String Action

Bijoux · #1 10-20-2001, 09:45 PM

Hi guys, I have two carved basses very similar in size and sound, but I noticed that with the same set of strings in one of them I can have the strings at about 1/2 inch from the FB and it feels easy to play and I get a good sound but on the other bass with the strings a little bit over 1/4 inch the action feels really stiff, I also had both necks reshaped so they are almost identical, any of you have any idea why some basses feel easier to play even with higher action, I have spent weeks trying to figure it out, thanks for your help.

reedo35 · #2 10-21-2001, 12:17 AM

Hi, BEEJUICE ; to sort of answer your question,
Well, A couple of variables come into play here.
1.Are you using the same strings on both Basses? 2.You said you had the necks reshaped, but is the height the same at the nut for both DB's? (And I mean within 1/32 of an inch..it does make a difference)
3.It is also possible that the angle of the neck is just a bit different.
4. Or, sometimes, it just be that way, know what I mean? Accept the individuality of the instrument.
This question has come up before, and differences in string tension seem to be very common.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #3 10-21-2001, 10:26 AM

BOURGEOIS,

That's a good question. I played two gigs yesterday, and because one was outside and one was inside, I used two different basses. Both have Spirocore Orch gauge strings, and both are set to range from 1/4" height at the G string to 1/2" height at the E. I noticed that my plywood (outdoor) bass was much easier to play (felt like the tension was lower), but that my carved bass was getting a much more pronounced attack than even the difference in construction would account for. It's weird, ain't it? I never have figured that one out.

DURRL

Sam Sherry · #4 10-21-2001, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald
BOURGEOIS,.I used two different basses. Both have Spirocore Orch gauge strings, and both are set to range from 1/4" height at the G string to 1/2" height at the E. I noticed that my plywood (outdoor) bass was much easier to play (felt like the tension was lower), but that my carved bass was getting a much more pronounced attack than even the difference in construction would account for.

I bet the neck angle is steeper on the solid bass than on the plywood. [Of course, I may lose that bet . . . . ]

Don Higdon · #5 10-21-2001, 03:19 PM

Sam Yule:
Friday night I worked with someone who worked with someone from your area named Galante. Does the name ring any bells?

Sam Sherry · #6 10-22-2001, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Higdon
Sam Yule:
Friday night I worked with someone who worked with someone from your area named Galante. Does the name ring any bells?

From Maine? Naw, that doesn't connect for me. Any details?

The guys from here you might run into include Scott Reeves (Dave Liebman Big Band; CCNY/Juilliard jazz faculty), Scott's wife Janet Reeves (Pno/Voc), and Greg Tardy (who left before I came).