Loosening my strings

[Randy13]

My bass is currently tuned to EADG. I would like to know if there is a way to loosen up my strings so that they are easier to strum but still be in tune. Would I have to go to a professional or can I do it on my own?

[coolrunner989]

I don't think thats possible...

If theres a way to do it I'd say smaller gauge strings, lower action...

not much help, but its all I can come up with

[62bass]

You could always try strings with a lower tension, like Thomastic Infeld JF 344s. If you are going to use standard tuning that's the only way I can think of that will do it. Besides, the Thomastics are excellent strings.

[JimmyM]

Boy, you TI guys never miss an opportunity to pimp Jazz Flats, do you?

If you change your strings to a thinner gauge, it will loosen them up, but you'll have to have your bass set up again. This involves adjusting the truss rod (maybe), adjusting the height of the strings, and adjusting the intonation. These are all fairly easy things to do if you learn the right way to do them (http://www.fender.com/support/basses.php has a lot of good info about setting up basses). I think every bassist should learn how to do it, and it's pretty easy and only takes a few dollars worth of tools, some of which you likely already have.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Boy, you TI guys never miss an opportunity to pimp Jazz Flats, do you?

If you change your strings to a thinner gauge, it will loosen them up, but you'll have to have your bass set up again. This involves adjusting the truss rod (maybe), adjusting the height of the strings, and adjusting the intonation. These are all fairly easy things to do if you learn the right way to do them (http://www.fender.com/support/basses.php has a lot of good info about setting up basses). I think every bassist should learn how to do it, and it's pretty easy and only takes a few dollars worth of tools, some of which you likely already have.

I have stated before that I am a completely unrepentant ( but unpaid and not a compensated endorser) promoter of T.I. Jazz flats.

However, they do have a lower tension when tuned to pitch. There are other strings which do also, although I wouldn't use them.

As you point out, you may have to do a minor set up to accomodate the lower tension but it's not a big deal and something every bassist should learn to do.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by 62bass

As you point out, you may have to do a minor set up to accomodate the lower tension but it's not a big deal and something every bassist should learn to do.

Spot on.

Performing a set up is analogous to performing a tune up on one's automobile, back when one could perform a tune up on one's auto (Points, plugs, and rotor, for those of you old enough to remember).

Every professional bassist should know how even if they employ a luthier to do all of their work if for no other reason than to make it easier to communicate easily with their tech.

Every amateur bassist should know how to perform a set up so that their luthier can concentrate on fret work and major repairs if for no other reason than it will allow the player to save their money for more expensive repairs.