex light tension for all my strings and am happy with the bowed results.
Here is a video of some arco with those strings. The audio is recorded and mixed by my son Aubrey and attached to some fan video.

 

[rickwolff]

Thanks, Lynn. Beautiful playing. I suspect with your chops you could play on anything from weedwhackers to piano strings and make them sound good.

Perhaps they should grade and label strings for level of difficulty the way jigsaw puzzles and toy car models are graded. I'm afraid I'd need to look for the ones labeled somewhere from 'beginner' to 'early intermediate'.

 

[Lynn Seaton]

You are welcome. It is important to have good equipment at every level. It is sad to think how many young players start on a bass that is not set up properly and with a fiberglass bow that even a pro could not play!