I recently picked up a Carvin LB70 that sounded pretty good even though the (round wound) strings were obviously shot. I couldn't wait to hear the bass with some decent strings. All I had on hand were some Cleartones that a friend gave me for Christmas, so even though I tend to prefer flat wounds, I figured "let's give them a try".
Well, the E string was totally dead, but the rest sounded monster on that bass- great output, pretty good tone. Went to GC and showed (yes, they made me bring the bass in) the dead string and they offered to exchange them, but I paid the difference to get the same La Bella Deep Talkers that I have on my p bass. Now, the bass stills sounds good, but the output dropped seriously. I don't remember this happening with my p bass- but, on the other hand, I was pretty new at the time.
Also, the action is a good bit higher. I thought the flats must be pulling harder on the neck, but when I measured the neck adjustment it was good, so how did putting flats on raise the action? Could the higher action be the reason for the lower output? The set-up was spot on when I bought it (according to the original paperwork I got with the bass). Is this normal when switching to flats?
I would have tried lowering the bridge already, but it needs a smaller allen wrench than I have (.050"). Thanks in advance for any help!
Well, the E string was totally dead, but the rest sounded monster on that bass- great output, pretty good tone. Went to GC and showed (yes, they made me bring the bass in) the dead string and they offered to exchange them, but I paid the difference to get the same La Bella Deep Talkers that I have on my p bass. Now, the bass stills sounds good, but the output dropped seriously. I don't remember this happening with my p bass- but, on the other hand, I was pretty new at the time.
Also, the action is a good bit higher. I thought the flats must be pulling harder on the neck, but when I measured the neck adjustment it was good, so how did putting flats on raise the action? Could the higher action be the reason for the lower output? The set-up was spot on when I bought it (according to the original paperwork I got with the bass). Is this normal when switching to flats?
I would have tried lowering the bridge already, but it needs a smaller allen wrench than I have (.050"). Thanks in advance for any help!
