Hurts pretty good

Hey all, new here.

I started playing bass about 4 months ago, and love it. The only problem is I'm having quite a bit of pain in my index and middle fingers on my plucking hand. I play slap and pop exclusively (Primus and Stanley Clarke are my main inspirations for playing), and I pop pretty hard, causing pain in the ends of these fingers.

I've stayed with it, figuring that it will subside, much like the pain of developing calluses on the fingering hand, but this isn't going away. The only way it stops is if I don't play, and that's no good at all.

I'm playing an entry level Yamaha with whatever strings the store I bought it from strung it with, no doubt the cheapest strings on the planet.

Should I try lighter strings, is it the entry level instrument, are there any tips on technique that may help?

I searched around a bit but couldn't find a similar topic, so apologies if this question gets asked and answered all the time around here.

Thanks.

 

Hey thanks for the reply Aaiieeee.

Your answer makes me think I should clarify my problem a bit.
As far as muscle strength, I've been playing guitar since I was a little kid, so if that matters at all, there it is. I have noticed that playing bass is more demanding strength wise, but I'm relatively strong in the arms and hands, so it may be less of a problem for me than for others.

What made me finally register and post the question is that today after practicing I noticed a large linear blood blister at the end of my middle finger, which I only pop with after the index finger hurts too much to use.

It makes me think strings, instrument or technique, but I long ago learned that the tips and tricks of the guitar trade don't always apply to bass. These two animals are more different than I used to think, for sure.

It could also be a matter of needing to suck it up and play through the pain, which I'm willing to do if need be, but I figured I would ask some folks who knew the deal before I made any hardcore decisions.

Cheers.