Hi, I have a music man 4 that shipped with .45-1.05 rounds that I just had setup and I’d like to change things up and go with pressure wound 044-106
do I need to setup again?
thanks
do I need to setup again?
thanks
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Do I need to setup again going lighter?
- Thread starter Wheelofdhamma
- Start date
It depends on the tension of the strings, not the gauge.
Check the tension values in the package.
Check the tension values in the package.
Basic setup should be part of any string change.
Simple 3-step process: (After the new strings are installed and tuned up to proper pitch...)
Simple 3-step process: (After the new strings are installed and tuned up to proper pitch...)
- Check the amount of neck relief - tweak truss rod as needed.
- Check the action - adjust saddle height as needed.
- Check the intonation - adjust saddle positioning as needed.
The Pressurewounds are slightly higher in tension and stiffer than typical rounds of similar sizes. You might or might not end up having to tighten the truss rod. You may also want to adjust the action according to how they feel. They also use slightly thicker core wires than average 45-105 rounds, so the intonation may need adjusting.
By the way, it should be .045 - .105 (45/1000th to 105/1000th of an inch).
Average tension for NPS rounds 45-105 is around 175 - 185 lbs. The Pressurewounds 44-106 weigh in at 187.1 lbs.
By the way, Pressurewound ML7200 (44-58-80-102) are closer to typical NPS rounds 45-105 both in tension and stiffness.
Thanks, although I don’t understand why there’s no point in originally asking if I didn’t know the answer?
Isn’t that the literal point of a question?
You probably will not need "a setup" in the sense of taking the instrument to a luthier or tech to have a full setup done. You might or might not need to make minor adjustments to the truss rod and/or bridge as mentioned in prior posts, if the bass seems to have too high or too low action after the change, or if you are having issues with fret buzz. If you don't know how to do these things, now would be the perfect time to learn (check out some videos or online tutorials), given that the bass likely will already be in good shape after the prior setup and hopefully would not require much modification after the string change to get it back there.
Once you get a feel for proper setup through the truss and bridge, you'll be able to keep on top of those things better over time and can make minor adjustments after any string changes or just as things may change over time. As a benefit, you'll be less dependent on paying for setups, and might be able to handle most things yourself unless a bass requires modification to the nut or other more detailed work that you might not be comfortable with yet.
Once you get a feel for proper setup through the truss and bridge, you'll be able to keep on top of those things better over time and can make minor adjustments after any string changes or just as things may change over time. As a benefit, you'll be less dependent on paying for setups, and might be able to handle most things yourself unless a bass requires modification to the nut or other more detailed work that you might not be comfortable with yet.
My point was this is the type of question that can only be answered definitively after the fact; it's only guesswork otherwise. Just go ahead and change the strings and see what happens... Then, and only then, you can determine what needs to be done for proper setup.
I recently went from the Rotosound Swing Bass 105 E, 130 B set to a 90 E, 120 B set on EBMM SR 5 and didn't have to make any adjustments. I ended up putting them on my Sterling sub 5 and again without having to make any adjustments. I just wanted to try a lighter gauge, but like the more solid tone of the heavier gauge. I am practicing a lot more for a duo project and use the Sub bass for practice and rehearsal so it gives me a break with the lower tension.
I always check my set up with any string change. Usually doesn't change much, but it's good to keep an eye on things.
Maybe. Go ahead and do the string change, see how it feels, eyeball the neck for any change in flatness or lack thereof, check string height and relief measurements, check intonation and you'll have your answer.
Always a good idea to check these basic details periodically....particularly with change of seasons....and string changes.
Good luck.
Koog
Always a good idea to check these basic details periodically....particularly with change of seasons....and string changes.
Good luck.
Koog
Checking your setup and doing minor adjustments (when necessary) on an ongoing basis is a much better strategy fothe long term health of your neck than waiting for it to become obvious that it needs work.
A straight edge and a set of feeler gauges (what you need to check neck straightness) is about $20. It takes me longer to walk a bass downstairs to my shop than it does to check a neck’s straightness.
Check your setup with every string change.
A straight edge and a set of feeler gauges (what you need to check neck straightness) is about $20. It takes me longer to walk a bass downstairs to my shop than it does to check a neck’s straightness.
Check your setup with every string change.
Probably a little bit of setup will be needed after changing strings. It really depends on the current setup and your tolerance for variations.
Make your life easy . If set up is needed . No need for somebody else to do it .
Follow step by step and change string gauge at will .
Follow step by step and change string gauge at will .
Yes. Even when changing strings with the exact same brand/gauge, I check neck relief, string height, and intonation. Just the loss of tension from removing one string then putting it back up to tension can cause little changes requiring set up adjustments. Or not, but it’s always good to check.
All the above. Pressurewound strings compress more metal into the same diameter compared to conventional NPS rounds. That means more mass, which translates to more tension (all other variables being equal, tension is a function of the square of the mass of the string). How much of a tweak in your setup that will be required is, as above, an after the fact observation after you get the strings mounted, seated, and stabilized to pitch.
The real answer is maybe.
Sometimes a small turn of truss or saddles, sometimes not.
Sometimes a small turn of truss or saddles, sometimes not.
JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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No, you'll just need to adjust your truss rod, and check intonation. A "setup" is far more than that.
