Would I Need To Adjust With This Minor String Change?

Stampy · #1 09-20-2009, 07:58 AM

Currently my bass has Fender 8250's with a gauge of 45-105. I am looking to possibly switch to D'Addario Halfwounds but it looks like the gauge closest to that is 45-100. Will I be fine or will I have to get it setup again?

Wayne8 · #2 09-20-2009, 08:18 AM

Can you do a setup yourself? There's info here (stickies) that tells you how. You probably would need to make some adjustments.

But the only way to know is to change the strings and see. There might not be enough of a difference to require neck adjustment or even saddle adjust but I would check your intonation.

superhand · #3 09-20-2009, 11:37 AM

One thing you might want to consider to is the string tension. I know that flats have much higher tension than similar gauge rounds, not sure about half rounds tho. I switched from the stock strings on my MIM Jazz to D'addario Chromes of about the same gauge and ended up with a pretty good bow in my neck. I was able to fix it with about a quarter turn on the truss rod. Wasn't that big of a deal. I know some people are not comfortable making those kind of adjustments but its really not that big of a deal.

superhand · #4 09-20-2009, 11:38 AM

Why half rounds, by the way? Just curious.

Bubba Ghanoosh · #5 09-20-2009, 08:14 PM

8250 E-strings are taperwound. If the D'Addarios are not, the E will sit higher off the fretboard and pickups.

Turnaround · #6 09-20-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stampy

Currently my bass has Fender 8250's with a gauge of 45-105. I am looking to possibly switch to D'Addario Halfwounds but it looks like the gauge closest to that is 45-100. Will I be fine or will I have to get it setup again?

You should setup every time you change brand, gauge or type of string. Yes, every time.

ByF · #7 09-21-2009, 08:10 AM

Yep, every time. Learn how to do it yourself. It's not brain surgery, it's a few screws to turn.

Ed

PBass101 · #8 09-21-2009, 08:24 AM

It takes me maybe ten minutes to adjust for a new set of strings. You will probably have to do the slightest adjustments for the string change you've suggested. Just take your time and pay attention to what you're doing and you'll be in good shape.

Stampy · #9 09-21-2009, 12:49 PM

I have never done it so that is why I am a little nervous its just that I just spent a lot of money on a MIA bass and certainly don't want to mess it up. I saw somewhere on here Fenders directions on how to do a setup, if someone can post that up that be appreciated. I really want to learn I just wanted to watch someone else do it first.

Superhand, I play almost exclusivly Tom Petty material and Ron Blair uses those strings so I wanted to try them out.

ByF · #10 09-21-2009, 10:57 PM

There are a bunch of stickies at the top of the Hardware, Setup & Repair page. It's in there.

Ed

Stampy · #11 09-22-2009, 09:04 AM

Thanks