Jargar
Jargar Handmade Upright Bass Strings
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Description
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 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 attack, and warm tone. They're also good under the bow; relatively easy to bow without scratchiness, and a big, dark 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," 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.
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.
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
5 Reviews
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Jargar Dolce Strings
Thanks Mark, these are hands down my new favorite. I don't miss the Velvet Compas 180's anymore. I didn't realize how much I'd enjoy the damping in these strings. They are rich, smooth and easy on the hands and bow without rolling. Awesome!
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MWAH KILLERS!!!
For all who hate the nasal ... who hate the mwah .... yes, here they are, JARGARS!! Closest I’ve heard to GUT from a non gut string. Classic PC warmth here. Beyond impressed with these for jazz pizz. Sound/feel/price UNMATCHED.
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Round, full and rich
Hello Mark, Just wanted to send some feed back regarding Jargar strings vs Thomastik Spirocores. I changed just the low E, first, and the Jargar was rounder with less sustain -- but less loud. (That said,) I am happy with the results, because even though the Spiros sound a little louder and brighter un amplified, I do like the sound of the Jargars with the Realist pickup: Full, deep and rich sounding... like an upright should! They also work well with the Schaller Mag pickup I have installed.
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Great match for my bright bass
Mark, We recently talked on the phone and you recommended the Jargar strings for my Christopher laminated bass. I played my first gig with the bass last night and am very pleased with the tone and feel of the strings. (This) bass was very bright and harsh sounding with Spirocores and the Jargar strings are a good match on this bass. One of the players on the gig remarked that the bass had a nice Milt Hinton vibe to it with the new strings. Just wanted to thank you for your help, Mark.
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Warn and wonderful
I installed the Jargar Medium strings on my plywood "work" bass this morning. I was pleasantly surprised at the initial tone, as I expected the strings to be a little brighter since they are steel core. However, they sound warm and wonderful. The E string seemed to have a little weaker sound than the other three, but not enough to cause concern. I "toyed" with the "Full Circle" adjustment and I believe that on this particular bass the best sound seems to be when the pick-up is turned at about a 45 degree to the bridge foot. Thank you for that tip.