Changing Strings = New Set-up?

[Kevin Hsieh]

I'm changing strings on my Schecter which was recently set-up by the guy that works on my bass for Rotosound Jazz Flats. I just ordered a pair of Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats, and was told that if I get new strings I should bring it in to him to get the bass setup again free of charge.

The problem is that he is in the Galapagos until May and I need to get these strings changed for my set of gigs in late April. Do I need to get someone to set the bass up again after a string change, or is merely switching them out going to be ok? If I need to do a set-up, could I do this myself? I have a set of allen-wrenches.

I know very little about electric basses, since I spend most of my time on Upright.

thanks in advance

[202dy]

Assumed: The string gauges do not change and the tension on the neck remains constant.

It depends on the neck and the setup. If the bolts are not tight, the geometry may change. If the neck is twitchy, for whatever reason, the geometry changes. If the geometry changes the string height may change.

The easiest thing to do is to change the strings one at a time. Most of the time, if there is going to be a change, it will be minimal.

If string gauges change, or if the tension of the new set is different from the existing set, all bets are off. Still, change them one at a time. You could get lucky.

Good luck.

BTW, when I change my strings, I do a set up. It is the ideal time to clean the instrument, oil the board if required, polish the frets and the finish. It also allows the opportunity to check intonation and regulate string height.

[Captain_Arrrg]

My advice would be to do as 202dy suggested, and then go from there. Even if you gauges are different you can't be too far off. If you have a set of allen wrenches, a screwdriver, a tuner (intonation) and the internet you're set.

If you have problems, bring them here and they will be solved.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by Kevin Hsieh

I'm changing strings on my Schecter which was recently set-up by the guy that works on my bass for Rotosound Jazz Flats. I just ordered a pair of Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats, and was told that if I get new strings I should bring it in to him to get the bass setup again free of charge.

The problem is that he is in the Galapagos until May and I need to get these strings changed for my set of gigs in late April. Do I need to get someone to set the bass up again after a string change, or is merely switching them out going to be ok? If I need to do a set-up, could I do this myself? I have a set of allen-wrenches.

I know very little about electric basses, since I spend most of my time on Upright.

thanks in advance

The Thomsastics may require a little bit of backing off the truss rod because of their lower tension. It's not at all hard to do. I wouldn't worry about it much. Put the strings on, tune them up and play them a bit and then see if you need to adjust the truss rod and the intonation. If you have the basic tools you'll get it easy, and you should know how to do this yourself anyhow. On all my basses I have to tweak the truss rod twice a year due to the extreme climate conditions here and I'd hate to have to take each one to a tech. That can get expensive.

[Kevin Hsieh]

Thanks guys, would it help to know that I have a schecter stiletto custom 4 with an epoxied fingerboard?

[62bass]

Originally Posted by Kevin Hsieh

Thanks guys, would it help to know that I have a schecter stiletto custom 4 with an epoxied fingerboard?

No.