Steel core strings (in general) are harder to press down than gut (core) or synthetic (core) strings, due to the higher force you need to press them down.
Most of the synthetic core strings are extremely stretchable and can reach a dynamic limit, so that even if you put more excursion into your plucking it won’t get louder.
To begin with bowing I would not recommend strings with a synthetic surface but with an outer metal (non-aluminium) winding.
Steel core strings have a smaller diameter, specially on the higher, thinner strings than gut or synthetic core strings. That together with the higher force to press down (and maybe a high string action) can make playing a bit hard.
If you want to go the Spirocore route anyway, get 4/4 Weich or Solo strings that are even softer than Weich if tuned to the normal orchestra tuning. These 4/4 string names start with an S, the 3/4 versions are higher tension on the same vibrating string length.
As a lower tension less stretchy synthetic core (similar stretch to plain gut G) I would recommend Innovation Polychromes.
A bit higher tension but with a softer sound are the Innovation Braided. Both available from GHS now. Both bow very well but work equally well for pizz.
Anyway, a trip to a luthier with some time to inspect, talk and watch would be a good idea anyway. He can check the instrument and make it easier to play for you. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And you might try other basses with different strings to get a feel how they may behave on your instrument (but every bass is different). If you try that yourself you can easily ruin something and then it can get expensive. Look and learn, then you might be able to do it yourself next time.
BTW, the DB is not an instrument that you can play in a 2 hour gig after 6 months. It might work if you switch from BG to DB and back every few pieces, but with an emphasis on BG, not DB.
Most of the synthetic core strings are extremely stretchable and can reach a dynamic limit, so that even if you put more excursion into your plucking it won’t get louder.
To begin with bowing I would not recommend strings with a synthetic surface but with an outer metal (non-aluminium) winding.
Steel core strings have a smaller diameter, specially on the higher, thinner strings than gut or synthetic core strings. That together with the higher force to press down (and maybe a high string action) can make playing a bit hard.
If you want to go the Spirocore route anyway, get 4/4 Weich or Solo strings that are even softer than Weich if tuned to the normal orchestra tuning. These 4/4 string names start with an S, the 3/4 versions are higher tension on the same vibrating string length.
As a lower tension less stretchy synthetic core (similar stretch to plain gut G) I would recommend Innovation Polychromes.
A bit higher tension but with a softer sound are the Innovation Braided. Both available from GHS now. Both bow very well but work equally well for pizz.
Anyway, a trip to a luthier with some time to inspect, talk and watch would be a good idea anyway. He can check the instrument and make it easier to play for you. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And you might try other basses with different strings to get a feel how they may behave on your instrument (but every bass is different). If you try that yourself you can easily ruin something and then it can get expensive. Look and learn, then you might be able to do it yourself next time.
BTW, the DB is not an instrument that you can play in a 2 hour gig after 6 months. It might work if you switch from BG to DB and back every few pieces, but with an emphasis on BG, not DB.
