Switching String Sets Back and Forth

[baybaytenayjay]

Hey All -

I'm looking at getting a new Fender p bass and wanted to know if I could switch sets of strings on and off depending on the gig. I usually only play flatwounds but I would love this bass to be my "modern" sounding bass with roundwounds for weddings, cover bands, etc. However when I start touring again I would love to take it out with flats because the main band I play with needs the more classic thumpy sound.

If they're the same gauge is it cool if I swap the sets back and forth? Or will each change require a truss rod adjustment?

 

[michael_t]

If they're the same gauge is it cool if I swap the sets back and forth? Or will each change require a truss rod adjustment?

Going back and forth between rounds and flats, you will probably need a good setup each time even when they're the same gauges. "Same gauges" doesn't necessarily mean "same tension" or "same intonation".

 

[michael_t]

One way to avoid doing truss rod tweaks every time is to choose a set of rounds and a set of flats with the same tension. This doesn't necessary mean the same gauges, though.

 

[arbiterusa]

Incidentally, wrecks the strings. Flats for some reason especially, I expected the reverse (that rounds would be hammered worse). I was doing a bunch of adjustment to my Sterling with flats, taking the strings on and off again, at least four or five rounds of this and they’re wrecked. Fender 9050Ls if you’re curious.

I expect that sort of thing from rounds, which is why I always keep a few super cheap sets around for setup. Did not expect it would be as bad if not worse for flats.