Description
The solo gauges are assuming a pitch of a=440.
Solo Bass String Set Gauges | |
Solo Bass a-1 Lyon | |
Light | 1.78mm |
Light+ | 1.80mm |
Medium | 1.82mm |
Medium+ | 1.84mm |
Heavy | 1.86mm |
Heavy+ | 1.88mm |
Solo Bass e-2 Lyon | |
Light | 2.56mm |
Light+ | 2.58mm |
Medium | 2.60mm |
Medium+ | 2.62mm |
Heavy | 2.64mm |
Heavy+ | 2.66mm |
Solo Bass B-3 Gut/Silverplate | |
Light | 2.36mm |
Light+ | 2.38mm |
Medium | 2.40mm |
Medium+ | 2.42mm |
Heavy | 2.44mm |
Heavy+ | 2.46mm |
Solo Bass F#-4 Gut/Silverplate | |
Light | 3.08mm |
Light+ | 3.10mm |
Medium | 3.12mm |
Medium+ | 3.14mm |
Heavy | 3.16mm |
Heavy+ | 3.18mm |
The "Solo Tuning" for the contrabass was adopted sometime in the 1800s to create a more transparent, brilliant tone with more projection for solo works. It involves tuning all of the strings up a whole-step using thinner strings. The lighter strings are more responsive under the bow, and the tone's clarity carries better in a hall.
The following strings (80", 200cm) are included in the standard set:
- a-1 - Lyon Gut
- e-2 - Lyon Gut
- B-3 - Gut/Silverplate-Wound
- F#-4 - Gut/Silverplate-Wound
The bottom string is usually tuned to F#, although some players choose to leave it at the E pitch to extend the instrument's range. We offer a full range of strings for solo tuning. However, our Pistoy-style of gut does not respond well to this tuning, so that string style is available only for the third-string position.
The set comes with plain ends, but for the a-1 and e-2 leather washers can be added for an additional charge. Plain gut strings are available with a natural or varnish finish. Natural strings are hand-rubbed with a light oil. Varnished strings have three coats of finish before being hand polished with the oil. There is an additional charge for varnished strings.
The end of the string that goes into the tailpiece is knotted and there is a loop of gut on the end. This knot will hold the string in most historical tailpieces, but will slip through a modern tailpiece. Modern tailpieces have a hole-and-slot arrangement for holding the string in place and most tailpieces today have slots cut into them that are so wide that the knot tied at the end of the gut string will slip through when tension is put on the string. To prevent this, we can install a leather washer on the string before it is wound. This washer is wide enough that it will prevent string ends from slipping through most tailpiece slots. There is an extra charge for this service.
Wound strings for the contrabass are warrantied for a period of six months from the date of shipping.
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