String Problem on my Elite-5

SchecToby · #1 12-15-2008, 01:13 PM

Hey guys this is my first post, just looking for some advice, been advised to ask on here as I've heard you guys at TalkBass are pretty knowledgeable and helpful.

I just want to check something out with you guys. My brother picked me up a set of strings for my Elite-5 the other day as I needed some new ones, the thing is he got me a set of Rotosound Swings and they are Long Scale 32-34 inch. The problem I see is that my bass has a 35 inch scale neck. I put the E and G strings on to try and they were too tight, very low and couldn't play an open note. They don't taper before the nut but I'm having no joy in trying to string my bass up with these.

I didn't have a problem last time I restrung my bass so am I right in thinking that these strings are too short and don't have enough slack for my bass?

Thanks in advance guys.

woody357 · #2 12-15-2008, 03:53 PM

It does sound like the strings are too short for your bass. I have a Schecter Elite 5, and I use Ken Smith Rock Masters with the taper B on it, great fit, feel and sound.

stflbn · #3 12-15-2008, 03:57 PM

THey'd probably be long enough if you didn't string through the body. Most Tapers are setup for 'through the bridge' from what I've seen.

Personally I just string everything through my bridge for easy on-off. I've notice very little if any difference in sound going through the body.

woody357 · #4 12-15-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

THey'd probably be long enough if you didn't string through the body. Most Tapers are setup for 'through the bridge' from what I've seen.

Personally I just string everything through my bridge for easy on-off. I've notice very little if any difference in sound going through the body.

If he has the Schecter Elite 5 then he can't string through the body, that bass is not made like that.

BruceWane · #5 12-16-2008, 02:23 PM

If they don't taper before the nut they should be fine.

Did you have all the other strings on the bass and tuned to pitch when you tried the E and G strings? Without the tension of all the strings on the neck it will probably back-bow quite a bit, which would cause exactly what you described - action so low it's unplayable.

As far as how tight they are, they very well could be somewhat higher tension than your old strings, but it shouldn't be a problem. You might prefer the feel of lower tension strings, and that's as good a reason as any to try something else, but a higher tension string shouldn't cause any damage to your bass unless something's already drastically wrong.

That said, I wouldn't go and slap a set of heavy gauge Fender flats (known to be VERY high tension compared to a lot of strings) on a '63 Jazz (thin neck and worth $$$$) without a lot of caution...........most basses should be fine with whatever you put on 'em, requiring just a bit of adjustment to the truss rod to dial in the action.

stflbn · #6 12-16-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody357

If he has the Schecter Elite 5 then he can't string through the body, that bass is not made like that.

No clue... I know my Studio5 doesn't, but my CV-5 does though I don't use the option.

SchecToby · #7 12-18-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceWane

If they don't taper before the nut they should be fine.

Did you have all the other strings on the bass and tuned to pitch when you tried the E and G strings? Without the tension of all the strings on the neck it will probably back-bow quite a bit, which would cause exactly what you described - action so low it's unplayable.

As far as how tight they are, they very well could be somewhat higher tension than your old strings, but it shouldn't be a problem. You might prefer the feel of lower tension strings, and that's as good a reason as any to try something else, but a higher tension string shouldn't cause any damage to your bass unless something's already drastically wrong.

That said, I wouldn't go and slap a set of heavy gauge Fender flats (known to be VERY high tension compared to a lot of strings) on a '63 Jazz (thin neck and worth $$$$) without a lot of caution...........most basses should be fine with whatever you put on 'em, requiring just a bit of adjustment to the truss rod to dial in the action.

Nope, didn't have the rest of the strings on, I tried it with the B and G together, saw that they were tight and took them off because I didn't want to do any damage to my bass. I'll try with the rest of the strings on and see what happens. Thanks for the input man!

Just an update, your idea worked, it was just the fact that all the strings weren't on. All 5 are on and in tune now, just breaking them in. Thanks for all the help guys, much appreciated!