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Strings for Double Bass:
Strings for 3/4 and 4/4 size Basses
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D'Addario ZYEX Upright Bass Strings |
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Manufactured by:
D'Addario
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Choices starting at $149.00
(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
Click Here to Choose Individual D'Addario ZYEX Upright Bass Strings
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Email To Friend!
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 D'Addario Zyex Upright Bass Strings
Okay... Zy-WHAT?!?!
These new strings are made of a "longer-lasting" alternative to nylon, called "Zyex." That's where they get their name, obviously.
Zyex is a "polyketone fiber," which you really don't need to know. What you do need to know is that D'Addario has actually been making strings out of this material (for other instruments, like classical guitar and violin) for many years. They just reformulated their blend, and they are now making Upright Bass Strings using Zyex.
Physically, the strings are a touch thicker than Pirastro Obligatos, and they don't exhibit the "roll" when plucked that other synthetic strings (including the Obligatos) sometimes do. They also sound a bit "darker" than Obligatos - with a bit more "growl," at least to my ears. Under the bow, they speak very quickly, and the pizz sustain rings clearly without overstaying its welcome - simply stated, they have a warm, gut-like tone (which is a common description of synthetic strings). They are similar to many of their contemporaries, to be sure - but obviously, there are differences too.
One thing that many people report as unique about the strings: kind of like wine (and bassists), they actually get better with age. Fresh out of the package, you might be a little underwhelmed - on some basses, they might sound a bit "zingy," can sometimes have uneven response from string to string (especially the D string) and the lower strings can have a tendency to sound a little scratchy under the bow. These idiosyncrasies seem to work themselves out once you've put a little mileage on the strings; they settle down, tone-wise, and the balance and arco response tends to improve.
Tonally, they have good volume, with nice fullness - especially the higher strings (some players have felt that the E string is a little "shy" compared to the other three.) Tuning stability is good, and they "start" quite easily under the bow.
Overall, they are a lower-tension, hybrid string that works well for lots of varied situations, but I wouldn't put them on a bass the same day I had a gig. But give them a little time to break in, and may well be worth the wait.
Finally, D'Addario says that:
Zyex strings have a versatile sound, making them a good choice for a variety of musical styles, from classical and modern music to jazz and country. Zyex strings maintain a warm, rich, gut-like tone quality, while remaining stable in tuning even under extreme climate conditions during hot and humid summer performances or cold outdoor sessions. Pitch stability is excellent after minimal break-in time. Zyex has a warmer sound than most other synthetic core strings, and they have excellent projection, making them exceptional for soloistic use as well as symphonic. A thicker string diameter and an overall lower tension make this set ideal for baroque, jazz and free styles. Zyex bass strings were developed primarily to offer outstanding pizzicato attacks and sustain, as well as superb bowing response.
 Specifics:
- First string G - Zyex/Titanium wound; tension = 61.0 lbs., .064 (Light 58.0 lbs., .061)
- Second string D - Zyex/Stainless steel wound; tension = 62.5 lbs., .071 (Light 59.5 lbs., .069)
- Third string A - Zyex/Tungsten wound; tension = 64.5 lbs., .081 (Light 62.5 lbs., .078)
- Fourth string E - Zyex/Tungsten wound; tension = 66.0 lbs., .106 (Light 64.0 lbs., .101)
 Note that these strings will likely NOT fit a 4/4 bass! They tend to come up a bit short on extended-size basses -- especially the E-string. In fact, if your 3/4 bass has a compensated tailpiece where the path of the E-string is longer than the other strings, the threaded portion on the E may overlap the nut. (Standard tailpiece? No worries.) The measurement of a typical Zyex E string from the ball end to the silked portion that goes in the pegbox is 51". Measure your current E string from the ball end to the nut - if it's longer than 51", don't get the Zyex set.
Note: D'Addario is reportedly working on a 4/4 version of the Zyex string set.
What are artists saying about the Zyex bass set?
Ira Coleman (Sting, Herbie Hancock, Jessye Norman, Dee Dee Bridgewater):
"I am currently very excited about the new Zyex for bass. The strings have the fast response of a gut string with the clarity and sustain of a steel string. They are more elastic than steel core strings and are very smooth. I like the gauge relationship from E to G. Finally the best of both worlds! Pure delight from peg box to tail piece. Thank you D'Addario."
Larry Grenadier (Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Brad Mehldau):
"I am very excited to have found these strings! They combine the warmth associated with gut strings with the presence and quickness of metal strings. They sound great bowed as well. I am very thankful that D'Addario has taken the time to address the jazz bass player's unique string needs."
Jim Robertson (DBR, Beaty Brothers):
"The Zyex give me the feeling that I am playing gut strings. They still retain the depth and warm qualities that I liked so much in gut strings, but there are not as many inconsistencies in the tone that would tend to be the case with traditional gut strings. They are extremely even, retaining the warmth and depth, but still cutting very well."
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Choices starting at $149.00
(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
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