There is a huge variety of strings available on the market and each manufacturer seems to make claim that there's is the absolute best. Can you give me any advice on choosing the right make or type of string to suit my playing?

Making the right choice of strings is one of the shortest ways in enabling you to bring out the best qualities of your instrument. It must however be remembered that there are many variables that can alter or influence the performance characteristics of any particular string or set of strings. In brief this may include - or be a combination of - the type and quality of instrument, the vibrating string length, the setup of the instrument, the individual player's technique and even the player's physic. The written string evaluations have been compiled by The Contrabass Shoppe's Managing Director - Anthony Houska - an orchestral player for over thirty-seven years, fifteen of which were as a professional. All measurements and information details are for your guidance only.

Can you just remind me of your terms of offering an opinion:

The opinion expressed may not necessarily be the same as others. The Contrabass Shopper Ltd, A.M. Houska and all directors and employees will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this opinion, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive and consequential damages.
Please click here for the terms and conditions for the use this web site.

So - with the small print now out of the way - can you tell me how your String Selection is organised?

Our Double Bass Strings selection is divided into six sections - Orchestral Strings, Jazz Strings, Hybrid / Crossover Strings, Slap / Rock-a-Billy Strings, Solo Strings and Budget Strings. Click on any of them to view their menu.

One last question. Do you hold all the different makes of string in stock?

We do hold a large proportion of the strings in stock, but with there being so many different makes available - many of which are of a more specialist nature - we sometimes have to obtain these to order. In many instances the string sets are available within a couple of working days, but there are occasions when even our suppliers have to order them in especially. In these instances there could be a delay of up to two weeks. Obviously should this be the case we would inform you of the expected time of delivery.