Flats on a Squier question

[stratovani]

I have to ask this question of our more experienced brethren. I picked up a pack of Fender 9050ML Flats recently to try out on my Squier Affinity P-Bass. What I was wondering about is will I need to do any truss rod adjustments once they're on? I keep reading about the increased tension of flats and I'm a bit concerned that the neck won't handle it without some kind of adjustments - it is, after all, the low-budget Squier.

[meev992]

Give the squier some credit, it's not that low-budget.

Technichally, with any string change, truss-rod adjustments should be made.

and yes it'll be just fine, it's not like it's a Hondo or anything.

edit: I own an old hondo and it's on it's last leg/neck

[Pilgrim]

The brand makes no difference - just install the strings and adjust IF needed.

[ThunderLizard]

Strat-
If you change your strings one at a time, you shouldn't have to make any major adjustments. But if you decide to, follow the threads or check out the Fender site for tips on set-up. With a few simple tools and a little time, you can make these adjustments on your own.
and let's keep the Terminal-Hondo in our thoughts and prayers!

[bassmanrocke]

I put flats on a squier P-Bass so I didn't have to mess with my higher end basses. It is the first time I saw no need to adjust the truss rod after such a switch. Depending on the particular Squier, they can have incredibly solid necks. If you do have to adjust the truss rod, only do about one-quarter turn at a time . Give the neck time to adjust before doing more or it will "Fight" against the truss rod and you may strip or break the rod.

[meev992]

Originally Posted by deek

Die, HONDO, DIE!

Please try a couple bass spins next to a pool with it once it does die... PLEASE?

Oh, and don't forget your flip-flops!

looool okay, i'll try some bass spins...but be warned, I have Schaller locks on my Hondo

and yes ThunderLizard, I'm keeping my terminally ill Hondo in my prayers

- truss rod shot, no longer tightens
- nut is misaligned
- only has one pickup (used to have a J)

[dewbass4]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

The brand makes no difference - just install the strings and adjust IF needed.

Not true:
Different brands and types of strings may use different size core wires and produce different amounts tension. If you want to maintain your 'optimal' set up, changing strings will make it necessary to perform some adjustments.

Agreed:
It's no big deal to make the minor adjustments acompaning changing brand or type of string. Once you find 'the' set for you, then no additional adjustments should be required.

To the OP:
Your Squier P bass should sound great with the flats and have no problems other than minor adjustments when using the Fender flats (you may get by with nothing more than small intonation adjustment because the flats are slightly larger than your stock strings). Stock Squier strings are 45 - 100, the 9050 ML are 50 -100, so your "G" string may need a slight tweak for proper intonation.

[stratovani]

Originally Posted by dewbass4

Not true:
Different brands and types of strings may use different size core wires and produce different amounts tension. If you want to maintain your 'optimal' set up, changing strings will make it necessary to perform some adjustments.

Agreed:
It's no big deal to make the minor adjustments acompaning changing brand or type of string. Once you find 'the' set for you, then no additional adjustments should be required.

To the OP:
Your Squier P bass should sound great with the flats and have no problems other than minor adjustments when using the Fender flats (you may get by with nothing more than small intonation adjustment because the flats are slightly larger than your stock strings). Stock Squier strings are 45 - 100, the 9050 ML are 50 -100, so your "G" string may need a slight tweak for proper intonation.

Well, I put the 9050MLs on my Squier yesterday, and after a good test drive I must say that I like them a lot. A nice low growl without the annoying finger squeak that comes with rounds. The tension is a bit higher, but it didn't bother me at all. The action is a bit higher as a result of the increased string tension, and intonation is a bit off, so I'll have to make some minor adjustments. But as of now I think I'm going to enjoy playing flats. Can't wait to play them at Church this Sunday!

[Pilgrim]

Yup, different brands have somewhat different tensions - but how different your NEXT set is from the set you have on the instrument NOW is an open question. The effect also depends on how sensitive the neck is to pressure. Some are much less sensitive than others.

If there's a big difference in string tension, then chances are that you will need some adjustment. If there's not much difference in tension and the neck is pretty stable, you may not need to do much - or anything.

[jasper383]

Those Fender flats are pretty high tension, but they will soften up some over the next few weeks. Great strings, imo. You might not ever need to change them.

High tension means you can usually lower the strings a bit more than usual, offsetting the tension a bit.