Innovation by GHS
GoldenSlaps - 140GLP (Golden Slap) Low Tension Strings
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Description
Innovation Double Bass Strings have a unique, non-metallic core which provide a gut-like tone without the cost or maintenance of gut upright bass strings. They hold their pitch well in climate and temperature changes, and most of their strings are equally suited for pizzicato (plucking) and arco (bowing).
Many of Innovation's strings are similar in design, but they assign different names to the different tensions/gauges/colors. For instance, the Silver Slaps are identical to these Golden Slap strings -- except that the layer you can see under the outer clear windings is made with silver threads rather than golden ones. And if you like the description of these strings but prefer a bit firmer feel, the "Super Silver" set is the same string in a heavier gauge -- Golden and Silver Slaps are essentially the "Super Silver Light." By the way -- you don't have to play slapstyle to enjoy these strings, either, they have a great pizz tone.
The Silver and Golden Slap strings were designed to be an alternative to gut for players who slap; they have the lower tension and gut-like sound that traditional slappers prefer, with a more affordable price point and easier maintenance. They sound great amplified.
Players report that these strings are "closest to gut" in playability and feel.
The SilverSlaps and GoldenSlaps are essentially the same, with the exception of the color of the inner windings (which shows through the translucent outer wrap).
Note: All of the Innovation strings do not contain any ferrous materials; they are not suitable for use with a magnetic pickup, like the Schaller we carry. They will work with all typical piezo-based pickups (like the Realist, Full Circle, and all the K&K pickups and systems).
Innovation designs these 3/4 size bass strings to fit on a standard 3/4 size bass. They may very well fit your bass if it is larger than 3/4. For your reference, the lengths of the string, as measured against the bass tailpiece to the nut is 51.5 inches, plus an additional 17 inches to handle stringing in the headstock.
For a comparison chart of the differences between the different Innovation String models, check out the "comparison" tab.
String Lengths:
- Ball end to nut (Afterlength + Playing Length): 51.5 inches/136cm
- Afterlength (Ball end to bridge): 5.5 inches/14cm
- Wound top of string (pegbox): 17 inches/43cm
String Gauges:
G | D | A | E |
.088 | .095 | .105 | .125 |
Important note about the gauges listed above: the measurements were done here at the shop with a (cheap) digital caliper, so they may not be spot on – they’re not intended to be critically accurate, as they are here for basic guidance to give you a rough idea of what to expect. Additionally, variances in raw material supplies (at the manufacturer) can result in strings that may be slightly different from batch to batch. GHS makes the strings to meet a certain tension spec and mass, but (for instance) if there are variances in the gauge of the nylon wire or nylon tape used for the outer winding, it can make for a difference in the strings' overall diameter. All that to say, don't get too caught up in the numbers! Where the rubber hits the road is how the strings feel under the fingers.
Innovation Comparison
Differences and comparisons between the Innovation Strings we carry are as follows:
Set | Tension | Outer Winding | Tonal Character |
Ultra Black Set | Medium/High | Black Nylon Tape | Clearly-defined attack with more sustain. |
Honey (Solid Core) Set | Medium/High | Chrome Tape | Most "gut-like" of their offerings, tonally. |
Braided (Stranded Core) Set | Medium/High | Chrome Tape | Dark for pizz, short sustain. Rich tone under the bow. |
Polychrome Set | Medium | Chromesteel Tape | Good hybrid string, a modern take on gut-like sound. |
Super Silver Set | Medium | Clear Nylon Wire | Pretty close to Traditional gut-like sound and feel. |
Rock-a-Billy Set | Medium/Low | Black Nylon Tape | Mix of articulation and gut-like sustain good slap/click |
Rock-a-Billy Reds Set | Medium/Low | Red Nylon Tape | Mix of articulation and gut-like sustain, good slap/click |
Golden Slap Set | Low | Clear Nylon Wire (inner winding has gold color) |
Similar to the Super Silver, with less tension. Very slappable, but great for pizz, too. |
Silver Slap Set | Low | Clear Nylon Wire (inner winding has silver color) |
Similar to the Super Silver, with less tension. Very slappable, but great for pizz, too. |
Psycho-Billy Set | Low with thicker gauge |
Clear Nylon Wire | Similar to the Silver Slaps, but thicker diameter for slap (similar tension). |
4 Reviews
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Innovation Golden Slap
I have used mostly Zyex, Helicore, Labella and Rotosound medium gauge strings over the years. I was skeptical of these but wanted to try something in a lighter gauge. I loved them from the get-go. Great tone and lower tension. The strings feel really smooth. After a dozen shows I couldn’t be happier. My only complaint is I should have tried them years ago. They sound big, feel smooth, and note easy. I would recommend these to anyone for jazz, country, Rockabilly or bluegrass. I don’t bow much so I cannot say how they perform there. I’m a very happy camper.
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Gold slaps
These strings are the business! Migrating from gut up to these has made a huge difference in tone and power.
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It's that "unicorn" set for me
Just wanted to say thanks!!! I bought so many different types of strings over the years looking for that “unicorn” set. Your descriptions, reviews and general info was so helpful. I just got my Innovation Golden Slaps and I LOVE them!!! Thanks for being such a great resource in addition to being the best price around. I love going to shower and seeing other players walking around with Gollihur bass bags! Well, that’s it, keep up the good work!
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El Dorado at last ! (-;
I've spent a lot of time, effort and money searching for that string set that gave me that "sound" in my head. Innovation Golden Slaps has it... I purchased a set a couple of years back and I can tell you, after fitting a new set, that they haven't been resting on their laurels. Each string has a different type of winding under that translucent wrap, giving an even feel, tension and sound... Full, deep, with a "thwack" rather than a "twang" that is evident with other nylon type strings when slapping... Suits my upright and gear to a tee...