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Bob Gollihur
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Upright Bass Accessories » Upright Bass Strings

Strings for Double Bass

There are a lot of upright bass strings to choose from, but I will be restricting my stock to just a few choice strings. Perhaps one of those I carry will interest you and meet your needs.

I've written some of my own opinions about these strings, based on my personal experiences -- but remember that they are just that: my opinions. Strings are but one component in your sound, and the same string will certainly sound differently on one bass or another, and from player to player. However, I sincerely hope you find this information helpful in narrowing down your choices...






Corelli 370FCorelli 370
These strings are my personal favorite for my own particular double bass needs, and that's why they're listed first-- but that doesn't mean they are perfect for you. I like them for their versatility and articulate sound. These are not your Daddy's doghouse bass string... unlike the more typical and earlier string types, these have an edge to their attack, rather than the traditional blunter attack. Physically, they are thinner in gauge when compared to other strings using the typical Light/Medium/Heavy sort of measurement scheme. I also find them to be more flexible, less stiff, so I can really dig in. I have hand/nerve problems so I prefer a string that responds more easily and with less effort. They can be bright, especially initially, but calm down after play. They are also very easy to bow. I have used them sucessfully with magnetic pickups. The next paragraph is some of the marketing stuff from Corelli:

Essential discoveries in specific materials like sophisticated rope cores and specially treated high-tech metals, give these strings their exclusive characteristics. They are the result of several innovating technologies applied to their composition and winding process. Their thinner gauge allows a very bright sounding and great playing easiness. The high precision of their diameter, obtained thanks to computerised techniques of polishing and gauging, offer a perfect tuning accuracy. The 370 orchestra strings benefit from the Tungsten technology thanks to which the strings are thinner than the usual ones, easy to play, and much more brilliant. Did I mention they are made in France by Savarez, and that Francois Rabbath was involved in their development?

Anyway, they come in M (Medium), F (Forte, and TX (Extra Forte), though even their heaviest, the TX strings, are not as heavy as some other "heavies" - all of their sizes are a good deal lighter than many other strings. I like the Forte weight in most cases, though the TX are not much thicker, and if you prefer a slightly meatier string, perhaps the TX should be your choice, though I'm not certain you'd be able to tell much difference.

Corelli does not list gauges on their packages; originally I measured and posted each, but I have since obtained the following measurements from them:

  370M Diameter (inches) Tension (pounds)   370F Diameter (inches) Tension (pounds)   370TX Diameter (inches) Tension (pounds)
G 371M 0.0457 53.5   371F 0.0453 59.5   371TX 0.0453 57.1
D 372M 0.0520 51.4   372F 0.0547 57.8   372TX 0.0559 60.2
A 373M 0.0642 53.6   373F 0.0677 58.4   373TX 0.0724 63.1
E 374M 0.0831 54.0   374F 0.0866 58.0   374TX 0.0980 61.7
© Gollihur Music
  • versatile
  • articulate
  • not your Daddy's doghouse bass string
  • distinct edge to their attack
  • low tension
  • Tungsten technology
  • easy to bow
  • initially bright

  Corelli 370M Medium String Set
$105 + $5 s&h


  Corelli 370F Forte String Set
$105 + $5 s&h


  Corelli 370F Low B Single String, $71
$71 + $3 s&h

free shipping with set


  Corelli 370TX Extra Forte String Set
$105 + $5 s&h



I also stock Corellis for half sized basses!


Corelli 350A Medium String Set
for ½ sized Bass
$105 + $5 s&h



Got a quarter sized bass? I also carry Corelli 300B strings for ¼ size...
Corelli 300B Medium String Set
for ¼ sized Bass
$105 + $5 s&h


Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS






Pirastro ObligatoPirastro Obligatos:
and now, for something completely different... Pirastro's relatively new Obligato strings have a solid synthetic core with a very thin metal wrap. They were designed to emulate gut strings, and they did a darn good job of creating such a string. Their attack is "old school" with that more blunt and thicker, warmer hit, with a little less sustain than more modern jazz strings. Their very smooth surface is kind to the fingers and they are a dream to bow. If you want your sound to be "traditional", whether for bluegrass, old school jazz and blues, or other styles that calls for that sound, you will enjoy the Obligatos. I had a set on my Kay for quite a while, for my own bluegrass, jazz and blues gigs, and I really enjoyed them. (I had planned to put a set on it again, and only removed them as I needed my laminated bass for more modern jazz sounds , as my carved Juzek underwent repairs. I just like the articulation of the Corellis for that- my high frequency hearing is just going bad! ;-) I am enjoying the gut strings on it now; see below) I am very fond of how well they emulate gut and the traditional bass sound, yet without mud or imprecision. They may look like metal strings, but they sure don't feel or sound like them-- the thin coating fools you! Not for use with magnetic pickups.

Pirastro does not list gauges on their packages, but I have taken the time to gauge all the strings using a digital caliper and present the following unofficial measurements of the standard Obligatos for your reference: G=.060, D=.069, A=.088, E=.111. The SOLO Obligatos measured: A=.058, E=.063, B=.080, F#=.106

  • traditional "old school" bass sound
  • the definite choice for bluegrass, blues, and similar genres
  • very smooth string surface
  • a dream to bow
  • the anti-metal string

  Pirastro Obligato Strings
$131 + $5 s&h


The Obligatos are also available in Solo Gauge; they are designed to be tuned one full step higher than Orchestra (regular) Gauge strings (F#BEA instead of EADG). Some players preferring an even lower tension string - often for slapping - will buy the Solo Gauge and tune them in standard EADG tuning.

  Pirastro Obligato SOLO GAUGE Strings
$131 + $5 s&h

Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS




Pirastro Eudoxa:
These strings generate a lot of requests, and while I can’t contribute any personal experience with them, I can say they are very popular among jazz players who want a little more brightness and a smoother bowing surface from gut. All four strings are gut, wrapped in a flat silver coating for more sustain and smoothness.

Gauges: G=.071 D=.079 A=.090 E=.108


  Pirastro Eudoxa String Set
$370 + $5 s&h


Individual Eudoxa Strings
Shipping and handling for single Eudoxa strings: $4. Multiples: $5 for up to 4 individual strings.
G string, $78
D string, $89
A string, $99
E string, $108


Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS





Lenzner Gut StringsLenzner Gut Strings
I am delighted to have found a quality set of gut strings that I can sell at a great price. I auditioned a set on my old '41 Kay, and I have to say, it was like "coming home" it's been about 25 years since I had gut on my bass, and the soft feel and organic sweetness was both surprising and satisfying. They are still on it. It seems that the manufacturing techinques for gut strings has come a long way, as it has for all strings, as they are very uniform and the lowest strings have a nicely distinct but warm tone, unlike the gut strings I grew up with in the sixties. I am using the set with a wound A and E, for the more uniform string sizes, though many rockabilly folks swear by a completely gut A and E strings, so I have that set available as well. Be advised that the gut E is quite thick and "flubby", but some slap players are absolutely loving them! Gut strings do require a little maintenance, it is advisable to gently clip any "hairs" (hair-like little strands of gut that that develop with play) and oil them (walnut oil, most pure vegetable oils can do) for the longest life, if you are in a dry climate or go through dry periods. But if you want the sound of vintage, all-natural bass, or are a rockabilly player wanting the most authentic sound, you'll want to consider these. I prefer the wound A/E set which has metal windings to achieve the mass necessary for the lower notes without the larger diameter- they have been made this way for centuries. If you play rockabilly and other styles, you may want to consider the gut G, D, and A with a wound gut E, as the plain gut E is pretty large and just a bit imprecise, super for slap but not so hot for other bass play.

Lenzner does list gauges on their packages, as G=2,10mm, D=2,75mm, GutA=3,60mm, WoundA=2,50, WoundE=3,50mm. I have taken the time to gauge all the strings using a digital caliper and present the following unofficial measurements for your reference: Gut G=.083, Gut D=.109, Gut A=.144, Gut E=.182, Wound Gut A=.097, Wound Gut E=.136


  • the absolute original signature sound
  • very organic and warm, with details
  • rockabilly heaven
  • very soft feel, low tension - SLAP ME!
 

Four String Sets


Lenzner Gut String set
Plain gut G & D, wound gut A & E

$217 + $5 s&h


  Lenzner Gut String set
Plain gut G, D, & A, and wound gut E

$222 + $5 s&h


  Lenzner Gut String set
all plain gut G, D, A, & E

$249 + $5 s&h

Individual Lenzner Gut Strings
Shipping and handling for single strings: $3. Multiples: $5 for up to 4 individual strings.
Plain gut High C string, $54
Plain gut G string, $48
Plain gut D string, $54
Plain gut A string, $67
Plain gut E string, $89
Wound gut A string, $60
Wound gut E string, $64


Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS




Thomastik SpirocoreThomastik Spirocore
Spiros are an old favorite and has been a popular string for many years. They were one of the first decent metal strings to be adopted by strictly gut string players-- in fact, lots and lots of us played G & D guts and A & E Spirocores, since the larger gut strings of the mid-20th century still were too indefinite and flabby for good jazz articulation. They have great sustain and a big sound good for many styles, but remain a jazz favorite. You'll also find them on lots of general use basses, for bluegrass, blues, and other styles where that big sound and sustain are prized. You won't find too many arco players with them, as they have a scratchy sort of response, tolerable acoustically, but that scratch is often painfully and accurately conveyed by pickup systems, so if you bow a lot, these may not be for you. I have used them sucessfully with magnetic pickups. I carry the Weich, or light weight gauge, which are more flexible and lighter than the standard Spirocores, which are also available.

I've not found any official gauges, so here are the results of measuring them with an electronic caliper:

Weich (Light) Gauge (approximate measurements) G=.046 D=.063 A=.079 E=.107

Medium Gauge (approximate measurements) G=.052 D=.070 A=.085 E=.111

  • longtime jazz standard
  • big sound
  • long sustain
  • kind of scratchy for bowing

  Thomastik Spirocore Weich (light gauge) Strings
$131 + $5 s&h


  Thomastik Spirocore Medium gauge Strings
$131 + $5 s&h



Thomastik Belcanto Upright Bass StringsThomastik Belcanto
They have just released these new rope core strings, and I must say that I’m pretty high on them right now. They’ve been designed for bowed work, but they have a very musical, warm pizz sound with a very sweet sustain. Their bowed feel and quick response is wonderful. I think they’ve really got a hit here! Now they’re on my Kay!
String details from the manufacturer, Thomastik Infeld:
  • Core: specially twisted steel rope core; settles in quickly, intonates extremely well; exceptional tuning stability
  • Tone: dark and warm with excellent resonance; wide range of tone colors; easy to blend; pizzicato is open and free
  • Sound: outstanding projection with moderate effort; sustains better than most other arco (bowing) string brands
  • Playbility: quick response to the bow; soft under your fingers; fantanstic hybrid capability
Belcantos are for 3/4 size (and possibly some 7/8 or 4/4 depending on scale length) basses, with a scale length up to 110cm (43.3 inches). They have a steel rope core and are chromium wound.

Gauges G=.050 D=.063 A=.080 E=.105

  • sweet and warm
  • nice, musical sustain
  • exceptional bowable
  • high quality

  Thomastik Belcanto String Set
$180

FREE US Priority Mail+ $5 s&h



Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS

Due to manufacturer restrictions, strings are not guaranteed against breakage or unraveling once installed on an instrument. Due to manufacturer restrictions, strings are not guaranteed against breakage or unraveling once installed on an instrument.




Eurosonic Upright Bass StringsEurosonic Light and Ultralight Tension
These strings are an alternative to more costly and problematic gut strings, that are developing a cult-like following with many jazz, rockabilly and bluegrass musicians. Their design is what sets them apart, rather than a solid core or steel coating... well, how about I let them tell you about it:

"First is the inner core which is a braided cord consisting of steel and silk. Silk is the key to the low tension, gut like tones and the steel adds tuning and intonation stability while adding the ability to work with magnetic pickups. This cord is then tightly wrapped with a blend of non-ferrous and noble metals (copper, nickel, zinc, tungsten, etc.). Finally, they are wrapped with a specially shaped and ground polymer with no color additives giving Eurosonic’s a unique, almost translucent look. Eurosonic Bass Strings have a gauge that is comparable to many old gut strings (new gut strings are MUCH thicker as they have not yet stretched)."

Bottom line, they are a nice alternative to gut, and have a thick attack and less pronounced sustain than some other strings. Their Polyamide (what?!?) wrap, whatever that is, makes for a gentle experience for both hands, and though bowing isn't great, it can be done.

If you play slap rockabilly, or prefer a very low tension string, choose the Ultralights. However, if you play classic jazz, or do a mix of all styles including slap, I'd recommend the Lights. They make Mediums, too, but their higher tension may not be desirable given this string's basic design goal, but I also carry them for those that prefer a stiffer string with the vintage character of these unique strings.

Note: (one that I wish weren't necessary) There is no truth to any B.S. rumors being spread about Eurosonic and/or their strings. The company's health is fine and their strings are consistently great. Let's just leave it at that; I refuse to make sales by throwing rocks at others.

String Thread colors by gauge; all four strings have the same color scheme:
  • UltraLight: orange/red colored thread at the top, yellow/gold solid color with black stripe at the ball end
  • Lights: green/blue (dark turquoise) solid colored thread at the top, yellow/gold solid color with green/blue (dark turquoise) stripe at the ball end
  • Mediums: yellow/gold colored thread at the top, same yellow/gold solid color with red stripe at the ball end


  • low tension (Lights & Ultralights)
  • great for slap play
  • smooth "flatwound" feel
  • organic tone without gut string maintenance or cost

  Eurosonic UltraLight Tension String Set
$140

FREE US Priority Mail Shipping


  Eurosonic Light Tension String Set
$140

FREE US Priority Mail Shipping


  Eurosonic Medium Tension String Set
$140

FREE US Priority Mail Shipping

Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS




Helicore Orchestra and Hybrid bass stringsD'Addario Helicore

As you've probably gathered from reading our string descriptions, the selection of string can make a profound difference in response, so D'Addario offers strings in three flavors: Orchestra, Hybrid, and Pizzicato.

The Orchestra strings are very bowable, and are designed for less sustain, since orchestral players are not looking for the same level of sustain that a jazz pizzicato performer would want. However, they've got great thump power and enough sustain for many players that play a variety of styles.

The Hybrids are a purposeful compromise between Orchestral and Pizzicato strings. They have slightly more growl and sustain, not quite as bowable as the Orchestra set but still quite a nice compromise if you want a bit more grit and sustain than the Orchestral strings provide.

D'Addario also makes Helicore Pizzicato strings; they have the most sustain and growl in the Helicore family. Frankly, I feel that Helicore Pizz are D'Addario's version of the Thomastik Spirocores (available above), so you may want to go for the orginals.



  • nice warm tone from steel strings
  • Orchestral: bowable, smooth sound with thumpier pizz
  • Hybrid: more sustain and a little growl for pizz, still bowable, the compromise string
  • smooth feel
  • average tension

  D'Addario Helicore Orchestral Medium String Set $109
$99 + $5 s&h


  D'Addario Helicore Hybrid Medium String Set $109
$99 + $5 s&h


  D'Addario Helicore Pizzicato Medium String Set $109
$99 + $5 s&h

Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS




Labella Supernil Upright Bass StringsLabella Supernil
These are strings I have a love/hate relationship with... they do have a big and fat, boomy sound, which can be a bluegrasser's delight, but there are downsides. Their odd and rough "roundwound" sort of finish bugs me and it pretty much precludes bowing, and it isn't nice and smooth to fingers, either. Also, I find the lower strings deliver more boom than precise definition. However, many folks like them for their less than definite pitch as well as their low price, and I must confess I first liked them on my bass, so here they are!

LaBella does not list gauges on their packages, but I have taken the time to gauge all the strings using a digital caliper and present the following unofficial measurements of the Supernils for your reference: G=.090, D=.117, A=.100, E=.122. That's no typo, the D is bigger than the A string, as the A and E both have wire wrap to increase mass.

  • fat and boomy
  • less than defined pitch
  • rough "roundwound" feel

  LaBella Supernil String Set
$73 + $5 s&h

Labella Black Nylon Tape Wound Upright Bass StringsLabella Black Nylon Tape Wound
These strings are a favorite of jazz bassist Ron Carter, and are pretty popular for that and other reasons. They are metal rope core strings, surrounded by a black nylon wrap, for a smooth feel. They were originally designed to emulate gut, but they have a bit more of the feel of steel strings. The bottom end is good, but I haven't played a set in a long while, so I can't personally provide anything more in-depth. Labella does not list gauges, but I have taken the time to measure all the strings using a digital caliper and present the following unofficial approximate measurements for your reference: G=.061, D=.077, A=.100, E=.134

 
  • very smooth feel
  • Ron Carter's reported favorite
  • Labella's Deep Talkin' Bass

  LaBella Professional Black Nylon Tape Wound
$125 + $5 s&h

Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS






Kolstein Heritage Upright Bass StringsKolstein HeritageOrchestral/Jazz Perlon Bass Strings
The Kolstein Heritage strings were designed by Kolstein Music, Inc. We are proud to be associated with the well-known bass authority Barrie Kolstein. I've not yet played these, but their excellent reputation precedes them. I'll reproduce their comments until I have the opportunity to add my personal take.

So what are the new Heritage Bass Strings all about? Three years of research and development with the highest attention to creating the first Perlon, synthetic core Bass String that offers the player the wonderful feel and tension of gut strings, but emulates the best arco and pizzicato tonal qualities of the finest steel orchestral or jazz string. Heritage offers the first string of it's type to not only afford the player the best in jazz quality playing, but remarkably does not roll under the bow...thus creating an arco/orchestral quality string that can be utilized under the most demanding bowing requirements. To play on Heritage Bass Strings is to experience the vast quality of this string.

 

  Kolstein Heritage String Set
$135 +
FREE US Priority Mail Shipping

Bob's STRING CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS are included with every string order!
Get a preview from my on line FAQ: CHANGING STRINGS ON YOUR UPRIGHT BASS


Corelli - Pirastro - Lenzner - Thomastik - Eurosonic - Helicore - LaBella - Kolstein
Turbo-Tune String Winder


Upright Bass Accessories » Turbo Tuner String Winder

SAVE THE HANDS!! Heavy Duty String Winder
More power!!! (grunt-grunt)

This thing has been a lifesaver for me... I have problems with my hands and wrists, so all those repetitive tuner key turns wear me down. This handy dandy item that will handle the monster upright bass keys as well as those little guitar tuners. I broke two all-plastic tuner devices before I found the original Dean Markley one. This is made of a durable industrial resin according to the maker, who is now Dunlop, and is almost exactly the same as the original with just a minor change to the removable handle's shape.

We all know that the most important invention of the 20th century was the electric screwdriver. Now you can use that miracle tool to automate string changing using this contraption!! Or you have an excuse to go to the Home Depot/Lowes/Sears&hardware Store to buy... another one!!!! (My wife believed me when I told her I had to get me one of those cool bendy ones. At least I think she bought it. The new Black & Decker Pivot Plus rocks!)


As you can see, the crank separates from the business end of the unit so you can exercise your electric screwdriver instead of your hands. It has the added advantage of enabling one-hand, more controlled winding, because you can use your other hand to better guide the string onto the roller. If you're on the gig or your electric friend is not fully charged, you can use the handy crank for manual action.

I guess you can tell I like the TurboTune. You will, too.


  Turbo Tuner String Winder
$9.50 + $3 s&h

FREE SHIPPING with any other $50 or greater purchase.







I have a Comments Page, but it's getting a bit old, so I thought I'd just start putting up comments on individual pages as well, as I remember to do so:


Dear Bob,

Thanks for recommending the Corelli strings. They have that jazz sound I have been looking for and are a dream to play. I have a lot more control over the sound too. Our performance went well at the Portland Rose Festival last weekend. They may even put us in a better slot next year. Thanks too for the informative web site and solid products. Robert B********* 6-13-03
Hello Bob
Just got my Corelli strings and the K&K Bass Max pick up and everything sounds great! And, just in time for Thursday Morning's gig. Arco sounds superb!
Thanks again for you fast service! Sincerely, Sandy L*** 10-22-03
Thanks Bob!

I wasn't real crazy about the Corelli's at first, but after using them four straight nights, with four different bands (Rockabilly, Blues, Western Swing then Jazz... Great weekend!) fell in love. They sound great amplified magnetic and piezo!

Thanks for the strong endorsement of the Corelli's! I'm looking forward to bowing them later this week! Dan S******* Ohio, 1-12-04
I received the Obligato strings yesterday and put them on my '66 Kay bass. Wow is all I can say! They make my Kay sound like a carved bass. I actually get some growl on the E and A strings now, and the G string is even in volume with the rest of the set, which was a problem with my previous strings. Also bowing these strings is a real pleasure, very smooth and even sounding. Thanks for recommending these strings on your website!

Regards, Eric L******, Washington, D.C. 8-26-04
Good morning sir

Just thought I would let you know that I received the strings I ordered last week (the Oblongatos - actually ) received them Saturday). I'm very impressed with the shipping speed.

As for the sticker - it has earned a place of honor on the rear window of "Shamu" (my F-250 crew cab)

Rob M**** 11-3-04
Hi Bob,

I received the Corelli TX and the Gage Realist the next day, and I appreciate your efforts in getting them out so quickly. I got home early on Friday, to get them on for my gig that night. It really took very little effort to mount the Realist. The instructions were very clear. The supplemental information that you included was excellent, and very helpful as well. I love the acoustic quality the Realist provides and am very happy with it. Now, the strings! They're absolutely perfect. They have a nice sharp attack, almost like the Spirocores, but an even focused sound, much like the Helicore Hybrids I was using. The sustain is great, and they seem to add a lot more volume than the Hybrids. On top of all of this, they bow really well! I have no idea how long they'll last, but so far, I absolutely love these strings. I really appreciate your input, Bob.

Thanks, Jack H., Cleveland, Ohio 12-5-04
Hi Bob,

I have spent the last several months giving myself a crash course in URB. Your site was a great help and answered many questions for me.

I purchased the K&K Bass Max, and about a week later a set of Pirastro Obligato strings. Both from you. I can't tell you how happy I am with these choices. The strings made a tremendous difference in the sound and volume of my bass. And the Bass Max lets the true sound of the bass through to my combo. It even sounds great with no preamp.

Anyone just getting acquainted with upright bass that wants to do it right the first time should visit your site, and trust the information. You saved me a great deal of time and money.

P.S. Thanks for the ultra fast shipping!

Chris R. Webster, TX 2-13-05

Hi Bob, first off thanks so much for your quick and excellent service! I received the Pirastro Obligatos yesterday and I was like a little kid running out to grab my bass, but I didn't get to enjoy them as much as I wanted to, I put them on first the E then the G then the other two, making sure my bridge didn't budge from where it was, and the guage of the Obligatos was identical to my cheapo steel strings so no pencils were needed, I didn't even have them tuned up to standard tuning and all of a sudden I heard a BANG!! My bridge actually cracked right in half !! I was stunned! Now the bass I own is a bottom end cheapo plywood model it's distributed by Intex and they call it a Baron Stradavarius, the bridge must be some ultra cheap wood, I can't find any information on this bass whatsoever, not sure if you know what kind of materials it's made of, but looks like I'll be ordering that adjustable bridge from you now too! the one you sell is solid maple so I'm hoping something like that would not crack under pressure and last many many years..

Thanks Again Bob and Mark for all your help, I will highly recommend your company to everybody!

Marc S******* 4-7-05
My strings arrived super fast. Thanks. Can't say enough about your great site and service.

The combination of Pirastro Obligato Strings and the Eminence Upright is amazingly great sounding. Soft,thick, warm, with just a little mid-range growl. It's just huge, even coming through my small Ampeg Porta-Bass rig. Your customers should definitely try this combination...

Best wishes, Dean C***** 4-28-05
Hi Bob –

I just wanted to thank you for your patient help in choosing strings for my 1950s M-1B Kay, used for bluegrass. The Pirastro Obligatos have a very defined, full, resonant sound that make the Kay sound like a million bucks. Also, they’re pretty easy on the hands. A few days after restringing, I played the Kay out, and several people asked me if it was the same bass because the new strings sounded so good!

Again, thanks for your help! I couldn’t be happier with the Pirastros!

Michelle 7-9-05
Just wanted to say thanks for the lightning fast delivery on my Thomastik strings. As I’m having shoulder surgery next week I will get a chance to play them before my forced hiatus. This is my first experience with Thomastik strings and they were exactly as you described. Thanks again.

Peter S**** 12-9-05
Bob,

Unbelievable! Already received the D'Addario Helicore Hybrids from you yesyterday (3/27). Could not believe your prompt response. Put them on the Palatino last night and WOW! What a difference. They are initially a little brighter than I like, but I know they will mellow in over time. They're pretty darn good as they are now. Since I'm new to EUB after years of Fender, I found your instructions for string installation very helpful. Thanks for everything.

Got a session with the college jazz ensemble this PM. Looking forward to hearing the improved Palatino in the mix.

Bob C**** 3-28-06
Bob,

Just wanted to let you know that I'm really impressed with these Eurosonic strings! They are a pleasure to play and work very well with my magnetic pickup.

Thanks again, Bryan B****** 6-13-06
Bob and Mark,

Thanks for getting the Lenzner gut strings out a day early - they arrived today instead of Wednesday. I just put them on and the early delivery means I'll get an extra two days of tuning stability in before I have to use them. And, they sound great.

Regards, Bryan C******* Stockton, CA 7-3-06
hi bob. Just sending you an e mail to thank you for my new correlli double bass strings. I've never heard my bass sound this nice," finaly got some volume out the thing". Also sounds really good through the K&Kbig twin i purchased with you, where as my old nylons did nothing for it.

Thanks again, Ben P**** (UK) 8-28-06
subject: la bella flat black 7710 bass strings

Hi BOB

Received the adjustable bridge and with your helpfull hints i installed it on a 1938 kay 3/4. I cut and sanded the feet and then scraped the high spots on the feet for a 100% flat fit.(did this kind of work rebuilding machinery). I used a tie down to hold sound post. You made it easy to do.

I can't thank you enough for the quality bridge and quality help. Its easy to see you have a great respect for Basses. Great website easy to navigate, takes alot of work. Thanks many times over.

You will be recomended to S.W.B.A. for parts and service. (Southwest Bluegrass Association)

carl and linda b*********
For lack of better knowledge, I always used Thomastik Spirocore, which in arco produced a scratchy sound. Last year, I changed to Corelli 370 Forte, following the advice of Bob on the site. Thanks a lot! For the Corelli delivers a smooth and versatile sound, both pizzicato in jazz and arco for classical music.

Where else than in the State of Bass it happens that a seller does not tip the most expensive brand of strings as his personal favorite? Thanks again for this honest advice.

T.L. H******, Netherlands 3-26-07






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