Double Bass Thin neck and string tension

[gprigge]

I have a 60s carved Framus. When I bought it I was advised to use lower tension strings because it has a thin neck. The neck feels similar to a Kay.

I'd like to try Spiro Mittels but now fear the neck might be too thin to handle the tension. Neck is walnut. not sure about the fingerboard. Currently driving Evah weichs.

Is a thin neck really an issue for higher tension strings?

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Put a straight edge along the neck/fingerboard joint and check for curvature. If its already bowed forward, you'll have answered your own question.

I tend to remove the fingerboard, straighten the neck and install a carbon fibre stiffening rod in the neck on basses with thin necks. It makes the neck very stiff, so you can can use any strings you like. It also means that you can plane the board more to extend its life, because you're not relying on it to keep the neck straight.

 

[gprigge]

Thanks. I threw a carpenter's square straight edge on it and it's straight. Spiro Mittel E and A with Evah weich G and D seem to be a nice combo on this one.

 

[vejesse]

Wow, Rice Lake. My Dad is from Barron.