heaviest recommended gauge for J

Jaromir · #1 03-11-2013, 05:58 PM

Hello,
I'm wondering if there is any heaviest recommended gauge for a Jazz bass. Right now I'm using and enjoying GHS 55-105 flats but was told that these are too much for Jazz bass, due to it's thinner neck, compare to Precision...
I like this gauge because 99% of time I play upright and with this gauge on the Jazz bass I feel at home.

Ian_Flash · #2 03-11-2013, 07:51 PM

As long as your truss rod will allow for an adjustment to compensate for the additional tension it will be fine. Be sure that it's not maxed out now with those 55-105's on it. What type of J is it? Fender? USA? MIM? Other Brand? All these factors could determine if your truss rod will accommodate. Why such heavy strings anyway? There may be an easier solution to get what you're seeking...

Ian_Flash · #3 03-11-2013, 07:54 PM

Duhhhhh.... I see you said that you play Upright, so the heavy gauge is comfortable for you (I missed that point at first reading) but String diameter and resultan tension does not necessarily mean a "Tighter" feel. Also, how's the J's action compared to the Upright? I'm sure it's lower but maybe it's TOO low?

exidor · #4 03-11-2013, 07:58 PM

I'm just throwing in my 2cents my conviction is that jazz basses were made for 45-105 all the live long day.but what you have should not be a problem.does your bass have support rods?

Jaromir · #5 03-12-2013, 04:35 AM

Thank you guys for your suggestions!
To specify my bass - it's early 80's Fullerton Jazz. My action is 5mm (G) and 6mm (E) at the very end of fingerboard. Maybe still too high.
I might look for 45-105 set for the Jazz and save the 55-105 for Precision, if I can get some...

Mr_Music90 · #6 03-12-2013, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaromir

Thank you guys for your suggestions!
To specify my bass - it's early 80's Fullerton Jazz. My action is 5mm (G) and 6mm (E) at the very end of fingerboard. Maybe still too high.
I might look for 45-105 set for the Jazz and save the 55-105 for Precision, if I can get some...

I think the bass neck can handle it, if you tweek it from time to time.

I see you like your GHS strings a lot and that you play upright. Have you ever tried Thomastik Infeld Jazz strings?

You could try the flats or the roundwounds and perhaps they have the sound you are looking for

They are a bit expensive, but give it a go. You can get a .100 or a .105 for the E string.

http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Tho...Set_p_238.html

http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Tho...Set_p_241.html

winterburn69 · #7 03-12-2013, 07:35 AM

Both Herbie Flowers and McCartney have used RotoSound Tru Bass 88s on their Jazz basses, and the E is .115

Ian_Flash · #8 03-12-2013, 05:43 PM

Action is a matter of taste and ability but 6mm is about 1/8'', many consider that on the high side. I believe you refer to the clearance between the bottom of the G string and the last fret. Try to get the G down around 3mm and the E down to 4mm. This is the "High" setting that we use here at the shop. My basses are set a bit lower, but not the lowest we can get. Also, if you get buzz, make sure you have about 1mm clearance at the 8th fret with the first fret capoed and the the G fretted at the last fret. Futz around with these action/relief settings until you are comfortable...

might even enjoy developing some new technique.

Duckwater · #9 03-12-2013, 05:49 PM

My main bass has a really thin neck(I personally prefer thick C shaped necks), but I have strung it with .118-.049 round core roundwounds and .110-.50 hex core flats with no problem. Flats have higher tension of course but your P flats have a round core giving them less.

Jaromir · #10 03-12-2013, 05:56 PM

Actually, I measured my action between the string and the fingerboard, NOT the fret. Sorry for the confusion!
And yes, I've tried the TI flats and as much I love the sound, I just can't handle the soft feel of these string. They are so thin and soft. But maybe I'll try them again because the sound is really great, very lively.
Interesting about Mc Cartney strings, wow, 115! So it seems the Jazzbass can handle it. Maybe just from Mc Cartney, though :-)
Thanks again for your input, it's really helpful!

Bassdirty · #11 03-12-2013, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian_Flash

Action is a matter of taste and ability but 6mm is about 1/8'', many consider that on the high side.
.

actually 6mm is closer to 1/4 inch..

and yes..thats very high..(1/8" too..for my blood)

Jaromir · #12 03-12-2013, 06:03 PM

And thank you Ian for your setup guidelines, that's really helpfull!

Ian_Flash · #13 03-21-2013, 05:29 PM

It's always my pleasure to share any information that may help!

Jay2U · #14 03-21-2013, 05:47 PM

Jazz basses were designed in a time when every bass was strung with flatwounds. So tensionwhise it shouldn't be a problem to install fat flat strings.

I do consider your action a little high. This may cause some intonation problems due to extra stretching at higher fret positions.

Ian_Flash · #15 03-21-2013, 08:37 PM

Yep, 1mm is about 3/64" so 6mm is WAY HIGH. I usually shoot for 5/64" on the treble side at the last fret and 1/8" on the bass side... then try to get closer if I want very low action. Also, an extreme front bow in the neck will cause high action from around the 8th fret and up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassdirty

actually 6mm is closer to 1/4 inch..

and yes..thats very high..(1/8" too..for my blood)

JPMo · #16 05-03-2013, 11:51 PM

I don't remember what gauge hi beams I have on my jazz bass but when playing up high on the E string, I get a chorus-y, almost wooly sound from past the 15th or so fret. I don't really know how else to describe it, but when I had sunbeams on another jazz bass, I don't remember having that sound. Is this a product of a high gauge or stainless steel strings?

tylerwylie · #17 05-04-2013, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winterburn69

Both Herbie Flowers and McCartney have used RotoSound Tru Bass 88s on their Jazz basses, and the E is .115

Aren't those nylon tapewound strings? They will be way under tension if you use standard gauges.