Strings: SOLO Gauge Strings, Solo Strings

Manufactured by: Gollihur Buyer's Guide

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

Many string sets are available in a "Solo" gauge, designed to be tuned 1 whole-step higher than standard tuning for solo play, usually in classical environments. As an alternative, some players buy the solo strings and tune them to standard pitch for a lighter tension - this is particularly useful when the string-maker doesn't make a designated "light" version of the strings (for instance, the Pirastro Obligato strings).

The four strings are usually designated on the package as follows:

• F# or Fis4 (E Position)
• B or H3/H1 (A position)
• E2 (D position)
• A1 (G position)

• Thomastik Superflexible: Thomastik Superflexible Strings have a braided steel thread core. For most players, the Superflexible are a "smoother" sounding steel, rope core string than the very popular Spirocores. Recently, some rockabilly-slap styled players have found that they like the solo gauge Superflexibles. For many, they're just a little bit harder to slap than non-metal strings, but for steel they're pretty easy on the fingers. But they're reported to have a long life, and they work quite well for "regular" pizz sound as well.
  
• Pirastro Obligato: Pirastro's 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. They may look like metal strings, but they sure don't feel or sound like them-- the thin coating fools you!
  
• Pirastro Evah Pirazzi: The Evah Pirazzi BASS strings have a core made from a new synthetic fiber that Pirastro recently developed, wound with a polished chrome steel. They have less sustain than most metal-core strings; their damping is such that their sustain is nice, but isn't overdone or "electric-bassy" sounding. Plucked, they sound full and fat, with a strong, solid fundamental and very good projection. Most notable is a subtle percussive "ping" to the very front attack of the note when playing pizzicato that provides a nice touch of articulation to an otherwise warm, dark tone. This unique and interesting characteristic sets the Evahs apart as an all-around good choice for a variety of styles, particularly if you like the "old school" sound -- yet with something "new" thrown in.
  
• Thomastik Belcanto: Thomastik has been making these "rope core" (a style of winding, not what they're made of!) strings for a couple of years, and I must say that we're pretty high on them right now - they’re on Bob's Kay, and he's really loving them for both pizz and arco. 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. Now they're available in a new (Sept '09) Solo Gauge!
  

Single Strings: Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Upright Bass String

Pirastro's new Evah Pirazzi ’BASS’ string has become quite popular. Ideal for musicians playing many styles, with excellent bowed response and good sustain...

String Sets: Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Upright Bass Strings

Pirastro's Evah Pirazzi ’BASS’ string has become quite popular in a short period of time - and they're now available in the new "Weich" (light) gauge. Ideal for musicians playing many styles, with excellent bowed response and good sustain...

Single Strings: Pirastro Obligato Upright Bass String

Pirastro's Obligato strings have a solid synthetic core with a very thin metal wrap. They were designed to emulate gut strings... Now in ¼ and ½ sizes, too!

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...

Single Strings: Thomastik Belcanto Upright Bass String

Thomastik's relatively new rope core strings were designed for bowed work, but they have a very musical, warm pizz sound with a very sweet sustain...

String Sets: Thomastik Belcanto Upright Bass Strings

Thomastik's relatively new rope core strings were designed for bowed work, but they have a very musical, warm pizz sound with a very sweet sustain...

Single Strings: Thomastik SuperFlexible Upright Bass Strings

Superflexible strings feature a multi-strand steel core with chromesteel winding offering superior flexiblity and tonal response...

String Sets: Thomastik SuperFlexible Upright Bass Strings

Superflexible strings feature a multi-strand steel core with chromesteel winding offering superior flexiblity and tonal response...