New to ABG

Jon R · #1 06-01-2006, 10:27 PM

OK, I'm gonna sound real stupid but I'm a newbie when it comes to ABG.

Just got a MK Dragonfly Fretless 5 and I'd like to change to a string that isn't so danged bright, is easier on my fingers, and won't eat up my fingerboard.

1. Can I use Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats like I do on my main bass (Carvin Fretless 5)?

2. Will they work with the pickup?

3. Will there be a tension problem?

4. Now the embarrasing part... how do you change strings in an ABG? Do the pins in the bridge just pull out?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanx!

Jim Carr · #2 06-01-2006, 10:37 PM

I say try it.

Flats can work on any instrument.

My 150-year old double bass has loved them for quite a while!

Cheers!
Jim

Jon R · #3 06-02-2006, 09:30 AM

OK, but do the bridge pins just yank out?

**TheEmptyCell** · #4 06-03-2006, 10:25 PM

Bridge pins should work just like an acoustic guitar, pull them straight out. Try not to bend them, cuz they seem hard to find.

gypsygeek · #5 06-04-2006, 03:24 PM

You may need to modify the bridge plate and/or the pins to allow the large wrappings at the ballend to fit. I had that problem switching to flats on my ABG. Take a small round file and gently attack the bridgeplate (mind the piezo's, if ya got 'em), deepening the groove until the ballend will pull up snug against the inside bottom of the plate.

Jon R · #6 06-04-2006, 05:19 PM

Thanx... I'll give it a try.