rounds to flats= guage increase?

chrism2sych · #1 10-08-2008, 08:39 PM

Im switching my dr low riders out on my sx spb57for some la bella deep talkin flats. I normally play medium guage strings .105 should I increase to a heavier guage because of the lower tension of the flats? My concern is if I should, a sx neck even though I love that bass, does not garner the same trust in my mind as a fender and I would hate to put too much extra tension on it and screw up the neck.

tapp01 · #2 10-08-2008, 08:48 PM

Whoa, stop whatcher doing!

Flats have an incredible reputation for having MORE tension than rounds. In my experience this is true. Higher gauge=more tension so if you don't want to put extra stress on the neck perhaps a lighter gauge flat is in order. Just slapped some Chromes on my SX PJ (.045-.100) and everything is kosher. Perhaps these would do a better job --

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fx.html

With this set you could get the sound you want with less neck stress, no?

Nick Kay · #3 10-08-2008, 08:48 PM

Most flats actually exhibit slightly MORE tension on the neck than the same gauge of rounds. You might want to go down a gauge, but for the most part, I'd suggest sticking to those .105s.

chrism2sych · #4 10-08-2008, 08:50 PM

thanx guys, I feel slightly dumber now but it's all about tha learnin!!

tapp01 · #5 10-08-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrism2sych

thanx guys, I feel slightly dumber now but it's all about tha learnin!!

No worries, that's what this site is all about. Happy playing!

Mastermold · #6 10-08-2008, 10:05 PM

I learn new stuff all the time on TB.