Un-tapered strings on through-body bridge?

I have used both successfully. I do like Dean Markley Helix strings on my basses, which are tapered on E and A strings (and the B if using 5-string set). They worked great on a string-thru Precision. I also use DR Hi Beams which are not tapered and they sounded fine. Just make sure you set the witness points when using non-tapered strings.

 

Yeah they don't require tapered strings, they come from the factory with NON tapered strings in fact.

 

All photos at Sweetwater and MF show a non-tapered string:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JBassADMNT

Not that it really matters either way though, it will work with either. It would be asinine for them to require a tapered string. This is Fender we're talking about though

 

Before I tighten the string to pitch and while it is on tuner and set properly on the bridge saddle I gently put some pressure with my finger on the strings in front of the saddle and again just after the nut. I do the witness point at nut when the string is a bit tighter but not at pitch and not slack.

 

Glad I was helpful. Those adjustment are pretty straight forward and the more you learn about setups just makes it easier to make a bass a real player

 

Make sure the bass is properly set up with the brand and gauge of strings you prefer going in, because you can't re-set a witness point if the intonation needs to be adjusted.

I have used several different brands and gauges of strings on my string-through-body custom half-fanned P/J. They all work fine.

The only company I know of that cautions about string-through is La Bella, and then only on their flatwounds, which they make a top-load version an a string-through version.

 

I have non-tapered flats, strung-through, on my Am Dlx P, and don't see any problems.

Maybe, its because I wouldn't know any better if there was.

One caution, if you string top-load, the ferules may fall out. I found they were not secured when I removed the original strings to go with flats.

Kept rounds on the Am Dlx J. Spectacular instruments in my opinion. Mine are both natural ash, with maple necks.

I expect that you are really going to like yours.

 

The first P-basses were through body strung as were Telecaster basses of the 60s/70s.

Tapered strings didn't even come along until the 1980s.

Don't sweat it.

 

Tapered strings (B and E only):

 

If a ferrule falls out, wrap it with one wrap of old-fashioned masking tape and pressure fit it back in. It should stay.