Changing string type - Setup required?

[::Saint::]

Currently I am running a Fender J Bass Plus V (5-String) with what I assume to be medium gauge round wounds (they are definately round wound, but I am unsure of the gauge as my wife bought them for me and at the time I didn't really pay attention to what kind of strings they were), and I am going to be switching to medium gauge (.45 - .130 I think?) Rotosound 77 series flats.

Will I need to re-set intonation, action, etc because of this, or might I be alright without it?

[Philbiker]

Originally Posted by ::Saint::

Will I need to re-set intonation, action, etc because of this, or might I be alright without it?

You should set all that stuff every time you change strings anyway.

[::Saint::]

Hrmm.. how easy is it to learn how to do a setup? I have no knowledge of how to do this myself, so it means I'll have to shell out $30 or so for someone else to do it. It would be nice to learn how to do it myself, but where do you even go to learn something like that?

[Tony G]

Even though this is Carvin specific, it is a pretty good guide to follow for most if not all basses: http://www.carvin.com/manuals/Bass_Care.pdf

[milhouse]

Here's the Fender version-
http://www.fender.com/support/setup/basssetup.php

[MonetBass]

Here's info specific to Fender from Fender!
http://www.fender.com/support/setup/basssetup.php

Edit: AHH, Milhouse beat me to it.

[ibnzneksrul]

Learning to do your own setup takes some time but it is not that difficult. Once you do, not only will you be saving money, you will be able to setup your bass exactly the way you want it, whenever you want to. Its a nice feeling when you can maintain your own instrument without having to depend on someone else.

[::Saint::]

Right now I've only got the one bass, so I can't really afford to take the time in experimenting, unfortunately. Once I get myself a backup or two maybe I'll start tinkering around. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

[Philbiker]

It's possible that when you change your strings the bass will still be perfectly usable. I would guess that the most you'd need to do with a simple string change would be a slight crank ont he truss rod and intonation adjustment. Check those sites, it's really easy to do minor set up work yourself.

[Descent2Cocytus]

http://garywillis.com/pages/bass/bas...tupmanual.html

[::Saint::]

That looks very helpful, I'll be bookmarking that one, thanks!

[SGT. Pepper]

If your going to roto flats your going to need a complete setup.

[::Saint::]

That bad eh? Oh well I was planning on getting one done anyway..