Permanent Double Bass Strings

Pirastro makes good double bass strings, called "Permanent".  These are primarily a classical (bowed) upright bass string, but some Jazz players also use them.  For some basses, the Permanents can be a little 'too much' for their bass.  That is, the strings have a little added tension which can have add more punch to the attack (or "pop") of the string from the bow, but the tradeoff there is that while they have warm tone, the seem just a bit more stiff than the traditional Flexocor bass strings. (The slight added tension can do that).  You can use the whole set of Permanents (as is often the case) or you can supplement a set of Flexocors (A, D and G) with the added Permanent E string.  The E has more substance than the Flexocor and will still blend well with the rest.  Need more information about Flexocor bass strings?

Changing the tension (upright bass strings)

When buying new upright bass strings, most don't take into account that simply changing one string (from another brand) can actually effect the whole tension balance of the bass.  It's not a bad thing, just something we should all take into account:  There is something like 500 lbs of pressure on the top of a bass (fully strung at concert pitch) so you can just imagine how changing a significantly more or less downward tension, can effect the way a double bass plays, sounds and feels.

Again, it can really vary from bass to bass.  Some basses have very elastic tops. If you have never noticed this before....just pull the E string, as if you're really going to pull it hard, but don't let the string go.  Then you look down at the f-hole (E string side!) and you can see the flexibility of the top!!  Pull that E back and forth and you will see the top flex with it.  So by seeing this, one can quickly see how even putting a slightly higher or lower tension string on can add to your set up equation.

Need to order some Permanent double bass strings? We offer the lowest prices on all the big brands: Pirastro, Thomastik and Helicore strings. See our upright bass strings page.