switching from lower to higher tension strings, am I ruining my bass?

superhand · #1 04-01-2010, 01:02 PM

I have a MIM Fender Jazz that I have had for almost a year now. A few months after I got it, I put some D'addario Chromes (.050 - .105) and I loved them, loved the sound, the feel, the higher tension, everything about them.

Then I got bored one day and wanted to put some rounds (D'addario XL .045 - .100) back on because I was missing the nice harmonics and high frequency response that I get with rounds.

Now, I want to put the flats back on. Now, I know that ideally, I should have 2 basses and string one with flats and one with rounds, but I only have the one for now.

My question is, am I risking damaging my neck or truss rod by changing tension and adjusting the truss rod so frequently?

When I put the Chromes on the first time, I had to adjust the truss rod because there was a bow to the neck that was clearly visible just by looking at it. Then of course when I switched back to rounds, I adjusted it back the other way to straighten it again.

Am I putting too much stress on my neck? Or am I just worrying too much?

Johnny Alien · #2 04-01-2010, 01:28 PM

You are worrying too much. As long as you are adjusting the neck properly you should have no issues. That is what the truss rod is created to do.

CapnSev · #3 04-01-2010, 01:30 PM

It shouldn't matter much unless you are constantly changing strings. Even then, I think your bass will hold up.

superhand · #4 04-01-2010, 04:48 PM

Thanks guys, thats what I thought, I just wanted someone else to tell me that everything is OK I guess.

I put my flats back on, tightened the truss rod about a quarter turn, got everything set up the way I like it and I am good to go now.

My bass is way thumpier now. It's awesome.