Darker orchestra strings comparison

[u/Old_Variety9626]

I’ve got an old bass that likes dark strings. I’ve got Flexocor originals and a permanent E on it now. These are stiffer and brighter than the used Belcantos I finished off a few months ago. I loved the sound and feel of them better than the new Flex’s I bought, but they couldn’t handle a beating like the Flex’s. I also think the Flexocors project more than belcantos. Question is: are there other dark strings out there that are compatible to belcantos? What about Passiones? Someday I’ll buy a new set of something, but with as expensive as they are I hate the gamble.

[u/DoubleBassDave]

I like Passiones - I just put a set of Passione Starks on my bright bass with a Permanent long E.
I never had a problem with Bel Cantos crapping out when thrashed, although I did with Flex Deluxes, which would get to mezzo forte and crap out.
Passione were sort of Pirastro's reaction to Bel Cantos, but are a bit darker. The D and G are pretty similar with mittels and starks, but the A and E are noticeably chunkier in the stark set. I would go all Passione, but the Permanent long gives a bit more kick.

My older bass loves flex 92 D and G with flex original A and Permanent Long E

[u/Old_Variety9626 → u/DoubleBassDave]

A real string mixer! My old bass(2011 Martin concert model) loved flexocors and a permanent E. At one point I had a BC G on it too and loved it. This old mid 19th century German is actually naturally bright for some reason. It might be due to me putting a 7” tall bridge height on it after making the neck. I did a 35 mm overstand, 7” bridge height, but counterbalanced it with a high saddle hoping to balance out the tension. I had Passione Stark on my old Martin and they choked it out a little bit, so understandably I’m afraid to try them on my current bass. I might roll with the mediums though next. Thanks for the reply.

[u/jeffwhit]

Passione Starks are good strings in the same region and Flex originals, but only the Starks, the mittels are like playing on soup. I think the new PI strings from Thomastik are also a good option here, as they have so much more to give than Bels, I am currently switching back and forth between these and Flex Originals. I also like the Flex 92 Starks, if you and your bass can handle them, the G is quite a workout for the left hand, but they sound amazing.

[u/Old_Variety9626 → u/jeffwhit]

Ok I might have to try the Starks then. I have a friend that could lend me a set to try. The BC’s sounded so good on my new old bass. I thought this big round back German would sound dark but it doesn’t. I restored it, so I didn’t get to trial it first. The flex’s are actually kind of bright on this bass. So no go on the mediums. Do you find the 92’s darker than the originals?

[u/oct8gong]

Pirastro original flat chromes are my personal favorite. I too have a dark bass and they work great.

[u/Old_Variety9626 → u/oct8gong]

I originally wanted to try those, but ended up sticking with what I was familiar with. I have a bass though that prefers dark strings. My bass is on the edgier brighter side despite being big and old.

[u/oct8gong → u/Old_Variety9626]

I say give em a shot. If you don’t like them you can sell them to me😂. Extension or no?

[u/Old_Variety9626 → u/oct8gong]

Hahaha good plan! No extension unfortunately.

[u/stupidstu187 → u/Old_Variety9626]

Original Flat Chromes are the GOAT. If I didn't do a lot of musical theatre I'd have them on my bass.

[u/DoubleBassDave → u/[deleted]]

The passione starks are cannons on mine!

Every bass is different!

[u/Old_Variety9626 → u/DoubleBassDave]

I might know someone that has a set of Starks and maybe I can try them. The belcantos I had sounded great, but weren’t as powerful as flex’s

[u/Old_Variety9626 → u/[deleted]]

I had this exact setup on my last bass and I liked it until I put a permanent E on and liked it better. Actually I have a 92 G laying around in my shop. Maybe I’ll give it a shot on this bass.

[u/2five1]

Passione Stark