String Tension vs. Technique....options?

[sevenyearsdown]

My background: I'm new player - just started double in february. I'm taking lessons based on Simandl. I really have no problem playing the stuff out of the book with my current strings/setup. I believe I have Thomastik Spirocore strings on my Shen SB80. My bridge is fully adjustable. A fishman full circle is installed and I will be amping.

However - I've started to suppliment my Simandl lessons with stuff I'm actually gonna be playing: rockabilly, old country, swing...you get the idea. I'll be learning a mix of slap and pizz - not gonna be bowing. When I got to the rock stuff, I find the current tension to be difficult to play with.

I know setup - string height - and string choice are all a matter of preference, but for you experienced rockabilly players - Is there a better option for strings (lower tension) that my be a better fit for me? I'm not just looking for an easy way out, but I wanna make sure I'm not beating myself up for no reason with the wrong strings for the type of tunes I play. Trying to slap with the current strings is pretty tiring at this point.

Or...is it just a matter of building up the strength on my hands and improving my technique?

Like I said - I know that these things are mostly matter of opinion, but I'm interested in hearing those opinions from experienced players.

Thanks.

[jschall84]

you may be better off with something a little less tension like Innovation Supersilvers or Rock-a-billys. if those are too much tension still, you may want to drop down to the silver slaps or golden slaps. They have a great tone/tension and a ton of guys love them. If you havnt already, check out http://www.rockabillybass.com
lots of good advice over there and lots of string knowledge floating around. if you are interested, i may have a set of super silvers for sale. i have a current trade pending, but i havnt heard from him in a couple weeks.

[hofner]

jschall84 is right for supersilvers. They're actually the best hybrids strings for a mix between slap and pizz.
they just have a bigger diameter. you loose a little definition imho.
howewer, many players slaps on steel but common tension is often solo sets tuned to orchestra.

[nesbit]

U still have those innovation super silver's for sale??? Evan