Can a change of strings affect the action?

[Stan_da_man]

If you had 45-105 hexcore rounds by one brand and swapped them for 45-105 hexcore rounds by another brand, I think the difference would be minimal. I highly doubt you would have to touch the truss rod, maybe adjust the action a tiny amount? All I know is intonation would have to be redone for sure.

 

[micguy]

Someone check me on this, but IIRC, generally an equivalent set of flats will generally have a higher tension than a roundwound set of approximately the same gages.

If they are the same actual gauges (the quoted gauges on the package are not always accurate to what you measure if you have a set of calipers to measure them), then yes, flats, will definitely need higher tension to tune to pitch. Most strings are made with materials with the same density (steel), and when you make flats, you have pretty much solid metal. Rounds have voids in them, so they don't have as much mass for the same diameter. More mass means you need more tension for teh same pitch.

So, yes, new strings always means check your setup, unless they're the same brand, model, and gauge. Even then, as I have the tools, I check my relief anyway - it takes more time for me to go downstairs and back up that it does to check the action.

 

[Killing Floor]

Yep, if you had someone else string your bass maybe ask them to help. But the good news is a small +/- turn of the truss rod or raise/lower of your bridge can't break anything. if you feel confident give it a try, if not, let the shop do it.

 

[john_g]

Did you pay the person/shop to just put on new strings or do a "setup"? If you just asked for new strings, then they werent going to adjust the truss rod. And even if you did pay them for a setup, the movement of the neck could have happened after they did it. Just a heads up too that alot of necks move in change of seasons and weather changes, so this likely will be an ongoing thing depending on the bass.

 

[monsterthompson]

Did you pay the person/shop to just put on new strings or do a "setup"? If you just asked for new strings, then they werent going to adjust the truss rod. And even if you did pay them for a setup, the movement of the neck could have happened after they did it. Just a heads up too that alot of necks move in change of seasons and weather changes, so this likely will be an ongoing thing depending on the bass.

Yup. The shop would've been smart to ask about doing a setup. However, if a string change was requested then the additional work for truss rod and intonation setting wouldn't have been done. That's usually quite a few extra dollars, not to mention time.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Hi all,

So I got a brand new Fender Precision Original Series and the action was perfect when I got it. It came with Fender's default P-Bass strings (dunno what they are, but they were roundwounds.)

I bought a set of LaBella 760M, which are significantly thicker to the stock ones and had my bass restrung with those.

I just got home and I somehow feel that the action is MUCH higher now. Could a change of strings (especially significantly thicker ones) affect the action, ie. make it higher?

Higher tension pills the neck forward more. Resulting in higher action. Also, thicker strings sit higher on the saddles. Resulting in higher feeling action. So...yes. different strings affect your action everytime.

 

[lyonaudio]

"Can a change of strings affect the action?"

Depends on the woman.

 

[Stan_da_man]

"Can a change of strings affect the action?"

Depends on the woman.

 

[Ric5]

Hi all,

So I got a brand new Fender Precision Original Series and the action was perfect when I got it. It came with Fender's default P-Bass strings (dunno what they are, but they were roundwounds.)

I bought a set of LaBella 760M, which are significantly thicker to the stock ones and had my bass restrung with those.

I just got home and I somehow feel that the action is MUCH higher now. Could a change of strings (especially significantly thicker ones) affect the action, ie. make it higher?

yes different brands have more or less tension as do different gauges and add to that a change of seasons with a corresponding change of humidity … you should probably set up your bass at least twice a year

 

[red_rhino]

I am a bit of a perfectionist myself when it comes to my work which I take great pride in, and in my eyes, this really is a sloppy job.. I told the guy that I really liked the current action when I dropped off the base, yet all they did was restring it, didn't bother checking...

Really sloppy. Too bad, cuz their shop is 5 minutes away from my place.

Did they charge you for a set up? Or did they just charge you a small fee for restringing?

If they charged you for a set up, they should have taken measurements before the string change and then made any adjustments necessary to dial the action back in to where you said you liked it. If that's the case, you should take it back to them and have the work done properly.

 

[The Mogpipe]

By rights, changing the string gage should also require changes to the nut slots, but most people will say this doesn't matter at all. Depends on how rigorous you are with your setups.

To test if yours are ok for you, try comparing the effort it takes to fret the first note. It should be pretty easy to fret with a modest amount of pressure. The first position should be in perfect intonation.

You'll find specs on this slot depth in the setup instructions of a lot of basses, which I believe state there should be a certain amount of nut above the fretboard when measured from the top of the fretboard to the bottom-most depth of the nut slot at the base of it.

It's just one of those little things that make a bass setup feel perfect instead of just "good".

Very true! Switching to larger gauge strings always requires nut filing. Bigger gauges just sit on top of slots resulting in higher action.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Hi all,

So I got a brand new Fender Precision Original Series and the action was perfect when I got it. It came with Fender's default P-Bass strings (dunno what they are, but they were roundwounds.)

I bought a set of LaBella 760M, which are significantly thicker to the stock ones and had my bass restrung with those.

I just got home and I somehow feel that the action is MUCH higher now. Could a change of strings (especially significantly thicker ones) affect the action, ie. make it higher?

Yes, if the strings are heavier, more pull on the neck, bowing the neck forward. May need the truss rod tightened a bit. Thicker strings sit higher in the nut and on the bridge. The bridge may need adjustment as well.

 

[singlemalt]

Check out Sheldon Dingwall's step by step set up videos on YouTube.

Any string change, and sometimes just seasonal changes in temperature and humidity will require a truss rod adjustment.

If you are picky about set up, you'll want to gather a few tools together and learn to do your own setups. It's actually simple and enjoyable.

New strings, truss rod, intonation and bridge saddles, maybe half an hour. Keep your tools handy and you'll be dialing in perfect setups as the strings break in, and the neck continues to adjust to the strings.

If these flats don't work out, try the TI jazz flats for the other end of the tension spectrum. Sure they cost more, but they last forever, and sound fantastic. Best $75 I ever spent on bass gear. Now I don't even think about the price.

 

[jeffb28451]

Yes.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

One time my whole setup was off after I changed strings to the exact same gauge. After some investigation, I found the set had two A strings and no E string. It was significantly less tension on the neck.

I also feel like new strings have a tighter feel than moderately used strings. But maybe that is just an "in the head" kind of thing.

 

[HardNHeavy]

Welcome to the wonderful world of setting up your bass!

ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

I'm particularly fond of this video series (part 1 of 4)


PS the answer is yes

i dig Carls page, i've saved several of his vids to my HD...good info

 

[HardNHeavy]

You may have a point, but it won't hurt to learn about the process. Even if they dont do the set up themselves this time.

1/4 of an inch only!..then recheck

 

[DavC]

Yes ... plus , when you get the action lowered and setup completed , it will still 'feel' harder to play = thicker stiffer strings ..!

take your time if you adjust the truss/neck ... go slowly , little by little ... use the correct and size tool ..!

i really enjoy doing setup kinda stuff with my basses/guitars ... fret work is kinda a zen thing ..!

 

[CalBuzz51]

The thing you'll notice is that they can be easy to play if you can get the action low. You might even be able to get it lower without buzz than with lighter tension strings.

The A & D strings on that set are super tight relative to the other strings. The A is basically an E! I went to the .49 - .109 set, which is almost identical on the E string, but the other strings are much more balanced IMO.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Gauge

Hi all,

So I got a brand new Fender Precision Original Series and the action was perfect when I got it. It came with Fender's default P-Bass strings (dunno what they are, but they were roundwounds.)

I bought a set of LaBella 760M, which are significantly thicker to the stock ones and had my bass restrung with those.

I just got home and I somehow feel that the action is MUCH higher now. Could a change of strings (especially significantly thicker ones) affect the action, ie. make it higher?

Gauge definitely.