WHAT PROBLEMS WUD HAVE BEEN CAUSED TO ACTION BY CHANGIN STRING GAUGE SEVERAL TIMES?

[boglej2]

Right so i checked in the forum couldn't find anything specifically related to this.

I have a musicman stingray. I got it "professionally setup" about a year ago, but since then i've been trying different gauge strings on it to find whats comfortabele on it for me, what brand i like, and also due to lack of selection in shops here.

So my question is by using different string gauges, which i know your not supposed to do, how would this affect the action and the way it has been setup?? i.e. would the truss rod need to be adjusted, would the string height be affected etc.

i've decided to stick with medum gauge strings(45-105's)

[mikenewman@fron]

Just had a simular problem. I changed the strings on my fender '51 re- issue and the action got worse. Any advice?

[dmusic148]

It's pretty simple. Generally, heavier strings will have more tension than lighter strings, so they will cause the neck to bend more, creating more relief/higher action. This requires tightening(usually, but some basses have this reversed) the trussrod to bring the action back down to where it was before.
Lighter strings pull less hard, so the neck will back-bow, sometimes to the point of eliminating all action-the strings just lay on the neck, unplayable.
In this case, loosen the trussrod(usually).

[JustDavid]

Changing string tension changes action.

Strings try to pull the neck into a curve. Different tensions pull with different force.

Truss rod pulls the neck in the opposite direction. With the same force all the time, until you adjust it.



It's quite likely every time you've changed strings you've also changed setup. Whatever info you've gathered about playability of different strings is suspect. Possibly about string sound as well.

[mrhardy]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Changing string tension changes action.
Strings try to pull the neck into a curve. Different tensions pull with different force.

Truss rod pulls the neck in the opposite direction. With the same force all the time, until you adjust it.

NO!!

Changing to a string with a different tension affects relief measurement. Reset the relief to the previous spec, and your other measurements should not be affected, except by the different thickness of the string, which would be minimal.

Do not confuse relief, and action. The two terms are not the same.

[fretlessguy]

If the bass has been properly set up each time, and the bass was well constructed to begin with, then there should not have been a problem.

[JustDavid]

YES!!!

Changing tension does only change relief, but relief then changes action. We don't disagree.

But that's deeper than an introductory discussion about setup. OP was changing strings without a counteracting truss rod check or adjustment.

[mrhardy]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

YES!!!

Changing tension does only change relief, but relief then changes action. We don't disagree.

But that's deeper than an introductory discussion about setup. OP was changing strings without a counteracting truss rod check or adjustment.

Agreed Dave. I was not trying, nor had the intent to flame you.

I just don't want the O.P. to mistake the two.

Understanding setup of an instrument is a basic part of playing. Like knowing how to tune. While I do have a fairly technical background, this stuff is not that hard to understand. There are several good setup guides online that are like reading a pop-up book.

[JustDavid]

All is cool, bro! I caught more a reaction than a flame, & I did have a contracted post.

For me understanding how the instrument works is a valuable tool in playing it better, especially when things don't work right. I've found that not everyone holds that opinion though.

And I've experienced that some people are more technical than others. I've tried explaining Setup to my girlfriend & she's, well, polite.