Too much string tension on Gibson SG Bass

[David Atherton]

I set my short scale Gibson SG Bass to factory specs and am using 45-100 Gauge strings but the string tension is so high that my fingers get numb halfway through the set. I have the tailpiece set high because I thought the lower angle over the bridge would help reduce string tension. So what am I doing wrong? Looking for setup suggestions, tailpiece height hints, maybe a low string tension set of short scale strings? I know this is weird for a short scale bass. thanks!

 

[msb]

There's an SG Club , the folks there are very helpful.

SG & EB Bass Club

 

[thunesBARROW]

Try setting up your bass with a lower action, and turning up your volume so you can use a lighter touch when playing. If you're not confident doing a setup yourself, take your bass to a pro.

You could also try 40-95 gauge strings, like D'Addario EXL220S. A properly setup bass should be relatively easy to play, even with heavy gauge strings.

 

[Bruce Pete]

I've got 45-105 flat wounds on my SG, I can play it for hours.

Get a professional setup, quit messing with the bridge if you really don't know what you're doing.

 

[Gorn]

Are you sure you put the right gauge strings on the bass?

 

[gln1955]

I have the tailpiece set high because I thought the lower angle over the bridge would help reduce string tension.

I'm trying to think of a way this makes any sense. You need to let a professional set up your bass or take some time to Google how the parts of a bass work.

 

[ctmullins]

You need to find the root of your numbness. It could be any number of causes; I wouldn't automatically assume it's caused by your strings.

 

[t-ray]

The 3-point bridge is...well. Get the action comfortable by adjusting the posts, but remember the rear end of the bridge should be angled down.
Jack Casady calls it like a "rake". I went to LaBella low-tension flats and the playability is much better. Watch out for too much tension on the rear of the bridge, hence the lower angle. I too found that with the wrong strings (gauge/ tension) the SG can be a bit fatiguing. Try a lighter gauge or lower tension string with proper bridge setup.

 

[squish]

Your high tension is a result of high action, which is exhausting. When you get the setup right, the effort to play is reduced. I have spoken. lol

 

[David Atherton]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will check out the Labella low tension flats and the D'Addario EXL220S. I did review the setup again against Gibson specs and I am at or below spec on string height and relief, and i understand from reading up that the angle of the strings over the bridge doesn't matter for string tension (or that's the theory of some), so it has to be the strings.

 

[walterw]

I set my short scale Gibson SG Bass to factory specs and am using 45-100 Gauge strings but the string tension is so high that my fingers get numb halfway through the set.

factory specs from most companies are really high! get the bass set up properly, including filing the nut slots, and it should become super-easy to play.

the problem is not "string tension" as such, you can let go of that term to avoid confusion