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Flats Gauge Question

jessicabass

jessicabass

Dec 22, 2009
575
291
38
ohio
#1
I recently got two sets of old flats from my brother and have a project jazz bass that im going to string up when the pickups arrive.
They are EB flats 45-65-80-100 and 50-70-85-105
I know trying this out will be the best answer but im worried of any issues this would cause to the bass.
I like the 80-100 on A and E but i love the 50-70 on the G and D
i want to try a 50-70-80-100.
Is keeping it so close on the D and A a bad thing to do?
 
#3
It's all up to you and what feels best to you. The only downside I see is that with the increased per-string tension on the G & D, make sure your neck won't twist. But most good necks with good maple, and especially if laminated, and with good truss rods, should be able to handle it.

I would suggest you compromise and try the 65 D, so you go 50-65-80-100. This is the make up of the "traditional" medium-light setup that has been around for decades.
 
#4
iiipopes said:
It's all up to you and what feels best to you. The only downside I see is that with the increased per-string tension on the G & D, make sure your neck won't twist. But most good necks with good maple, and especially if laminated, and with good truss rods, should be able to handle it.

I would suggest you compromise and try the 65 D, so you go 50-65-80-100. This is the make up of the "traditional" medium-light setup that has been around for decades.
Click to expand...

If i had it my way every string would be 80 but i know thats not possible in the real world.
Thats what im afraid of is warping the neck.
Was hoping some people had experience doing this and how were the results.
 
#5
Sorry, just another guy quacking away on the basis of no experience, but per above there are indeed standard 50-100 sets out there (e.g., Fender 9050ML, La Bella 0760FHB.) If there were really any potential issue with a neck-twisting imbalance, it would show up there - regardless of minor differences in the middle strings. String it up! Maybe you won't even like it anyway. If the neck fails, it must have been bad and was going to fail sooner or later anyway.
 
#7
Pilgrim said:
I don't see any problem. Try it and report back.
Click to expand...
Got pickups today and put the strings on to test it out.
I have to say i liked it alot, it seemed to give the bass a more beefy feel when playing off the A and D strings.
It was a little strange at first, but got used to it very fast.
Will keep an eye on the neck as time goes by.
The EB flats are decent but i wish they sold Fender flats individually, that would make it perfect.
 

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