To string or not to string

ToR-Tu-Ra · #1 09-20-2006, 06:23 PM

Hey, cats and gals!

I'm in a major dilemma here. I ordered a set of Dominants and they arrived barely five minutes ago. I'm so excited to try this strings, they look yummy! The thing is... I don't know if I should string them up or take my bass to the luthier to work on the bridge and bring it down a couple mm's. My bass is currently strung with "original" flexocors and the string height is 9-12 mm G to E. This was a bit uncomfortable with the flexocors, but I gather from what I've read here that dominants are a bit softer, so maybe I don't need to take my bass to the luther. Oh, BTW, no, my bridge is not adjustable

So... what should I do?

I cry to al the dominant players out there, pleas help me!

JoeyNaeger · #2 09-20-2006, 08:35 PM

I would get it setup properly first so you don't have to take the dominants off. If you're not happy with the setup, go ahead and get it taken care of, there is no point putting something like off. I waited a year to get mine setup and feel silly about it now because everything was so much easier after that.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #3 09-20-2006, 09:33 PM

If you have the option of putting adjusters on your bass, I'd shell out the $$$ and go that route. The outer finish of Dominants is pretty smooth, but their tension is similar to spiro reds, and they're stiffer as well. If they're too high, you might think they're trying to kill you, or you might not give 'em a chance because they feel too tense. With these, a mm or two does matter. FWIW, YMMV, IMO, MJQ, ***, OMG, ATTYA, etc.

ToR-Tu-Ra · #4 09-20-2006, 09:55 PM

Most luthiers 'round here are not very fond of bridge adjusters. Besides, I've not seen more than a couple of basses with them installed so I think it wouldn't be a great idea to have them put on if the luthier is not fond of them and has not much experience.

I couldn't get a hold of my friendly luthier so I guess Dominants will have to wait

drurb · #5 09-21-2006, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToR-Tu-Ra

Most luthiers 'round here are not very fond of bridge adjusters. Besides, I've not seen more than a couple of basses with them installed so I think it wouldn't be a great idea to have them put on if the luthier is not fond of them and has not much experience.

I couldn't get a hold of my friendly luthier so I guess Dominants will have to wait

Well, I thought Chris' advice was dead on. If you will not go the adjuster route, then all things considered, I would definitely have the setup work done first. I can't imagine the Doms at 9-12 mm. For me, that would be way too high. I realize that preferences vary widely but mine are set at about 6.5 mm at the G and about 9 mm at the E (if memory serves). I have noticed, as has Chris, that small changes are significant.

I really like the Doms!

ToR-Tu-Ra · #6 09-21-2006, 08:32 AM

Thanks y'all for the help! DRUB: I was thinking something having mine setupthe way you describe yours, 7-9 or 10 mm. I don't like the strings setup too low, I like the bounce. But I don't want to kill my fingers if it's not necessary. I'll see if I'm lucky today and try and contact my luthier.