Fender flats....weird!

[squire65]

I've strung my 3 Pbasses with Fender flats (45-100)...well, they feel different in tension and sound!
Any explanations?

 

[Levin]

You have strung all three basses? Different from what, one another or from the previous sets? Did you do a setup? What were on the basses before?
And so on...

 

[squire65]

3 different basses with 3 new string sets! i feel different tension

 

[ticol07]

Are your 3 basses set exactly the same ? Action, neck curvature ?
And do they have the same neck radius ?
If no, it could explain you don't have the same feeling, even with same strings.

 

[iiipopes]

There will always be setup differences because wood is inherently inconsistent, and there are manufacturing differences as set forth above: crown radius, neck finishing, etc. Enjoy the fact that each bass has its own personality.

 

[squire65]

ok i can't swear the basses have the same set up....but my feelings are not about the action....it's about the strings themselves...one set seems floppy, the other seem very stiff as if it was a heavier gauge

 

[squire65]

There will always be setup differences because wood is inherently inconsistent, and there are manufacturing differences as set forth above: crown radius, neck finishing, etc. Enjoy the fact that each bass has its own personality.

very wise suggestion...thank you!

 

[iiipopes]

ok i can't swear the basses have the same set up....but my feelings are not about the action....it's about the strings themselves...one set seems floppy, the other seem very stiff as if it was a heavier gauge

I guess you could always take a micrometer to the strings to see if they are actually the strings you thought you purchased. Ever so rarely, a mistake is made with the wrong string(s) in the envelope.

 

[Jay Corwin]

If you were changing from another string type like rounds, then you will have to do a setup once you go to flats. The tension will be different (usually higher IME) thus requiring a setup.

It's a good idea to setup your bass anytime you change string types/manufacturers.

 

[jasper383]

Yes, even minute differences in necks and relief and nut height, etc. makes a noticeable difference in feel.

 

[JustForSport]

If the previous strings were not all the same, then that would account some for different results (since no mention of a new setup on each bass with the new strings).

 

[shrimpflea]

Give them time to break in and settle and I bet over time they will start to sound and feel more similar...although they will never be exactly the same.

Flatwound String Reviews

 

[bluesblaster]

I have the same set of flats on my fender basses (labella not fender strings) all same gauges, the P bass feels less tension than the two jazz basses. I have no idea why but it doesnt relly bother me, like someone said... just different personalities I guess

 

[billgwx]

At that point I'd say it has to do with the setup. I have an SX P-bass whose strings felt really tense, but the real problem was that that action at the nut was too high, so I had to clamp down to fret notes especially near the nut. Lowered the nut action and now it's almost too easy to play!