Heavy flats on my new Epi

pbass2 · #1 10-03-2007, 08:28 PM

Just took possession of a lovely black Epi Casady. I immediately dropped it at my setup guy to install my first-choice strings, Labella deeptalkin' flats, Medium, gauges 49-109.
I've never actually owned a Gibson-style bass with that style 3-point bridge. Is there any issue with this somewhat beefy string gauge on a bass like this? I'd hate to have the bridge fly off at a gig. Granted, they're not the Jamerson set, but still a bit heavier than your typical 45-105.

hoosierdad · #2 10-03-2007, 09:02 PM

is the casady a 34" scale? It is a semi hollow body. I use medium fender Flats on all my basses - that's 55 to 105. But I only have two jazz's and one P - all solid. I bet it will sound awesome - even if it does explode while you're playing it.

pbass2 · #3 10-04-2007, 08:47 AM

It is 34" so it'll prolly be OK. I asked my setup guy to lemme know if he thinks there's any issue, but I REALLY want those on it as they're my fave strings by a looooong shot. So, I guess we'll see . . .

Lobster11 · #4 10-04-2007, 01:49 PM

It's great that you're having a pro put the strings on and set it up. Lots of folks have recommended getting a professional setup for the JC because it is so important (but tricky) to get the bridge properly adjusted to get the best tone, action, etc. Also, it seems likely that improperly adjusted bridges are one cause of the commonly reported problem of the bridge pins pulling out of the body. A professional tech ought to be able to get the bridge right, and make a judgment about whether these heavy-gauge, high-tension strings are gonna be a problem or not.

Please report back on the results. I'm thinking about putting some flats on mine and I'd like to know how your experience with the LaBellas turns out.

professor_bills · #5 10-08-2007, 10:52 AM

Hey let me know how you like that Jack after you play it a while. I have been looking for one in a local shop to see if I like it to buy. That and Ric cant find either one.

flakeh · #6 10-08-2007, 12:57 PM

So uh.....High gauge stings on the 3 point bridge cause troubles?

I have mine tuned like a 5 string...DAEB, and the B is a .125..This too much?

Sorry for thread hijackage

BellBottomBlues · #7 10-08-2007, 01:34 PM

What I would worry about would be the body torquing up. That means the bridge warps the front of the bass by pulling it out creating a hump where the bridge is.

bearfoot · #8 10-08-2007, 02:47 PM

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm sure that bass can handle a 1.09 -

pbass2 · #9 10-08-2007, 02:58 PM

Got it back from my tech and it sounds awesome with these strings. He adjusted the bridge so the angle is more extreme than before--the back of the bridge is way down, so the strings aren't pulling up on the back of the bridge but more so pushing down on the front of the bridge. Seems like it'll stay put

Just recorded a bit with it and it's a BIG sounding bass.

flakeh · #10 10-08-2007, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellBottomBlues

What I would worry about would be the body torquing up. That means the bridge warps the front of the bass by pulling it out creating a hump where the bridge is.

Well its a bolt on, So could this warp the neck?

I made a truss rod adjustment when i strung it, The action is high-ish...Maybe I'll take it to a tech and have him take a looksi

rllefebv · #11 10-08-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flakeh

Well its a bolt on, So could this warp the neck?

I made a truss rod adjustment when i strung it, The action is high-ish...Maybe I'll take it to a tech and have him take a looksi

The Casady's a set neck... But maybe you're talking about your own bass...

As far as the body torquing, the bridge is well supported underneath by the spruce center beam... This attaches to the back of the body and runs the length of the bass. At the neck and bridge ends, it attaches to the top also, forming a solid core at the neck and bridge... Through the length of the body, it is cut-away from the top allowing the more 'acoustic' side of the bass to speak... Also, the top is a piece of fairly thick maple and is very stout...

Mine wears Chromes, but I would have no reservations about putting a heavier set, say LaBella's, on there...

-robert

BellBottomBlues · #12 10-09-2007, 01:10 AM

I gave an Epi Cassady strung with Rotosound flats to my ex as a present (Jack Cassady is her uncle) while we were going out. Unfortunately the body torqued and no tech would touch it.