Preparing for the Jamerson Set

[Il Capo]

To those of you out there using the Jamerson LaBella's, I was just wondering to what extent you had to modify the nut in order to accomodate the girth of these things. I have a Fender 50s precision on the way and am determined to fit it with the thick JJ cables and play the shoot out of them until they give me what I want.

I'm sure this topic has been broached before, so if anyone knows of a prexisting thread hit me with the link, please. If not, just let me know if you had to file down your nut at all to fit these badboys. Folks using the MIM 50s p w/the JJ set, I would especially like to hear from you.

Cheers!

[FranF]

If you're referring to the original bad boy set with the .108 or .110 E string, I had them on my '66 for a few days (more on this in a sec.), and only had to give a tiny rub with a file to each slot. The bigger issue, for me at least, was the fact that they instantly pulled a 1/4" plus bow into my neck. It took several truss rod turns to begin to flatten, and even then, the bass was still very uncomfortable to play. Without a doubt, the tightest, thickest highest tension string out there, by far! I really wanted to have a go with them, but had to remove them. I'm sure the bass was happier than me....

[the mojo hobo]

I've got them on my MIA P. They almost went right on, I had to file one slot just a bit. I don't remember adjusting the truss rod either. They did take some getting used to, but the sound is just right.

[Il Capo]

Thanks for the insight. I am indeed determined to conquer the .110 thickness. I wonder if the strings will become a tad less taut over time..

[chunkstyle]

you better eat your Wheaties...

[dougjwray]

... or your spinach...

[Il Capo]

Smacking these fatty cables (till it hurts) will be worthwhile if they eventually deliver that big butt thump that I crave..

[GeneralElectric]

I use them on three basses. None of them required nut filing.

[Il Capo]

Cool. Which three? Anyone using them on a MIM 50's precision or, dare I ask, RW?

[GeneralElectric]

I use them on my 1982 Fender 57 RI and 1997 Fender 1962 RI P-basses, as well as my 2003 Fender 62 RI Jazz bass. They all fit in fine.

The 82 had Rotosound Jazz flats on it for the longest time, so I didn't need to adjust the truss rod much when I switched to them. Though I did need to loosen the truss a lot when I used Rotosound Trubass strings, and then tighten it again when I put the LaBellas back on a few months ago.

62 RI P bass didn't need an adjustment.

The jazz bass needed a tiny bit of truss rod tweaking.

I had some on my fretless P-bass and my old Jaguar and they sounded good on those basses. I was putting a whole new nut on the P-bass when I installed them and the Jaguar came with them on.

I remember when I switched on the strings on my main P-bass (from the Trubass) to the LaBellas. You could hear the wood creaking!