Double Bass Innovation experience?

[Mr. Creepy]

I've read a lot about innovation strings on here but all that info is confusing me.

I play rockabilly on weedwackers at the moment and although they sound nice, the E is really quiet and "clacks" loud when I slap it. Infact all the strings are too quiet and lack any definition. I've been looking for a set that have a bit more volume and definition, possibly a bit more tension, and have an audible E string.

Can anybody who have experience with innovation strings recommend anything?

On a side note, Has anyone used the innovation rockabillys? If so what are they like? I could get some quite cheap is all.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

The Rockabillys are cool strings. Some people don't like the papery feel but I'm okay with it. They would be much higher tension than the Weedwackers.

The Silver Slaps make a good slap string - they are lower tension than the RAB strings but still nice and elastic in the hands.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

You really get your $20 worth with whackers.

Jake is right that Silver Slaps are good, popular strings. Rotosounds are supposed to be good for that style too...that's what Nekroman uses, and they last forever or so I'm told.

What kind of bass do you have? How high are the strings off the end of the fingerboard? If I was playing rockabilly a lot I'd want a good solid plywood bass with a tall bridge and a good set of plain gut strings. Clefs are nice, and not expensive.

 

[iiipopes]

Daf Lewis is the Innovation liason and is a moderator on basschat.co.uk . He can help you choose a set that would work. They actually make a "Rock-a-Billy" set along with their other sets:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[iiipopes]

Daf Lewis is the Innovation liason and is a moderator on basschat.co.uk . He can help you choose a set that would work. They actually make a "Rock-a-Billy" set (if you like black strings) along with their other sets, including the Super Silver medium tension set and the Silver Slaps and Golden Slaps light tension sets:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Mr. Creepy]

It's a cheap laminate bass with low string height. If you think the rockabillys are going to be a major step up from the wackers then ill just go for them. I've never had the chance to try out a lot of strings, just awful steels and my wackers...

 

[Fretless55]

Actually I've tried three of the Innovations on my two basses (odd Kay & Strunal hybrid)
My style is roots RnR with a bit of slap here and there for flavor.
My preference would be, in order:

Golden Slaps - Same as Silver Slaps but a more subtle gut like color. Low tension favors a higher bridge. Really comfortable strings to play.

Super Silvers - Basically the same a Slaps but a slightly higher tension.

Rockabilly - Never bonded with these... Sounded and felt "plasticky".

Honestly, any of these would be a huge improvement over whackers!

Good Luck!

 

[cdavisshannon]

I've been very happy with my golden slaps for a couple years now. As Shawn said, ain't nothing like gut, but my wallet doesn't agree with me. Coming from whackers and playing billy I'd go for the Silver or Golden slaps. I dig the rockabilly strings, but oddly find them better for pizzicato play than for slap.
I also play guitar for a group and my bass player there used my bass for a gig and commented that the innovations are what his whackers wish that they were, if that means anything to you. I assure you that they are a huge step up from whackers, well, anything is.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

There's a third way: read all you can about gut strings to become an educated consumer, then lurk the classifieds on this page like it's your job and jump on anything good that comes up at a reasonable price. I scored vintage Red-O-Ray D&G strings in really nice shape for $20 a couple weeks ago. They sound great, play even better and are wound in plastic filament so they should last me close to forever.

The first thing I'd do if I was in your position is jack up the bridge, if that's an option, until the strings are 1/4" to 1/2" over the end of the fingerboard. More tension, more sound. A CCB with whackers set at steel-string heights isn't going to make much sound. If your bridge is not adjustable, your best option is better strings. Are you on facebook? If you are, feel free to join the jamboree on our crazy clown car, the Upright Bass Players' Union. Lots of experienced, heavy players are part of it, and lots of gear whores too, so advice and cool toys will be easy to come by.