Looking for more volume

[adam2180]

I currently have my ply bass strung with innovation Rock a Billys, I was looking for more volume and maybe a little brighter. less thud, more complexity. I play mostly piz. Thanks!

[Earl]

The Eurosonics have a big, loud sound, as do the Innovation Golden Slaps.

[bassist1962]

Obvious choice - Spirocores. I have had several people tell me how loud my bass is since they were installed.

[Michael Case]

Spirocore definitely. I would recommend Spirocore mediums, but they may be a bit high tension if so look for Spirocore Weich. There are usually used sets in the classifieds for much less than new. It's a good way to experiment, then buy a new set if you like 'em.

[JayB]

If you have the coin, try velvet animas. They are like innovations in my experience, but with a more complex sound and more volume with a similar feel. For pizz, anyway.

[Thumpie]

Spirocore mittels would probably be louder than weiches.

You'll need to break them for a few weeks (months?) before they start getting really sweet.

Don't even think about removing them for a year--they keep getting better.

[iiipopes]

Not necessarily Mittels! If the OP's bass is a Kay, it will be too much for the top. If he has played nothing but Innovation sets, then that is quite a leap in tension to get used to.

Spiros come in a variety of different sets
All The Different Spiros Sets

Yes, a set of either S42 Weichs or either of the solo sets tuned down will be fine to start. Here's how to choose which set: starting with the current strings: how do you like the overall tension as the bass is strung now? If you like the overall tension, then the S43 4/4 solo set is the place to start. If you like a tad more tension, then the 3886 3/4 solo set is where to go, and if you like to "dig in" a little more on the E string, then the S42 4/4 is the set to choose. If you're ready to step up the tension to the next level, the 3885 3/4 Weich set is where to go.

More on the top: there is a balance: all else being equal, some increase in string tension will drive the top more efficiently, meaning louder, but beyond a certain point, the top will "choke" and not vibrate as freely. Since nothing else is said except the bass is a ply bass, if the top it thick, then the slightly heavier sets will be needed to get as much as possible out of the bass.

Finally, have you had the bass set up by a luthier? A proper setup overall will do more to get the most out of a bass than will any set of strings.

Epilogue: a lot of folks do switch out the G string as being too twangy for something else, but stick with it for awhile before you consider changing.

[adam2180]

Im thinking of the 3/4 Weich set, Im ok with a little more tension but I don't want too much more. My bass has a great set up, there is defiantly no problem there.

[DoubleMIDI]

The 3/4 Weich set has about as much tension as the 4/4 Mittel set.
I found them a bit stiff at the first few months (playing not too much on this instrument) and the tension (also because of the stiffness) felling was rather high.

I would start with 3/4 Solo or 4/4 Weich, closer to the average Innovation tension, maybe still a bit higher tension than most Innovation sets. Since I like a bit more tension on the bottom I would take the 4/4 Weich set.