Can I switch to a lighter string set without getting a new nut?

greencow · #1 05-21-2008, 01:33 PM

Hi.

At the moment I am using Ernie Ball flatwounds, gauges 50-105.

After trying out some slap I now realize that although the thicker D and G strings make the high end sound great when playing fingerstyle they also make popping a string hard.

So if my next set will be 65-105 (I believe that's the standard) will my bass sound ok? With proper adjustments to the neck and the bridge ofcourse. Most of all I am worried about the higher strings not ringing out as long as the lower strings....

Or will switching to roundwounds already make my life easier since flats generally have higher tension?

Any input will be much apreciated.

Mushroo · #2 05-21-2008, 01:43 PM

Moo!

Slapping on flatwounds can be, shall we say, interesting. People love it or hate it. I enjoy it sometimes, but I find the "pops" ring out better when I use roundwounds. My advice is to try a cheap set of roundwounds, see if you like them. If you want to stick with the flats, I personally enjoy TI Jazz Flats. They are lower tension than most flats, so you may find they are easier on your hands. Good luck!

bassbrock · #3 05-21-2008, 01:44 PM

Going to a lighter gauge your nut should be fine. Heaver gauges is when you have to possibly open the nut up a bit with a file or something.

Mushroo · #4 05-21-2008, 01:46 PM

ps sorry I didn't read the title, just your post. You will probably be okay with your current nut unless the change in gauge is really drastic.

JustOpenYourMind · #5 05-21-2008, 01:46 PM

To answer your question, yess you can always go to a lighter gauge without having to touch the nut, going to fatter strings might cause problem though but that is not your question.

If you like the sound of slapped flatwound strings then enjoy!!

greencow · #6 05-21-2008, 02:04 PM

Just as a remark I was actually considering roundwounds again. But atm playing jazz and stuff like that with a piano so maybe not a good idea tone wise there...

bassbrock · #7 05-21-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencow

Just as a remark I was actually considering roundwounds again. But atm playing jazz and stuff like that with a piano so maybe not a good idea tone wise there...

You could always turn the tone knob down a bit and move your fingers up towards the neck more to get a more jazz style tone.