What Strings Came With My New Bass?

[sulu]

I just purchased a new Fender Jazz (made in Mexico) and I have no clue as to what strings were put on it as the factory set up. I assume they are Fender's and roundwound, but what gauge do Fender basses come set up in?


Also I am a guitar player and I know what action is right for guitars, but anyone know the clearance on a Fender Jazz bass? I have no idea if the action is high, low, or just right.

Thanks from a new bass buyer. By the way, I discovered bass playing is HARD! A million times tougher than guitar.

[Frederickbass]

Hi,

Well I cant help you with the type of strings, but really I got a Jazz Bass not long ago and I changed the strings a week after. Really I had a hard time to think that those strings were fender strings due to poor quality. I mean dont get me wrong, when I first started playing my jazz bass I was amaze by its tone and all but right away when I changed for d'addarios I freaked out. Way much better.

For the action, there is not right or wrong, some people like it high so people like it low depending on how hard they tend to pluck and streght they play. If you ordered your bass from a local shop. usually their local luthier harmonises your bass and adjust a few settings like the action and stuff for free. If you think its to high or to low and your not confortable playing it, since you arent used with bass yet, ask someone to help you to adjust it.

Welcome to the club and I hope that I helped you a bit

[Bassman316]

It's my understanding that most Fender basses come strung up with medium gauge strings (.45-.105). Sounds like you're playing Fender 7150M nickel plated steel roundwounds.

Oh, and welcome to the world of bass!

[Evan_S._Brown]

usually the jazz basses come with a nickel fender strings. usually 7250 ml
and the gauge is usually medium light which are 45 to 100.

however i could be wrong

[sulu]

Thanks gents.

That E string is really thick. Having a hell of a time doing pull-offs. I think I'll change to the D'Addarios at a lower gauge and take it to where I bought it for the free set up they offered.

Curious. Is it wise to just change the one string to a lower gauge? The A D G strings I like their feel, but that E string is like a transcontinental cable. Thinking of going to .095, but is it OK to just change the one string?

[JayAmel]

From Fender website (related to MIM Standard Jazz Bass) :

Fender Super Bass 7250ML, NPS,
Gauges: (.045, .065, .080, .100),
p/n 073-7250-005

[Bongolation]

Originally Posted by JayAmel

From Fender website (related to MIM Standard Jazz Bass) :

That's probably right, but I have on more than one occasion gotten new basses directly from Fender with different strings than were in the specs.

[rodl2005]

fine to change ONE string. Just adjust intonation accordingly

[GeneralElectric]

You can always get a lighter set.

Though to be fair my two main basses have the heaviest strings I could find (LaBella Jamerson Signatures [they've been compared to telephone lines before with their .110 E string and high tension] and Rotosound Trubass with a 115 E though they have low tension)

[sulu]

Thanks again for all the helpfull replies.
Good stuff.

[mgriffith]

When I got my new Epiphone bass direct from them, I wondered about what strings came on the bass, so I called the man listed on the invoice as having been the final person to inspect my order, using the company's number, which was also in the invoice.

He was cheerful and very helpful. He had to put me on hold for a minute or so to find out the brand (Gibson) and the gauge (medium, if I recall). Roundwounds, of course.

I'd suggest calling Fender, but I think you got your answer here already.

Welcome, sir! May yout callouses thicken and your thumb never give out.

[sulu]

Originally Posted by mgriffith

May your callouses thicken and your thumb never give out.

It isn't my thumb...it's my pinky! I'm new to bass and never realized that the pinky on my fretting hand is the most valuable digit. I have only been playing bass for five days and have already used my pinky more than I have in twenty years of playing guitar!

Thanks for your help. I have the inspector's number and all that with the bass, but I think the guys here have given me a good idea of what is on the bass.

[rodneyat]

Originally Posted by Frederickbass

Hi,

Well I cant help you with the type of strings, but really I got a Jazz Bass not long ago and I changed the strings a week after. Really I had a hard time to think that those strings were fender strings due to poor quality. I mean dont get me wrong, when I first started playing my jazz bass I was amaze by its tone and all but right away when I changed for d'addarios I freaked out. Way much better.


Welcome to the club and I hope that I helped you a bit

You can get crappy strings from any new bass. When I received my Fodera, the strings were great at first. They died within a week or so. Needless to say, I did not put Fodera strings on it after that...

[BassieMike]

Strings that came on your bass are "ones you should change as soon as you get home with it!" You will find bass strings come in lots of flavors. Stainless, nickel, round, half round, and flat in order of brightness from most to least. I lean toward the flats, but I have stainless rounds on my 6str, and Steinberger. I have the flats on my 5str jazz and black tape wound on my PBass. One is not better than the other, they are different in the way they sound and feel. For the tender fingered newbie to bass I'd say stay away from the stainless for a while as they have a "rough" feel next to nickel wound.
Try a bunch, then when you find one you like, stick with it.

welcome!!

-mike

[rodl2005]

New Fender's come w/ Fender Med Guage strings = god strings IMO. IIRC Ibanez are being shipped w/ Elixirs strings on 'em. = GREAT strings ...IMO