Thomastik Power Bass

[PBass101]

Just received my first set of Thomastik Power Bass strings in the mail today. Bought them on a recommendation that they'll keep that new roundwound 'zing' longer than the strings I had been using, which sounded appealing to me. I'm still not sold on a particular string so I thought I'd give these a try.

My bass is set up with very little relief in the neck and a low action - with the new string gauge these Thomastiks are bringing, should I expect to bring my bass into a technician for truss adjustments after they 'settle in' for a few days? I can handle bridge saddle adjustments, but while I would like to learn to handle the truss, I've never done it before and don't want to start with this. I've sent an email to Thomastik about it, but I thought I'd get some players' opinions as well.

And, if anybody wants to chime off their thoughts of Thomastik Power Bass strings, feel free.

[Mastermold]

Where is your truss rod access? It's an easy adjustment to make.

I've never used these strings but TI strings have a great rep so I'm sure you'll enjoy them.

[XylemBassGuitar]

PBass101,

Some basses need adjustments after a string gauge changes, some don't; it depends on several factors, including player's preferences. I'd keep an eye on the bass and see if you can see, feel or hear any differences after a few days then decide if you want to have the bass adjusted.

If you changed to a heavier gauge, it is likely that your bass' neck will gain a little relief (because of the increased tension), and may need the intonation adjusted forward (towards the neck) just a little (also because of increased tension). Additionally, since heavier gauge strings are under more tension and will thus have a narrower vibrational pattern, you may even be able to have your action lowered slightly (maybe).

If you changed to a lighter gauge, the neck may lose some relief and the intonation may need to be adjusted slightly backwards (away from the neck).

Truss rods are fairly easy to adjust if you've got the right information, but at the same time they can be relatively easy to break or damage as well (and that's a pretty expensive repair). It is possible to learn how to adjust them on your own.

Yup, the Thomastiks are pretty nice all-in-all.

[calebbarton]

i loved these strings, really full bodied. very nice, but spendy. i switched to dr's and set the action and intonation myself when i changed gauges. its not hard but you have to know what your doing. you cant just crank on the truss rod. everything changes when you adjust one thing. you have to be aware of that also.