Strings `n things

[Monckyman]

Lo all.
I`m about to start playing classic soft jazz songs like Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald in a 3 piece band and consequently need to spend a little love and cash on the Upright.
One thing I really need to sort is the strings. I know it`s a personal thing and dependant on many variables, but I have to ask.
I`m ideally looking for soft feeling non steel strings,(no mag pickup) that give an old school warmth and a medium tension.
A friend recommended some Weedwackers which I thought were primarily rockabilly strings, but he`s very happy playing classic jazz on them.
Any views?
Also, I think my sound post has moved. I`m getting a raspy rattle on the E at volume.
How much to fix, approximately?
If it`s going to a luthier, I may as well get a new bridge fitted to my taste as the action and high tension steels are crippling me at the moment,can anyone give an approximate fee for a new bridge and fitting?
I`m also in the market for a pickup and I`m thinking a Bassmax to start and see where that takes me. I won`t need loud levels.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
MM

Edited November 30, 2011 by Monckyman

[TheRev]

For strings, I'd suggest a set of Innovation Honeys or, if you're feeling flush, a set of Velvet Garbos. Personally, I love the Garbos and they're perfect for the soul (think 'Georgia') and bluegrass/country stuff that I play. They are rather expensive but I've had the same set going on two years and they're still going strong.

[marvin spangles]

Curious as to why you want non steel strings. The default jazz string is the Spirocore. Of course there are many other alternatives. The Spiro weich's with a mittle E will produce a great jazz sound on most basses. The Weich's are reasonably low in tension. I have changed from Mittles and there is a noticable difference.
You might want to consider an adjustable bridge. or if you want to kill two birds... fit a fishman full circle pick up which is built into the adjustable bridge. I have no experience of the Bass Max so can't comment. As regards the raspy rattle. I assume this is heard when playing acoustically? Get in touch with a Luthier . It's good to have a "go to " luthier . Ask friends and use this forum to find which Luthiers are recommended for your locality.
Re the bridge. If your bridge is of reasonable quality a good luthier will be able to shave off a couple of millimetres of the feet . There are many options to consider. good luck

[TPJ]

The SoundPost is clearing some strings on Ebay, several Innovation sets are going at a great price. There are also some Eurosonics on ebay.

I have Velvet Animas on and they are a lovely string with quite a complex but pleasing tone. Great volume and easy on the hands.

Weedwackers will be low tension but I think you'll lose use of your E string due to the low tension. I could be wrong though as each bass is different

Get your bass to a good luthier for a tune up, string change etc...well worth the money.

[TheRev]

The Bassmax is as good a place to start as any. You could also try the Schatten RB-1.

[Monckyman]

Thanks all,I`m watching the Eurosonics.
Looking for a local Luthier.

[fatback]

Golihurmusic.com do a nice adjustable bridge for $68 +pp. They do the Bassmax too, if you can't get one on here. I've found them first rate.

[thisnameistaken]

I've got Innovation Silver Slaps on my bass at the moment and I really like the pizz sound, very mellow but loud, and the strings are low tension and easy to play. I would suggest that the Super Silvers might be a better option though - if anything I would like a little more tension because I don't slap that often.