Changing Strings gauges?

[kilum]

Hi guys, I own a Squier VM Jazz.
Today I ordered a set of Dimarzio DP123 and its coming next week hopefuly, also I need to buy a new set of strings.
My VM came with (.045, .065, .080, .100) gauge.
I was thinking in getting the DR Marcus Sig. (.045, .065, .085;105)
Is it a bad idea to use different gauges from the factory?

Thanks !

 

[David Lansen]

Not at all! Many of us here are frequently trying out different strings to help us achieve the playability and tone to our liking.

When changing to a different kind of strings, the differences in string thicknesses and tensions can cause differences in intonation, neck relief, action, etc. Basically you just need a complete setup to get all the necessary adjustments to suit your new strings.

If you're having a guitar tech to do your setup, he/she might also change your strings for you before the setup without charging extra. It doesn't hurt to ask. If you're doing it all by yourself, this website has excellent instructions for a bass setup:

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[Bob C]

What David said. It's possible that your bass won't need any adjustments. But it will likely need a truss rod tweak. Then double check the intonation.

Is there a particular reason you want to change strin gauges?

 

[kilum]

To be hones with you guys, I was just curious =)
Will a thicker string be warmer than a thinner one? Sorry for the noob question.

 

[Bob C]

kilum,

It's a perfectly legitimate question. I don't know if "warmer" is the right word. But most people feel that heavier strings give a bit fatter, meatier tone. A little experimentation is a good thing.

 

[David Lansen]

kilum,

It's a perfectly legitimate question. I don't know if "warmer" is the right word. But most people feel that heavier strings give a bit fatter, meatier tone. A little experimentation is a good thing.

If by "warmer" we mean as opposed to brighter, I can see why, in the same way we might call flatwound strings warmer than roundwound strings, i.e. having stronger fundamentals.

When comparing two strings of the same brand and type, I would certainly say upping the gauge produces a warmer, fatter, fuller, whacha-ever-wanna-call-it, tone.

However, the OP is changing from an unspecified set of strings to a set in all likelihood different. There's no way for us to predict its new sound in relation to the current sound. Therefore,

A little experimentation is a good thing.

^This

 

[kilum]

I really like the growl and clarity when Marcus Miller uses finger style.
Don't get me wrong I like the Squier VM Jazz as it is, but I lack in output and growl.
My first experiment is by changing my pu's to DiMarzio DP123. I hope it works well.
Will changing the bridge improve clarity of notes?
I don't know if I should be asking random questions here.

 

[kilum]

If by "warmer" we mean as opposed to brighter, I can see why, in the same way we might call flatwound strings warmer than roundwound strings, i.e. having stronger fundamentals.

When comparing two strings of the same brand and type, I would certainly say upping the gauge produces a warmer, fatter, fuller, whacha-ever-wanna-call-it, tone.

However, the OP is changing from an unspecified set of strings to a set in all likelihood different. There's no way for us to predict its new sound in relation to the current sound. Therefore,



^This

I am sorry I didnt mention what I am using now.
I am using Ernie Ball Super Slinky BASS 45 65 80 100 RoundWound.

 

[David Lansen]

I am sorry I didnt mention what I am using now.
I am using Ernie Ball Super Slinky BASS 45 65 80 100 RoundWound.

I've read here that Marcus Miller strings are similar in tone to DR Hi-Beams, perhaps with more mids, more growl. I'm guessing the Slinky would sound "mellower", though, because they contain nickel.

 

[kilum]

I believe they sell DR MM SIG. 45 65 80 100, but I will try the 045 065 085 105 like Bob C said "A little experimentation is a good thing."
When setting up my bass the only thing I dont understand how to setup the intonation. My screw just turns (like is gonna come out) but I dont see any change.
I've seen a lot of videos explaning but my screw just turns around.

I just found @ guitar center website.
DR Strings Marcus Miller Fat Beams Medium Light 4-String Bass Strings 45 - 100.
MM uses FAT BEAMS I guess

Do you guys know any decent shop in Los Angeles,CA area?
Thanks

 

[SteveC]

I went from DR Hi Beams (45-65-85-105-125) to Ernie Ball Slinky (45-65-80-100-130 I think) and I was able to leave everything the way it was - at least last night. We'll see when I get home if anything needs tweaking.

 

[Bob C]

When setting up my bass the only thing I dont understand how to setup the intonation. My screw just turns (like is gonna come out) but I dont see any change.
I've seen a lot of videos explaning but my screw just turns around

You can ask lots of setup questions in the "Setup and Hardware" forum, or whatever it's called. But since we're already here...

I have had the same problem on occasion. The bridge saddle is supposed to slide forward or backward, but sometimes the downward force of the string makes it stay put and spin its wheels, so to speak.

Even though it's a hassle, sometimes I have to loosen the string some and then continue with the process - maybe even push it with my fingers. Of course, next you have to retune and all that. But usually once it's given a nudge, it works the way it's supposed to. This happens mostly on my E string.

I had one bridge begin to wear out from the string height screws digging into the rather soft metal of the bridge plate. This was hindering the saddle movement too. You might take a look at your bridge for signs of wear, corrosion, etc when you change your strings.

About changing your bridge, different bridges do affect the sound to some degree - mostly in terms of sustain. You should do a search in the Setup forum for more information. You might try typing in "Fender bridge", 'bridge replacement", "Leo Quan Badass", and so on.

 

[kilum]

Thanks a lot for the advise Bob C.
I was like " WTH?" my saddle is still there and didnt move a (mm) and my screw is about to be out of bridge haha. I will try what you said.

 

[kilum]

I just bought a set of DR MM Sig, and had my 1st experience yesterday.
For sure it has much more tension than EB Slinkies. and I can't get the same action, its a little bit higher but the I love the TONE. Slapping on these strings are incredible !

 

[Bob C]

Hey, I'm glad you like the tone. Have you messed with your setup? To get lower action, you may need to tweak your truss rod. The neck relief and bridge saddle height interact with each other.

 

[kilum]

In the beginning my action was a lot higher, I did tweak my truss rod to get a lower action, but if I go more than what it is now it starts to buzz. I tried to mess up with saddles height.
I mean the action is a little bit higher than before but its not killing me
Its worth it, because I got a great tone.
Other thing I noticed is the string hurts my finger haha it feels like a sand paper when sliding, but its ok tho' kkkk

Bob I have a question,
When I bought the strings I also bought the BOSS GEB-7 EQ pedal. I raised the low's and high's + DR strings all I can say is WOW !
But before I do that I ordered a set of Dimarzio DP123. Are those better than the stock squier VM pu's ?

 

[Shannon]

I have a similar question. I have a Squier VM Jaguar Special coming from zzzounds, and according to Squire it comes with Fender medium roundwounds. I hear that there are sometimes issues with the strings from the factory. I plan to bag the roundwound strings on the Jag and keep them as spares for my Dean Edge 09.

I ordered the Fender 9050sl 'special lights' (40-60-80-100) to put on the Jag. This a good idea? Bad idea? Think major changes will be needed to set up the Jag?

Although I have owned a few basses, this nitpicking is me getting serious about learning bass finally.

On an unrelated topic, anyone know where I can get a replacement plastic cover for the p+j pickups in chrome? Thought about getting a cheap black plastic set and hitting them with krylon chrome spray enamel.

Sheesh, the bass isn't even in hand and I am plotting mods to it. Poor jaguar...

 

[shawshank72]

I have a similar question. I have a Squier VM Jaguar Special coming from zzzounds, and according to Squire it comes with Fender medium roundwounds. I hear that there are sometimes issues with the strings from the factory. I plan to bag the roundwound strings on the Jag and keep them as spares for my Dean Edge 09.

I ordered the Fender 9050sl 'special lights' (40-60-80-100) to put on the Jag. This a good idea? Bad idea? Think major changes will be needed to set up the Jag?

Although I have owned a few basses, this nitpicking is me getting serious about learning bass finally.

On an unrelated topic, anyone know where I can get a replacement plastic cover for the p+j pickups in chrome? Thought about getting a cheap black plastic set and hitting them with krylon chrome spray enamel.

Sheesh, the bass isn't even in hand and I am plotting mods to it. Poor jaguar...

With most changes in string gauge a setup will be needed.
If you know how yourself no biggie.
If you dont, take the time to learn.
Most basses never arrive with a proper setup anyway.
Lots of stickies on here to help.
As far as the Pickup covers I've seen people do this but not aware of where and how to get them.

 

[michael_t]

I ordered the Fender 9050sl 'special lights' (40-60-80-100) to put on the Jag. This a good idea? Bad idea? Think major changes will be needed to set up the Jag?

It's never a bad idea to ditch a set of rounds for a set of flats!

In fact, going from a medium set of rounds (45-105) to a light set of flats (40-100) is the most sensible thing to do to avoid any major setup modifications on your bass. My two basses have gone through similar changes and the only thing I've ever had to do was some very minor truss rod tweaks.

The only thing I would have done differently is to get the 9050CL set (45-60-80-105) for better string-to-string balance. Otherwise, you've done just fine.