I think I agree with Paul that the Aquila's may not be softer, depending on what you have now. I just switched from the Hilo strings on my new Flea to Aquila. The Aquilas are definitely beefier and rougher than the Hilos to me. I like the bigger size better, as it seems there is more there to grab when I need to, and I can definitely see the white better. As far as the pain goes, its just something you have to work through. My fingers were pretty sore for the first week or two, but I don't notice any pain now, no matter what strings, including the GHS ones on my Kala tenor, I play. Once they get all caloused up, they won't bother you anymore unless you play hours and hours.