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Will a .130 gauge string fit through most 4-string bridges?

A

arntseaj

Feb 7, 2012
22
0
#1
Hi,

I play in Drop A# to play bands you've most definitely never heard of lol I'm thinking of getting a Geddy Lee Jazz as my next bass.

Does a .130 gauge string fit through most E-string holes? And more specifically, will it fit through a BadAss II bridge? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
#4
I have a MIM 5er with a badass bridge on it, and I have problems with a simple 125 B string going through the bridge. I have to pull it in place using the tuning key. The strings I use are not tapered and are a little larger near the ball end. However, since my bridge is black, I will be drilling out the B string hole to enlarge it enough to take a 130. Drilling the bridge to fit the larger string would not be a problem, but enlarging the slot in the nut for a 130 is not a reversible procedure.
 
#5
I know the nut will have to have some filing done to it. I've done that before on my old Schecter. I'm just worried that I'll buy the Geddy, and then find out I can't fit a .130 through the bridge :/
 
#6
unclebass said:
I have a MIM 5er with a badass bridge on it, and I have problems with a simple 125 B string going through the bridge. I have to pull it in place using the tuning key. The strings I use are not tapered and are a little larger near the ball end. However, since my bridge is black, I will be drilling out the B string hole to enlarge it enough to take a 130. Drilling the bridge to fit the larger string would not be a problem, but enlarging the slot in the nut for a 130 is not a reversible procedure.
Click to expand...

You can always replace the nut, right?
 
#8
arntseaj said:
You can always replace the nut, right?
Click to expand...
Theoretically, but I'm hearing that a lot of Fender nuts are showing up glued in for eternity these days, which means a lot more bench time.

Also, drilling through the plating on high-density zamak will accelerate the corrosion and peeling for which the BAIIs are already notorious.

Finally, make positive you're not increasing the net string tension on that whippy neck.

Does it sound like I don't think much of this whole idea?
 
#9
Bongolation said:
Theoretically, but I'm hearing that a lot of Fender nuts are showing up glued in for eternity these days, which means a lot more bench time.

Also, drilling through the plating on high-density zamak will accelerate the corrosion and peeling for which the BAIIs are already notorious.

Finally, make positive you're not increasing the net string tension on that whippy neck.

Does it sound like I don't think much of this whole idea?
Click to expand...

No, I completely understand. One wouldn't think to pair the Geddy's neck with such heavy strings. However, the reason I'm interested in the Geddy is because many of the A# tuned bands I listen to have at one time or still use a Geddy as their main axe. I guess I'll stop at GC tomorrow and ask an employee for some input.
 
#10
arntseaj said:
I guess I'll stop at GC tomorrow and ask an employee for some input.
Click to expand...

[Picture a few dozen readers spitting coffee all over their monitors]

Tell me you're not serious about that. :eek:

Anyway, heavier strings do not always translate to appreciably more string tension, as tension is determined by the core and in some brands the cores are the same diameter (or nearly so) between gauges, the size being more determined by the windings. Odd, but true. :hmm:

In any case, you're going to have to be careful about tension on that neck. It simply can't handle the load of the typical Music Man or Precision, say, without developing problems over the long haul.
 
#11
Bongolation said:
[Picture a few dozen readers spitting coffee all over their monitors]

Tell me you're not serious about that. :eek:

Anyway, heavier strings do not always translate to appreciably more string tension, as tension is determined by the core and in some brands the cores are the same diameter (or nearly so) between gauges, the size being more determined by the windings. Odd, but true. :hmm:

In any case, you're going to have to be careful about tension on that neck. It simply can't handle the load of the typical Music Man or Precision, say, without developing problems over the long haul.
Click to expand...

So I guess the question should change to how much difference is the Geddy's neck compared to a regular Jazz bass? I've had a Squier Jazz and a Schecter Jazz bass all in A# with no problems before.
 
#13
arntseaj said:
No, I completely understand. One wouldn't think to pair the Geddy's neck with such heavy strings. However, the reason I'm interested in the Geddy is because many of the A# tuned bands I listen to have at one time or still use a Geddy as their main axe. I guess I'll stop at GC tomorrow and ask an employee for some input.
Click to expand...

BEAD is less stress on a neck than EADG
 
#16
I have a couple of '80s Peavey Dyna 5s with Schaller roller bridges. Some .130 B strings don't fit if the extra wrap at the ball end is too big. I solved the problem by using Sadowsky Blue strings, which have a tapered B. Any brand with a tapered B string will work. You do have to adjust the saddle height though. This should work with a .130 on a 4 string bridge too.
 
#17
Showdown said:
I have a couple of '80s Peavey Dyna 5s with Schaller roller bridges. Some .130 B strings don't fit if the extra wrap at the ball end is too big. I solved the problem by using Sadowsky Blue strings, which have a tapered B. Any brand with a tapered B string will work. You do have to adjust the saddle height though. This should work with a .130 on a 4 string bridge too.
Click to expand...

I've heard tapered strings make the string sound more twangy. Is that true?
 

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