chrkelly

There are two types - sticky and powder Sticky (nymans, carlson, pops etc) is the most used. Gets the string vibrating instantly, good grip, more volume(?) Powder (artcraft no.6, violin rosin etc) requires better technique but bow changes are less scratchy and gives an overall smoother sound. It's all down to personal peferance though most people I know use Nymans or Pops.

Definitely depends on the playing situation. In jazz/rock etc a good player should be able to get a very similar sound out of different basses due to their technique (provided the bass is decently set up and can vibrate freely). I like playing plywood basses in very loud situations because they don't vibrate so much and feedback is much harder to get. Unless in the unlikely event that you find a Fendt in a junk shop for £50, the orchestral world is completely different and you will struggle to find a suitable bass with massive strong fundamental for less than 10 grand. You can of course still use a lesser bass but you won't blend into the section as well. When I'm gigging back in Ireland I usually borrow a massive old Italian flatback from one of the Ulster orchestra guys. It's worth a fortune and sounds incredible in the orchestra, but in an amplified situation, i'd imagine it would sound awful because it vibrates so freely and its acoustic sound is so huge and boomy.

Put the Corelli 370TX on this morning and have thrashed them for a good few hours. These things have tonnes of sustain! Brilliant modern pizz sound although a tad too bright but that's only cause they're brand new. They feel very similar in tension and gauge to spiro orchestras and sound very loud on my bass. I can't really speak about them any more until they've properly settled after a few weeks, but I can tell I'm going to like them. A bargain for £70

Also, forgot to mention Daddario Helicore hybrids. £78 from Thomann. They get good reviews and I've heard that Larry Grenadier and Christian McBride use them.

Usually in my experience, it works out a lot cheaper buying from the States (even if you get stung for import taxes!). The best mail order shops are www.lemurmusic.com and www.urbbob.com. Also, Thomann does good prices for the Austrian brands, Pirastro and Thomastik. What music are you playing and what type of sound are you aiming for? Spiros have long been the standard jazz string, tonnes of sustain and they have a good amplified sound. They also work reasonably well on the A and E on dark basses for orchestral playing. I quite like really old ones that have mellowed a bit. Either go for the Weich or standard gauge. The starks are too heavy for my tastes A mate of mine has the innovation silver slaps. Old school gut sound. Really low tension and massive gauge. They feel very strange under the left hand. Completely unbowable. Pirastro Obligatos are also a good choice but you'd be lucky to get a year out of them. OK for the bow, loads of growl for pizz and more organic sounding than the spiros. I'm just about to put on a set of Corelli 370TX. Cost me just under £70 from the US. I borrowed a bass recently with a set on and they sounded great. All the growl of spiros and then some. Very nice with the bow too. Strings that work for some basses will not work fo others though. You may well spend your life experimenting with different combinations to find the perfect match! I still haven't found one I'm perfectly happy with.

That'll be mine. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=417&hl=swr"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=417&hl=swr[/url]. Its in storage at the mo while I move house, but will be for sale again as soon as I move in.

Due to hassle of carrying a double bass and an 8x8, the time has finally come for a bit of downsizing! Had tried out the Berg 410 at Club Bass in Toronto a few months ago and absolutely loved it. Now one will hopefully be with me tomorrow. Stay posted for a full review soon!

Hi Mike. Yes, I've got all my gear insured with them. I think electrical instruments go on the power play option. Give them a call and I'm sure they'll sort you out.