The New Solo Double-Bass Strings

The New Solo Double-Bass Strings
Monday, May 4, 2026 by Dr. James W. Walraven

I’ve now been practicing on the new solo tuning strings—Corelli, a set made in France—for about three weeks. The good news is that being lighter tensioned strings, I’ll be better able to continue playing due to the change, as anticipated. My hands just cannot manage the higher tensioned strings for sufficient periods of time (although an oversimplification, figure roughly over 50 pounds of pressure for each stopped note).

I’m pleasantly surprised about how well the strings sound on my double-bass. They certainly are different. The tone is brighter, in a very good way, but without the same level of depth and richness. There is no way around the physics of a string. A thicker string with more tension (i.e. harder to press down) will have an overall “better” sound. For those who play piano, although it is not an exact comparison, something similar applies: a full grand piano will sound better than a console upright. On a humorous note, even a rubber band stretched between two fixed points will function as a kind of string if you pluck it.

Bowing has required significant adjustments as well: less arm weight is required, but still significant to get shorter notes to speak. I’m not quite there yet, but making progress and getting close.

Overall, it is a big win, and I’m very pleased with the new set.

On a side note, I’ve sometimes wondered if I play primarily because by God’s grace I’m good at it, or if I find it fun. The answer is that I find it fun. Of course, regardless of that answer, the goal is to glorify God.