Thin necks and string tension

[droopman]

Hi

Anyone have any experience with thin necks bending effective the action below the 12th fret? I notice when I tune down a 1/2 the playable below the 12 fret improves on a lot of my basses.

Thanks,
Jimmy

 

[Malak the Mad]

Hi

Anyone have any experience with thin necks bending effective the action below the 12th fret? I notice when I tune down a 1/2 the playable below the 12 fret improves on a lot of my basses.

Thanks,
Jimmy

What kind of strings are you using? Are they high-tension?

I haven't had such an experience myself, but if you're looking for low-tension roundwounds, I'd like to recommend D'Addario FlexSteels.

True story: I was selling a Jazz bass and wanted to put on a new set of strings for the buyer, so I put on a new set of FlexSteels. However, two complications arose…the tension was low enough to turn it all buzzy and the truss rod could only be adjusted by removing the neck. Since time was a factor, I took the FlexSteels off and opted for a new set of Ernie Ball Cobalt rounds.

I knew the FlexSteels were low-tension. Hell, the packaging practically brags about it! But I didn't think the difference would be so dramatic.

Are they good strings? Personally, I think so, especially if you like a bit of "growl", and who knows? They might help with your buzzy-ness. It also helps that they're not very expensive.

 

[lz4005]

Anyone have any experience with thin necks bending effective the action below the 12th fret? I notice when I tune down a 1/2 the playable below the 12 fret improves on a lot of my basses.

Necks bend. Some easier than others. That's what truss rods are for.

 

[xroads]

Necks bend. Some easier than others. That's what truss rods are for.

This. String choice and truss rod adjustment go hand in hand.
The issue is when the rod is maxed out. Then, a smart choice of strings
might help.

 

[andruca]

The issue is when the rod is maxed out. Then, a smart choice of strings
might help.

Also when your truss rod is single action (can only exert force against strings) and won't loosen any further.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

If i understand the original question i think the OP means the bass feels better to play below the 12th when tuned down. If that is the case it's the result of lower string tension. As others have pointed out a lower tension string will give similar results at standard pitch.