At the 2011 Summer NAMM Show happening this week (starting today!) in Nashville, Tenn., D'Addario will be launching its new Zyex Double Bass C-Extended-E String. This special string joins the Zyex Double Bass Set released by D'Addario last year and adds a thicker string diameter and an overall lower tension, ideal for baroque, jazz, and free styles.

Like the standard set, the new double bass string uses a synthetic Zyex core that provides a gut-like rich and complex tone, combined with power and clarity, according to the manufacturer. Pitch stability is said to be excellent after minimal break-in time.

As D'Addario notes, Zyex bass strings were developed primarily to offer outstanding pizzicato attacks and sustain, as well as superb bowing response. Zyex Double Bass sets and individual strings are available in Light and Medium tensions and 3/4 size. All strings consist of Zyex core with the G string (DZ611) titanium wound; D string (DZ612) stainless steel wound; and the A string (DZ613), E string (DZ614), and C-Ext string (DZ615) tungsten wound. The Zyex Double Bass Set (DZ610) consists of standard tuning strings.

“This new option for bass players is a natural extension of the already popular Zyex line,” says D’Addario’s Bowed String Product Manager, Lyris Hung. “The strings not only project a full and warm sound, but this new string offers a convenient option for players with different instrument set-ups.”

Need some more convincing? About the string, Larry Grenadier, who plays with Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Brad Mehldau, said, “I am very excited to have found these strings! They combine the warmth associated with gut strings with the presence and quickness of metal strings. They sound great bowed as well. I am very thankful that D’Addario has taken the time to address the jazz bass player’s unique string needs.”

The Zyex Double Bass C-extended-E String is now available for $125. For more information about Zyex strings or other D’Addario products, visit daddariobowed.com.