Jargar Handmade Upright Bass Strings

Jargar has been making strings for orchestral instruments by hand in Copenhagen, Denmark, since 1956. These strings share their general construction (steel rope core) with Corelli 370's, but they have a very different vibe, thanks to some additional dampening materials. They are hand-wound with thin threads of metal - "aluminum, copper and different alloys," according to the manufacturer.

What you get is a rope-core steel string with a softer, easier feel - and a rather dark, surprisingly non-metallic-sound. They have sort of a "gut-like" top end, with their shorter sustain, thuddier pizz attack, and warm tone. They're also really good under the bow; relatively easy to bow without scratchiness, and a big, dark, yet focused and fast arco sound. Lots of body, considerably less definition thanks to the lessed midrange and treble response of this string's tonal color. But this may be a good thing, depending on your needs. They have a nice "body," react quickly to the bow, and are easy on the hands.

Best as (in my opinion) an arco string (or for old-school jazz pizz), these strings have been reported as a favorite by everyone from orchestral bassists to rockabilly(!) players; their soft feel and darker, gut-like vibe (but durable steel construction) can actually make them an option for slappers who aren't getting what they're looking for from gut or synthetic strings. Or they can be a good all-around choice for a bass that has an overly bright/harsh character that needs to be toned down.

Slappers wishing to give these a go should probably choose the Dolce (light) model for their lighter tension, which makes them more slap-friendly.

Sizing:

These strings are "officially" sized for 4/4 basses (string length 110cm/43.3 in) but are absolutely suitable for (and very commonly used on) 3/4 basses as well.

String gauges (mediums):

• G: .051/1.31mm
• D: .064/1.64mm
• A: .079/2.02mm
• E: .109/2.79mm

Note that the Forte strings are a little thicker, and the Dolce strings are a little thinner, than the medium strings.

String Tension:

Gauge Identification

• Forte: Red colored winding at ball end, blue colored winding at pegbox end
• Medium: Blue colored windings at both ends
• Dolce: Green colored windings at both ends