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String tension (I think) help!

O

OrangeFurball

Jun 28, 2012
52
0
Scranton, PA
#1
Hello, I'm sorry If this has been asked before (it probably has).

Here is my problem. I want to adjust my bass (its a cheap squier) so it plays well. I get the slightest amount of fret buzz which I can only connect to the fact that the strings are about as springy as a rubber band. Especially the E string. I tried to tune it by tightening and tightening it until it was at E but much tighter. I don't know any bass players to adjust everything for me, and I don't want to snap anything. Anyway after adjusting it it felt amazing!

Only problem was I feel like I'm going to snap the neck in half! Do I need to adjust my truss rod? If so, how? I'm so scared of breaking it I put it back down to its springy position and let it go for the night.

My questions:

1) can I tighten the string to much and snap the neck?

2) do I need to adjust the truss rod? If so, how?

3) do I need to adjust the bridge?

Thank you!
 
#3
OrangeFurball said:
My questions:

1) can I tighten the string to much and snap the neck?
Click to expand...

Unlikely. Imagine a baseball bat. A bass guitar neck is roughly half that. One may hit fungos all day with little worry, excepting a new lumpy feel under the thumb when replaced on the body.
2) do I need to adjust the truss rod? If so, how?
Click to expand...

Truss rods adjust relief. If the relief is correct, leave it alone.
3) do I need to adjust the bridge?
Click to expand...

Bridge saddles are adjusted to control string height and intonation. If those items are to your liking, leave them alone.
 
#4
202dy said:
Unlikely. Imagine a baseball bat. A bass guitar neck is roughly half that. One may hit fungos all day with little worry, excepting a new lumpy feel under the thumb when replaced on the body.

Truss rods adjust relief. If the relief is correct, leave it alone.

Bridge saddles are adjusted to control string height and intonation. If those items are to your liking, leave them alone.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I snapped one by accident but now I have an excuse to replace all of the strings with stronger ones
 
#8
How do you know it is at "E"? Are you using an electronic tuner to measure the pitch?

If you have strings made for bass guitar, you can tighten them to the right note, using a tuner, and no fear of damaging the neck.
 
#11
Why not take it to a music store, ask them for a popular set of bass strings, and have them show you how to install and tune?

"Stronger" strings are not something you will find. Strings do have somewhat different characteristics and gauges (diameters), but "stronger" isn't an option. I suggest getting a good set of popular strings (a music store can advise) and installing and tuning them CORRECTLY. Play them for a while. Learn what a bass feels like and how the strings feel. Read threads on TB and you will learn a lot by being a silent observer. Search before asking basic questions, and you will often find many answers...some of which will disagree with others.

The OP REALLY needs to pay attention to the stickies in this forum and do some reading. I understand that he's starting from a very basic level, so homework is part of the learning process.
 
#12
joeyl said:
Unless you are one octave lower than where you should be :eek: then yeah the strings will be like boiled spaghetti. I would try to get another bass player to help you tune up, or even a guitar or music teacher....
Click to expand...

I may be one octave lower. I went up on my E no problem and it didn't snap at one octave higher (only the A string did). Im going to a music store today and am asking for some advice. I know someone who plays guitar and have been asking them. Some advice. I can play with the loose strings I just thought I should tighten them up a bit. Maybe I was wrong!

I'm going to try to learn as much as I can before I try adjusting anything else... won't make that mistake again!




Rockin Mike said:
How do you know it is at "E"? Are you using an electronic tuner to measure the pitch?

If you have strings made for bass guitar, you can tighten them to the right note, using a tuner, and no fear of damaging the neck.
Click to expand...

I'm using a Snark electronic guitar/bass tuner
 

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