setup for weedwacker strings?

[nathanmcnathan]

Hey everybody, just wondering if you need to change the setup on your bass for weedwacker strings? Right now, I've got really low action - will that work? Not really related to weedwackers, but are there any guts that will work with a low action without me having my to modify my bass?
Thanks!

[Bobby King]

I would imagine you'd need substantially higher action with those type of strings. Most all guts require higher action, but some of the flatwound guts like Eudoxa or Olive have higher tension and can be set lower. (but not "really low") Those are a lot more expensive than weedwackers though. Why don't you get some adjusters put in your bridge?

[nathanmcnathan]

I was going to, but the stores here want to charge a TON of money for them... about 50 for adjusters, and I think about another 100 to get them in... on top of that, it's something they've never done before, so I don't trust them.

[Bobby King]

Well, I wouldn't put weedwackers or guts on if your action is low and can't be adjusted.
Since those strings have lower tension and high flexibility, the vibrate widely and will wind up snapping against your fingerboard. Also, guts need a little height to produce their full tone. That price to install the adjusters isn't wildly out of line, but you could probably send the bridge somewhere to have it done too. Contact TBer "martinc" who's also in Canada, maybe he's got a suggestion. Or somewhere like Upton Bass could do it for you. Mark the location of your bridge carefully and find a way to keep some tension on the top of your bass to the soundpost doesn't fall if you send it off.

Good luck.