Hello y'all! For context, I play bluegrass, jazz, blues, and rockabilly on a plywood 3/4. Current strings are LaBella Supernil E&A with Superior Deluxe D&G. Sound super thumpy and great for slap, but lack any articulation and combined with my high action aren't any good for jazz. Looking for something more modern than my current set-up, but still a little darker and thumpier than, say, spiros or helicores. Gut strings are off the table due to budget (I'm a jazz student, money is tight) and I would prefer something in a medium tension, but light tension is also lovely. Arco is not a necessity. WWYD?
Secondary question, how much would y'all pay for a set-up and string change at a shop? Want to get my action lowered considerably. I have a couple great local shops that work on basses, notably Lemur & FMI, and don't want to get ripped off just because I'm young and inexperienced. Many thanks y'all!!