Rotosound 77 on a P-Bass... mistake?

[DaleyKD]

I just put a new set on my P Bass. I don't remember what were on them before (they were round). I noticed my action seemed considerably higher, and when running up the fretboard, I noticed that the E string goes DEAD at fret 12 and up. Looks like the string is touching the fret on 13 and so it has no sustain.

I also noticed that delicately hammering from open to a high fret on the D or G strings gives an unwanted tone.

Should I just revert to rounds, or does my bass need to be re-set up?

 

[JMacBass65]

Sounds like you need to set it up properly.

 

[michael_t]

Sounds like your neck has too much relief (ie dip in the middle). Going from rounds to flats usually requires a tweak with the truss rod to compensate for the difference in tension.

It should be a simple matter of tightening the truss rod so there is less relief in the neck (ie staighter).

 

[DaleyKD]

I did notice the neck looked like it wasn't normal. The explanation makes a lot of sense regarding tension. Thanks!

 

[michael_t]

By the way, putting a set of flats on a P bass is never a mistake.

 

[Ric5]

does my bass need to be re-set up?

YES

 

[jamersonburton]

Take it to a good luthier in your area, avoid places like guitar center or big chain stores (they usually spend less time on doing a proper setup). If you can, talk with who will set the bass up and tell them exactly what you are looking for. By the way, the rs77 are awesome strings, you might need to let them settle in a bit (mine took about a month or so)!

 

[huckleberry1]

YES

this

 

[iiipopes]

+1 on getting a real luthier to help you with the setup if you haven't done it yourself.

 

[Robus]

Roto 77s are a mistake on any bass, IMO.

 

[UpperBout]

I've been fairly happy with the Roto 77's on my P-Bass. They seem to be higher-tension than other flats, which I prefer.

The symptoms you describe sound like a setup issue, as others have observed.

Nothing inherently wrong with Rotos, and while Roto's might not be everyone's cup of tea, flats+PBass=fundamentally_goodness

 

[Root 5]

Roto 77s are a mistake on any bass, IMO.

Not if you like enhanced mids & treble from your flats.

 

[FunkHead]

Now's the time to learn how to set up your bass yourself. The 77's are my favorite string. I have them on MY Ric 4003. I just can't get enough of their sweet sound.

 

[edencab]

Roto 77s are a mistake on any bass, IMO.

............because?

 

[MovingPitchers]

I've had the same experience with Roto 77s on my p bass. It has more tension than regular rounds so I stuck back on rounds and haven't looked back since.

Following. I'm very interested in this thread.

 

[Dave W]

Steve Harris seems to like them on his P.

 

[JustForSport]

That's what's great about this place- the full spectrum of opinions and experiences (but mostly without reasons stated, unfortunately).

 

[Robus]

............because?

Just me being emphatic.

I tried them on my Jazz. Hated them. Moved them to my P. Hated them just as much. Finally put them on an old Washburn bass that I never play. They don't sound good on that either.

Just my opinion. There was a nasty metallic twang to upper three strings that sounded like nails on chalkboard. The low E string sounded dead by comparison.

Maybe they mellow with age. I don't know. I try to leave a new set of flats on for at least a few weeks to give it a fair shot. But those I just couldn't stand that long.

 

[edencab]

Just me being emphatic.

I tried them on my Jazz. Hated them. Moved them to my P. Hated them just as much. Finally put them on an old Washburn bass that I never play. They don't sound good on that either.

Just my opinion. There was a nasty metallic twang to upper three strings that sounded like nails on chalkboard. The low E string sounded dead by comparison.

Maybe they mellow with age. I don't know. I try to leave a new set of flats on for at least a few weeks to give it a fair shot. But those I just couldn't stand that long.

cool, thanks..I have Fender flats on my jazz, love 'em...just got the Squier fretless jazz and my "bass guy" at the local store is suggesting the Roto 77's.....I'm leaning towards the Fenders again , but Chromes, Ernie Balls, DRs and GHS all on my list

 

[Robus]

cool, thanks..I have Fender flats on my jazz, love 'em...just got the Squier fretless jazz and my "bass guy" at the local store is suggesting the Roto 77's.....I'm leaning towards the Fenders again , but Chromes, Ernie Balls, DRs and GHS all on my list

I have Fender flats on my Jazz as well. Ten months now. I love them. I've been wanting to try the TI Jazz flats on that bass, but the Fenders keep sounding better and better. I can't take them off.