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Big boom, smaller diameter

Discussion in 'Bluegrass [DB]' started by Tim Skaggs, Jul 5, 2008.

  1. Jul 5, 2008 #1
    Tim Skaggs

    Tim Skaggs

    Sep 28, 2002
    I'm playing Innovation Super Silver strings. I love the tone for Bluegrass, but I'm having some issues with the diameter of the strings. I sometimes play a little jazz & the diameter of the Ino SS strings hampers the use of vibrato technique and slides.

    Since I play Bluegrass more often, I have the tone I need most, but I would love to find a thinner / smaller diameter string with a tone similar to the Inov SS strings. Any suggestions? Perhaps I'm pushing against physics here?

    I have tried Thomastik Spiros. A good string, but they are not the answer to what I'm seeking.
     
  2. Jul 25, 2008 #2
    Gearhead43

    Gearhead43

    Nov 25, 2007
    NorCal
    How about the Innovation Blacks, aka Upton Blacks? They'll be higher tension though. The inno rockabillys also are thinner, and the same tension as the super silvers.
     
  3. Jul 25, 2008 #3
    Jason Sypher

    Jason Sypher Supporting Member

    Jan 3, 2001
    Brooklyn, NY
    Maybe a change in your set-up? Sometimes even the slightest lowering of the bridge can give you some options that weren't available just one millimeter ago. You may have to adjust your playing a bit but it might be worth the effort.
     
  4. Jul 26, 2008 #4
    Tim Skaggs

    Tim Skaggs

    Sep 28, 2002
    I went with the Innovation 140B strings. Here's what I posted on Bluegrass Bass Place;

    Well, I thought by now I would have a couple gigs on the new Innovation 140 B strings, but I haven't really done anything except practice.

    I must say they are about as close to exactly what I wanted as I could imagine.

    First, let's establish a range; Gut are the big, short sustain, thumpy, & fairly low tension. That's one end of the range.

    The other end of the range would be something like Corelli 370's or some other thin, high tension, bright toned string.

    THe Innovation 140B have some of both characteristics. They are thumpy and low tension, but they are much thinner than gut or nylon strings. They are metallic wrapped, they are a little brighter, but not at all too bright. I can't say that I've used anything exactly like them yet. Pirastro Obligatos are similar, but larger diameter & I think they are solid core.

    Bottom line; if you want a "softer" feel string with big blooming boom, yet you would like to have a thinner metallic string that has a little growl / "mhwa" tone like a thin steel core string, the Innovation 140B strings are for you.

    Jerry Fretwell had the best price I could find anywhere on the internet & his shipping is very reasonable.