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Problem with Ibanez Mikro --UGH!!

Greywoulf

Greywoulf

Sep 15, 2000
3,070
11,784
Freehold, NJ. USA
#1
Got a used 4-string Mikro thru eBay. Not in great shape, came in pieces, needs some work, terrible roundwound strings and pickups all loose and different heights...

So I put some short scale Rotosound black nylon flats on it, but I'm having a hard time getting these set up okay. In order to get the correct intonation (w/o any buzzing) via adjusting the saddles, these strings are now too high off the fret board, and are as hard as a rock. Playing this Mikro with these high, super hard strings is very tough on my older arthritic hands. The whole setup is much too firm and difficult for me...
So I'm wondering-----

1} Should I do a truss rod adjustment here? And if so, what size wrench is used for the 4-string Mikro's truss rod?
2} I'm thinking that maybe if I switch to LaBella short scale white tapewound strings then I might get a softer, more flexible string effect?

All suggestions and help appreciated here...
Thanks,
Greywoulf
 
#3
96tbird said:
You should always begin a setup with setting relief ( truss rod adjustment) and then set action.

BUT, in your case, starting at zero, first set a string action height in your target area. Then setup your relief. Then check the nut slot heights. Then set your action. Then intonate.
Click to expand...

Thanks. However after reading several opinions as to how Rotosounds (88) Black Nylon flats were often too thick and stiff for short scale BGs, I ordered some much lighter gauge GHS short scale flatwounds. I figure t'is probably better to first change the strings to fit the bass better than to do much modifying of the bass (especially cutting the nut deeper) to match the strings, no?
I suspect I'll still have to readjust the relief on the Mikro with the lighter GHS flats, but I doubt the neck will be as bowed as it became with the heavier Rotosounds. And this time I won't be lazy, but will do it properly, in the order you've suggested... ;>})
Thanks again,
Greywoulf
 
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#4
Okay, no more "ugh" with the Mikro short scale 4-string... (Yay!!)
I dumped the short scale Rotosound 88 Black Nylon strings (gauge 65-115) and replaced them with short scale GHS Precision Flats, gauge 45-95. And what a difference! The lighter GHS flats went on real easy; they fit the Mikro's nut and the bridge much better (I didn't have to file the nut down, or do any drastic messing with the bridge saddle heights) and only a slight truss rod adjustment resulted in nice low action with perfect intonation!
-Taught me a good lesson this did, as to how important string gauges can sometimes be regarding the bass you're playing... -The lighter gauge flats set in place like they're custom designed for the Mikro, while the heavier black nylons looked to be a real strain on her!
(-Doan wanna give my poor baby a hernia, no? :>0)

I'm wondering if this gauge size thing might be even more of a critical issue with short scale BG's?
Greywoulf
 
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#6
indeed, gauge is key on these things. they're always at the edge of intonation and action problems to begin with due to the scale length.

if you were into trying round wounds some day, the Fender 40's are a good choice since LaBella stopped making their roundwound short scale set.
 
#7
I had my Ibanez mikro bass restrung with D'Addarios EXL160S 50-105 rounwounds and it had a proper setup done by technician. A little bit hard to play in the beggining but after a while I was happy with the instrument. Few weeks ago (after about 5 months of use) decided to try something different and ordered a set of RotoSound RS77S 40-90 flatwounds. Fantastic feel on this little Ibanez almost nylon like and much easier to play
 
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#8
Back in the 70's I had Jazz and Sting Ray basses which came with flats so I'm used to that. So now I'm that much older and it's getting harder to play 34" scale so I bought a Mikro. It came with rounds which I hate so I got some D'Addario Chomes flats which sounded great but like playing on rebar. They were very rigid and stiff.

Then I could not get the E string to intonate. I had the saddle back so far that it was under the silk and that affected the tone. I read that this a common problem with Chromes flats on Mikro basses.

So I got some Dunlap 45-100 flats because I read they are more flexible but still firm. I put them on, checked the action, witnessed the strings over the saddles (must do) and adjusted intonation. Everything is perfect. Right where I want it. And these strings sound and feel great. Very responsive to tone changes. Only one small thing. The G string has a slightly brighter tone than the others. I'm going to play with the pick up and see if that helps. Otherwise I can live with it, very minor.

Hopes this helps anyone looking for good and affordable flatwound strings that work well on a Mikro.
 
#9
Looking back over these recent replies (including mine) it now seems clear that lighter gauge flats (or rounds) are the best way to go with the Mikro.
I'd also like to try some light gauge tapewounds on it, but they're not widely produced in short scale and ones that are seem to almost never be in stock...
Greywoulf
 

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