"Bumped" Sets (Also Norteño/Tololoche Tuning)
What the heck is a "Bumped" set?
A bumped set, simply, is a custom set of strings with SUPER-light tension.
It is traditionally created by substituting a string designed for a higher pitch for each string on your bass; commonly, this means using an A-string for the E, a D-string for the A, a G-string for the D, and a High C-string for the G. Thus, you're "bumping" each string down one position on your bass, but - and this is the key - you're still tuning it E-A-D-G.
Wow - that sounds like the strings would be really light, doesn't it? Why would anyone do this?
When it comes to rockabilly bass playing, sometimes ease of play is paramount. Many players find that standard string sets are just way too stiff to play 3+ hours of non-stop slap bass on. Thus, a bumped set can be a happy medium between the extremes of higher-tension "real" upright bass strings, and the tonal compromise of putting weed-whacker line on your bass (no, seriously).
Important note: Most players will find that playing a bumped set for standard pizzicato (plucking) or arco (bowing), the sound and feel will be rather unsatisfying. They're TOO light - there’s not enough tension to really create a full volume or tone. Normally, a bumped set is "a rockabilly/psychobilly slap thing."
Previously, "bumping" a set might require that you purchase a whole set (plus a high C) -- and you end up paying for an unused E string that gets thrown in a drawer somewhere in the bass den. So we've put together some popular bumped sets to help you out.
Norteño/Tololoche Tuning on your Upright Bass
You can also use these sets to simulate norteño or tololoche style tuning; this is for Latin or Mariachi styles that use the Tololoche bass instrument, which is tuned A-D-G-C. In this case, you're getting the string set pre-configured as you need it, rather than buying single strings to create a custom set.
Note that all of our "bumped" sets are for 3/4 or 4/4 size upright basses, and if you need such a set for a 1/2 or 1/4 sized bass, you'll need to select the A, D, and G strings you need from an appropriate-sized set and then add a high C string to match from a 3/4 sized set (which is an imperfect solution, but it's the best we've got, since there are no high-C strings made for smaller-sized basses that we're aware of.)
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Spirocore Upright Bass Strings
Thomastik
Our Low Price: $283.95Spiros are an old favorite for jazz and other genres and has been a popular string for many years. They were one of the first decent metal strings to be adopted by strictly gut string players-- in fact, lots and lots of us played G & D guts and A...- FREE SHIPPING:
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Our Low Price: $283.95 -
Eurosonic White Tapewound Upright Bass Strings
Eurosonic
Our Low Price: $159.00Do you need a durable alternative to more costly and problematic gut strings, for playing aggressive styles like rockabilly, or acoustic bluegrass - maybe even old-school jazz? Presto! I have your answer. These strings have developed a cult-like...- FREE SHIPPING:
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Our Low Price: $159.00 -
Superb RS4000 Double Bass Strings
RotoSound
Our Low Price: $159.75These strings have been made for decades; they have a nylon core, which is flatwound with nylon on the G and D strings, and with monel (a nickel alloy) on the A and E strings. The strings have a comfortable soft feel, with a lighter tension than most...- FREE SHIPPING:
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Our Low Price: $159.75 -
Obligato Upright Bass Strings
Pirastro
Our Low Price: $297.70Pirastro's popular Obligato strings have a solid synthetic core with a very thin metal wrap. They were designed to emulate gut strings, and they did a darn good job of creating such a string. Their attack is "old school" with that more blunt and thicker,...- FREE SHIPPING:
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Our Low Price: $297.70 -
Supernil SLAPS Super-Light Upright Bass Strings (Bumped Set)
LaBella
Our Low Price: $135.95Hard-playing slappers often prefer a string with plenty of bounce, but not a lot of tension. No one likes spending a 4-hour set whacking their hands against high-tension, inflexible strings. Common options for low-tension strings include various sets...- FREE SHIPPING:
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- ONLY at Gollihur Music
Our Low Price: $135.95 -
SuperFlexible Upright Bass Strings - 1/2 size (special order)
Thomastik
Our Low Price: $231.95Thomastik Superflexible Double Bass Orchestra (Medium) Double Bass Strings have a braided steel thread core. For most players, the Superflexible are a "smoother" sounding steel, rope core string than the very popular Spirocores. Recently, some...- FREE SHIPPING:
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Our Low Price: $231.95