Strings: Choices for Bluegrass Players

Manufactured by: Gollihur Buyer's Guide

Bluegrass String Choices
A Special "Buyer's Guide" from Bob and Mark

Choosing a string set for bluegrass playing may be a little confusing. However, we find that most players favor an "old school" sound that is usually associated with gut strings; that blunt attack and reduced sustain really emphasizes the percussive nature of bluegrass bass playing, giving us that great "thump thump" kind of vibe. With that in mind, here is a short list of selections that you might consider if you're looking for your next set of "Bluegrass Strings." These aren't the only options, mind you, but they are popular choices made by the many bluegrass-playin' bassists we talk to on a weekly basis!

You can read the short descriptions here, and purchase the set of your choice directly from this page. You can also learn more about a specific set you're interested in by clicking its link in the "related items" section, below - this may also provide other options, like different gauges or solo-tuning sets, five-string or extended E-string options, and more.

The Choices:

• LaBella Supernils: These strings have a big and fat, boomy sound, which can be a bluegrasser's delight. They're not my favorite; the unusual construction gives the high strings an abrasive, almost "round-wound" feel. You should know that they can't really be bowed, and they aren'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!
  
• D'Addario Helicore Orchestra: The Orchestra strings from D'Addario's Helicore line are designed to be very bowable, as well as to have lessened sustain, since orchestral players are not looking for the same level of sustain that a jazz pizzicato performer would want. This works out well for the bluegrass bassist, and they've got great thump power and their level of definition suits the style rather well. And they're quite affordable!
  
• Eurosonic: These strings are an alternative to more costly and maintenance-intensive gut strings; they are developing a cult-like following with many rockabilly and bluegrass musicians. They are made of silk and steel cores, wrapped with other metal windings and covered with a specially shaped and colorless polymer, giving Eurosonics a unique, almost translucent look. Very playable, very durable, they just get "that" sound.
  
• Innovation Super Silver: These cool strings are often used for Rockabilly and Bluegrass - they're a synthetic alternative to true gut strings. They have a round tone with a blunter attack and quick decay, giving a close approximation of the gut tone - providing that 'old-school' flavor. As synthetics, they may not quite be as warm and organic sounding as the real thing - but they're far more affordable and don't have the maintenance requirements of real gut. You'll also likely find that the Super Silver Strings don't have the same "bounce" as gut, and they do have somewhat higher tension than plain guts.
  
• Pirastro Obligato: These strings have a solid synthetic core with a very thin metal wrap. They were designed to emulate gut strings, so their attack is "old school" with a 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" for bluegrass, or other styles that call for that sound, you will enjoy the Obligatos.
  
• Lenzner Gut Set: Okay, almost all the strings mentioned above compare themselves to gut. Here's the real thing, if you're looking to take the plunge! For some, there is no substitute for the soft feel and organic sweetness of true gut strings. The lowest strings have a nicely distinct but warm tone, which is an improvement over the guts of "yester-year." 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). You may also want to oil them (walnut oil, most pure vegetable oils can do) for the longest life, especially if you are in a dry climate or go through dry periods. But if you want the sound of vintage, all-natural bluegrass bass, 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 - the plain gut (unwound) E is quite thick and "flubby" unless you're a slap player.
  

String Sets: Eurosonic Upright Bass Strings

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...

String Sets: D'Addario Helicore ORCHESTRAL Upright Bass Strings

D'Addario's Helicore strings - from the sustain and "growl" of the Pizzicato strings to the eminently bowable Orchestra strings (and in-between, with the Hybrids), there's something for everyone...

String Set: Innovation SuperSilver - 140SS (Super Silver)

Innovation Super Silver Strings are often used for Rockabilly and Bluegrass - they're a synthetic alternative to true gut strings...

String Sets: LaBella Supernil Upright Bass Strings

These unusual strings have a big and fat, boomy sound, which can be a bluegrasser's delight...

String Sets: Lenzner Gut Upright Bass String Sets

A full set of gut strings; choose from all plain gut, or sets with wound E or A strings for a more uniform gauge and sound. Great quality, great price!

String Sets: Pirastro Obligato Upright Bass Strings

Pirastro's relatively new Obligato strings have a solid synthetic core with a very thin metal wrap. They were designed to emulate gut strings...