Rookie question about string impact on action heighth

oldrookie · #1 08-02-2007, 06:14 AM

I picked up a Fullerton 5-string yesterday. Never had one before and never played one before. $55.00 in like new condition.

It still has the cheap strings from the factory and I think that is causing a problem that new strings might resolve. BUT, I am just learning the bass and am sure I don't know enough to be certain...so let me ask the experts.

The B-string is set substantially higher than the EADG strings. The seller said he had to set it up that way to avoid fret buzz. Would a stiffer set of strings permit me to lower the action on the strings while avoiding fret buzz?

I have a Brice "Beatle" bass with flatwounds on it and I really prefer the feel of those strings, but not sure I want to set both up to create essentially the same sound (does this concern even make sense? Rookie here, please remember that if this is a dumb question.) Should I stick with round wound, but stiffer to resolve the issues?

Thanks in advance.

Joel

Larry99 · #2 08-02-2007, 06:38 AM

Stiffer strings might allow you to lower the action a little but I doubt you'd notice much difference. I'd say the reason you can't get the action any lower is because it's a $55 bass.

oldrookie · #3 08-02-2007, 07:08 AM

A distinct possibility. Still, the few reviews I can find of the Fullertons on TalkBass indicate that they are not that bad a bass. (I bought it for my daughter to learn on and to keep her off my semihollow body...it is a tad more fragile.)

bassmanrocke · #4 08-02-2007, 07:36 AM

The lower the pitch the slower and wider the vibration of the string. As a result, almost all low B strings will have higher action than an E string. Physics. That said, frequently a truss rod adjustment is the most common way to lower the action, and may require some compromise on the other strings.

oldrookie · #5 08-02-2007, 11:00 AM

Okay...won't try to argue with physics! Action is a bit high on the other strings, but not real bad.
Thanks.

Shindig · #6 08-02-2007, 11:31 AM

......That's one of the reasons it's hard to find a decent 5 string bass for cheap.

oldrookie · #7 08-02-2007, 08:13 PM

I took it in to a local shop (Mom and Pop type.) Owner's son is really into bass and he worked on it for awhile. It is definitely better.

He thought it was a lot of bass for $50.00. I figure it made my youngest daughter happy and keeps her off my bass while learning.