Wieder einmal ein lehrreicher Beitrag, vielen Dank dafür. So langsam, aber sicher fange ich auch an, mich in der weiten Welt der Kontrabass-Saiten zurcht zu finden.
I just placed an order for the metal Red Springs D and G Mimmo came up. They're going to be paired with a Spiro mediums on the A, E, and B. My mentor in college was a student of Charlie Haden and thus I've been around the gut/Spiro pairing for many years but never really tried it out so I can have a usable arco sound. I'm hoping these metal Red Springs can meet that middle ground between the wrapped gut sound while still being relatively good for arco.
Let me know what you think. I tried the Aquila metal G/D too. Some aspects are very nice, but for me personally they turned out not to be the perfect solution between gut and "conventional".
Fantastic video and review Herve!! Really enjoyed the sound of these strings and also the sentiment behind Aquila's decision to make them. Shame about the Arco playability but still a great pizz sound. I'm really enjoying the Evah Pirazzi Slaps (gut) that I've got on my bass now, one of the best musical decisions I've ever made! so thanks for your review on those as well. Also great playing as always and look forward to seeing the review of the gut version of these strings. Keep up the great work and thanks again!!
Thank you George ! Front the feedback I get concerning the Evah Slaps I really have the feeling that I increased Pirastros sales on that item a lot through my video! My wish would be that Pirastro makes an Evah Slap version with a little more tension. They didn't react when I suggested that, but I will try again.
Yes ! Super review ! Elle me rappelle vraiment le son de LaFaro sur le disque de Victor Feldman "The arrival of Victor Feldman ". Question : Est-ce qu'elles ont le même rebond que des boyaux filés ? Je parle vraiment de la sensation dans la main qui tire. Les boyaux (filés ou non) sont unique pour ça. Les WRAP que je joue ont exactement la même sensation mais je n'ai jamais retrouvé ça dans aucunes autres cordes synthétiques que j'ai essayé ou joué.
Hmmm difficile de répondre à cette question parce que je pense que chacun est sensible "différemment" à certains paramètres. Je peux juste te dire que maintenant j'ai mis les GS Vintage (avec âme en boyau) sur la contrebasse. Et la différence est très petite. Effectivement, je crois que j'avais l'impression que le boyau avait un rebond un tout petit peu plus naturel. Mais je dirais que la différence est infime.
Hello and thank you for this video! Great playing and I love the sound of these strings. I'm curious if they would work on 40cm string length (5/8) bass? Or maybe the higher tension red spring strings? I really miss the gut sound, but I'm not sure if these strings will respond well on a shorter string length bass. I have spirocore's on now and I don't really like the sound. Thank you!
After watching this video, I ordered gold springs and am using it. Thank you! Can you make a video about other product of aquila red springs? I think it would be quite interesting to compare gold springs and red springs.
Hi! I have so many other strings and stuff waiting to be tested, I think I can't test the red springs in the next 12 months. But I asked Mimmo (boss of Aquila) what the difference is, and here is his response: "Hi Let me explain: as you already know, Gold Spirals are the synthetic version of Kaplan Golden Spirals that use gut. mine, like the original kaplan strings, have a problem that those who play modern metal strings do not know: the D string does not sound as open as the G string; this is a natural phenomenon because the material is the same (i.e.: same density). So I made a D string loaded with copper powder so that the G and the D have an equal sound. Since the copper makes the string chocolate-coloured, I put a dark red colour on both the D and G strings to achieve a certain homogenous aesthetic." So the difference will be that g and d will match even better than on the golden springs.
I still really like the Evah Slaps. Those new gold springs sound brighter but I like them. I’d rather try the gut core version. The original advantage to Golden Spirals was that the gut was protected by the nylon outer layer and so they would last a long time. the touch of added upper harmonic tone is ok too.
@@nicolasmartinez8015 it could be worth a try. Sure, the upper strings will have more brightness than the lower ones, so it is not a combination that I would have thought of, but it might be ok.
Thank you so much for this contribution as well as all of the other that youve given previously. Im getting a Yamaha SLB100 pretty soon, do you have any thoughts of a good string set for that? I use a medium string height at 9mm if thats relevant.
I don't know the Yamaha bass, but my feeling is, that a EUB is more adapted to a modern sound, so I would take something like Evah Pirazzi to start with. But maybe gut-type strings can also give an interesting baby-bass kind of tone.
@@stringmatrix Funny you say that, boiled (it actually worked) a used set of evah mediums and they sounded better than the helicores that were there from before. Its still sound like a eub, but doesnt wake the baby!
I’ve been using good ol’ spiro weich for e&a and it works fine for me. I feel that because the gold springs have a good amount of brightness they match well with well used steel strings, however the tension matching takes a bit of getting used to. Solo gauge spiros would probably work better. Perhaps light gauge evah’s or zyex would work as well if you go the steel string route, i’ve found that these are a bit less stiff but I haven’t tested them with the gold springs.
Yes I am happy that Mimmo sent me the gut version too, the strings are on my bass right now. There will be a review, but it may take a little time. To sum it up: The difference is very small, so I must say that Mimmo made a great job with this synthetic version. The guts are easier to bow though (nearly no slipping/gliding) but the bowed sound is a little thin.
Could you compare the copper wound E/A to another round wound or flat wound string? Are they rough on the hands, board, or shifting? I gave up on Garbos and Red Diamonds for that reason.
I don't find them rough. But I played Garbo for years, so I have probably a different evaluation. I would say they are about as rough as Garbos. Definitely not smooth like Spiro or Evahs.
wow, right as I am beginning to become interested in guts they go and release these. Perfect! Would you say this set would be well suited for a bassist playing mostly hard bop and who loves the sound of scott lafaro on the village vanguard sessions? i am currently playing a very, very seasoned set of EP weichs, but theres something about this sound (golden spirals) that really attracts. its not just powerful and dark, its very deep and resonant and i feel it brings an organic character out of our basses that steel can't reproduce. I'm just timid to start modifying my nut and bridge slots. I'm playing acoustically in groups ranging from trios up to octets very frequently, should i be concerned about losing my volume?
Yes that could be a good option. These strings are quite different from "usual" sets like EP weichs. But for swing and bebop I think you will hear the pulse better. It's a different feel of playing bass you have to try to see if it works for you.
This is very late but I just switched to the gold springs from spirocores and actually feel like they are louder acoustically than the spiros, depending on how you define loudness. Spiros cut through the mix with their midrange prominence, but i’ve found that the gold springs and other gut-like strings have significantly more low end power and fill in the mix in that way. I’m absolutely loving these strings besides their inability for arco. to me it is THE string if you want that 60s scott lafaro/mingus sound, it just requires a bit of commitment to pizz.
I love your antique color pallet and scratch lines in your video production. Thanks for being a big part of our double bass community.
Haha yeah sometimes I like messing around with the video effects. Thank you very much Mark!
@@stringmatrix bblok
Wieder einmal ein lehrreicher Beitrag, vielen Dank dafür. So langsam, aber sicher fange ich auch an, mich in der weiten Welt der Kontrabass-Saiten zurcht zu finden.
Das freut mich!
Applying rosin on the string in bowing region should help with the slipping problem with arco
OK, I will try that next time. Thank you!
I just placed an order for the metal Red Springs D and G Mimmo came up. They're going to be paired with a Spiro mediums on the A, E, and B. My mentor in college was a student of Charlie Haden and thus I've been around the gut/Spiro pairing for many years but never really tried it out so I can have a usable arco sound. I'm hoping these metal Red Springs can meet that middle ground between the wrapped gut sound while still being relatively good for arco.
Let me know what you think. I tried the Aquila metal G/D too. Some aspects are very nice, but for me personally they turned out not to be the perfect solution between gut and "conventional".
Fantastic video and review Herve!! Really enjoyed the sound of these strings and also the sentiment behind Aquila's decision to make them. Shame about the Arco playability but still a great pizz sound. I'm really enjoying the Evah Pirazzi Slaps (gut) that I've got on my bass now, one of the best musical decisions I've ever made! so thanks for your review on those as well. Also great playing as always and look forward to seeing the review of the gut version of these strings. Keep up the great work and thanks again!!
Thank you George ! Front the feedback I get concerning the Evah Slaps I really have the feeling that I increased Pirastros sales on that item a lot through my video! My wish would be that Pirastro makes an Evah Slap version with a little more tension. They didn't react when I suggested that, but I will try again.
Awesome video! I am just curious if you will be reviewing the other Red Springs series as well?
Hmmm, not in the upcoming months. I am nut sure if they are different, apart from the color. But I will review the metal wound G/D.
Yes ! Super review ! Elle me rappelle vraiment le son de LaFaro sur le disque de Victor Feldman "The arrival of Victor Feldman ". Question : Est-ce qu'elles ont le même rebond que des boyaux filés ? Je parle vraiment de la sensation dans la main qui tire. Les boyaux (filés ou non) sont unique pour ça. Les WRAP que je joue ont exactement la même sensation mais je n'ai jamais retrouvé ça dans aucunes autres cordes synthétiques que j'ai essayé ou joué.
Hmmm difficile de répondre à cette question parce que je pense que chacun est sensible "différemment" à certains paramètres. Je peux juste te dire que maintenant j'ai mis les GS Vintage (avec âme en boyau) sur la contrebasse. Et la différence est très petite. Effectivement, je crois que j'avais l'impression que le boyau avait un rebond un tout petit peu plus naturel. Mais je dirais que la différence est infime.
Hello and thank you for this video! Great playing and I love the sound of these strings. I'm curious if they would work on 40cm string length (5/8) bass? Or maybe the higher tension red spring strings? I really miss the gut sound, but I'm not sure if these strings will respond well on a shorter string length bass. I have spirocore's on now and I don't really like the sound. Thank you!
Is the string length really 40 cm? This will not work, you will need very specific strings.
@@stringmatrix thank you. Yes it is 40cm. I have spirocore’s now and they work fine but I miss the gut sound :)
Will these strings work with any type of pickup? (Undewood, Realistic Sound Clip or Schertler Stat B)
That's a tough question... Technically yes, no problem, but I can't tell you if some pickups match better than others.
After watching this video, I ordered gold springs and am using it. Thank you! Can you make a video about other product of aquila red springs? I think it would be quite interesting to compare gold springs and red springs.
Hi! I have so many other strings and stuff waiting to be tested, I think I can't test the red springs in the next 12 months. But I asked Mimmo (boss of Aquila) what the difference is, and here is his response: "Hi
Let me explain: as you already know, Gold Spirals are the synthetic version of Kaplan Golden Spirals that use gut.
mine, like the original kaplan strings, have a problem that those who play modern metal strings do not know: the D string does not sound as open as the G string; this is a natural phenomenon because the material is the same (i.e.: same density).
So I made a D string loaded with copper powder so that the G and the D have an equal sound. Since the copper makes the string chocolate-coloured, I put a dark red colour on both the D and G strings to achieve a certain homogenous aesthetic." So the difference will be that g and d will match even better than on the golden springs.
I still really like the Evah Slaps. Those new gold springs sound brighter but I like them. I’d rather try the gut core version. The original advantage to Golden Spirals was that the gut was protected by the nylon outer layer and so they would last a long time. the touch of added upper harmonic tone is ok too.
Yes Evah Slaps and Aquila GS sound very different.
@@stringmatrixi was interested in using these aquila synthetic d and g with a evah slap e and a so im guessing thats not a great option
@@nicolasmartinez8015 it could be worth a try. Sure, the upper strings will have more brightness than the lower ones, so it is not a combination that I would have thought of, but it might be ok.
Thank you so much for this contribution as well as all of the other that youve given previously. Im getting a Yamaha SLB100 pretty soon, do you have any thoughts of a good string set for that? I use a medium string height at 9mm if thats relevant.
I don't know the Yamaha bass, but my feeling is, that a EUB is more adapted to a modern sound, so I would take something like Evah Pirazzi to start with. But maybe gut-type strings can also give an interesting baby-bass kind of tone.
@@stringmatrix Funny you say that, boiled (it actually worked) a used set of evah mediums and they sounded better than the helicores that were there from before. Its still sound like a eub, but doesnt wake the baby!
I'm thinking about trying these, do you remember how high were your strings in this video? Thank you
Probably something like 7-8-9-10 mm from G to E.
As I don't particularly like strings that roll under the fingers do you have any suggestions for a A&E string that might match this G and D
I’ve been using good ol’ spiro weich for e&a and it works fine for me. I feel that because the gold springs have a good amount of brightness they match well with well used steel strings, however the tension matching takes a bit of getting used to. Solo gauge spiros would probably work better. Perhaps light gauge evah’s or zyex would work as well if you go the steel string route, i’ve found that these are a bit less stiff but I haven’t tested them with the gold springs.
Thank you for a very informative video! Any chance you will review the gut version? Did you try it already?
Yes I am happy that Mimmo sent me the gut version too, the strings are on my bass right now. There will be a review, but it may take a little time. To sum it up: The difference is very small, so I must say that Mimmo made a great job with this synthetic version. The guts are easier to bow though (nearly no slipping/gliding) but the bowed sound is a little thin.
Could you compare the copper wound E/A to another round wound or flat wound string? Are they rough on the hands, board, or shifting? I gave up on Garbos and Red Diamonds for that reason.
I don't find them rough. But I played Garbo for years, so I have probably a different evaluation. I would say they are about as rough as Garbos. Definitely not smooth like Spiro or Evahs.
Hello Herve.
Could you let me know your impressions of the Thomastik Superflexible strings (I use it for pizzicato/Jazz). Thanks.
Hello Joao, unfortunately, I never tried the Thomastik Superflexibles. I hope I will get a chance someday.
@@stringmatrix A review of the Superflexible solo strings would be quite nice.
wow, right as I am beginning to become interested in guts they go and release these. Perfect!
Would you say this set would be well suited for a bassist playing mostly hard bop and who loves the sound of scott lafaro on the village vanguard sessions? i am currently playing a very, very seasoned set of EP weichs, but theres something about this sound (golden spirals) that really attracts. its not just powerful and dark, its very deep and resonant and i feel it brings an organic character out of our basses that steel can't reproduce. I'm just timid to start modifying my nut and bridge slots.
I'm playing acoustically in groups ranging from trios up to octets very frequently, should i be concerned about losing my volume?
Yes that could be a good option. These strings are quite different from "usual" sets like EP weichs. But for swing and bebop I think you will hear the pulse better. It's a different feel of playing bass you have to try to see if it works for you.
This is very late but I just switched to the gold springs from spirocores and actually feel like they are louder acoustically than the spiros, depending on how you define loudness. Spiros cut through the mix with their midrange prominence, but i’ve found that the gold springs and other gut-like strings have significantly more low end power and fill in the mix in that way. I’m absolutely loving these strings besides their inability for arco. to me it is THE string if you want that 60s scott lafaro/mingus sound, it just requires a bit of commitment to pizz.
Seems buzzy and scrapy.
A little buzzier than many other strings, that's right. But in a band context, the sound an frequency spectrum make sense.