Replacing Strings

[lijazz]

I am installing DR High Beams on my new 2008 Jazz American Standard. The originial strings that came on the bass were exposed core. Since the DRs are not exposed core, how do I know which groove in each bridge saddle does each string sit in? Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

[ausf]

The string should sit in the same saddle groove, the center of the string is the same, whether exposed or not. You will most likely need to lower the saddle since the height that was the core will now be the bottom of the string, thus raising it relative to the fingerboard. I say most likely because it'll all depend on how you like how the new strings feel which will depend also on gauge, tension and a whole bunch of factors.

[lijazz]

Thanks for the info, unfortunately I had taken the original strings off before noticing which groove the center core was in. I was thinking that because the fingerboard widens toward the body that that in some way bay affect which saddle groove to use, but then again the loacation of the string pass through hole in the bridge may be made in such a location to compensate for that. When looking at the strings through the bridge hole, should each string pass over the saddle directly center, or slightly to one side (thus using the correct groove?)

Kind of at a loss here short of bringing it to a store to make sure correct, but seems simple enough that any additional infor may help.

Thanks.

[LightGroove]

Hey now,

If this is your first swap it might not hurt having a pro do it. Something as minor as a string change and cause a variety of effects. As mentioned you may have to adjust saddle height along with possible tweaking the truss rod (different strings have different tension) If they aren't busy perhaps they will let you watch.