Would you change your strings on the advice of a Luthier?

snake · Nov 8, 2005

I've never taken my bass to luthier. I called one that works a music store I occasionally buy from. I told him I would like to have my bass set up. He asked what I wanted, and I told him Truss adjustment, string height, intonation... I told him I would provide the strings. He asked what kind of strings I use. And I told him the tapewound flats. I told him it was a fretted bass. Anyway, he told me those strings won't work on a fretted bass as the frets will chew into the tape and unwind. I had these strings on two different basses for more than four years with no problem. I don't change strings often, nor have I ever broke one.
I'm sure the guy knows more about guitars in than I do, but I don't want to change the strings I use because of his opinion. I know I sacrifice some tone with these strings, but I like the ease of playing them.
Would you change your strings on the advice of a Luthier?

ikickuintheballs · Nov 8, 2005

It seems as though your experience would hold precedence over his in this case as you've been using these strings for over 4 years now without any of the said problems. So, no.

Geezerman · Nov 9, 2005

ikickuintheballs said:

It seems as though your experience would hold precedence over his in this case as you've been using these strings for over 4 years now without any of the said problems. So, no.
Click to expand...

Yup, just tell him you use these strings for years, and that should be the end of story

bassmonkeee · Nov 9, 2005

snake said:

I've never taken my bass to luthier. I called one that works a music store I occasionally buy from. I told him I would like to have my bass set up. He asked what I wanted, and I told him Truss adjustment, string height, intonation... I told him I would provide the strings. He asked what kind of strings I use. And I told him the tapewound flats. I told him it was a fretted bass. Anyway, he told me those strings won't work on a fretted bass as the frets will chew into the tape and unwind. I had these strings on two different basses for more than four years with no problem. I don't change strings often, nor have I ever broke one.
I'm sure the guy knows more about guitars in than I do, but I don't want to change the strings I use because of his opinion. I know I sacrifice some tone with these strings, but I like the ease of playing them.
Would you change your strings on the advice of a Luthier?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't change my strings on the advice of someone who obviously was severly mistaken. You've got 4 years practical experience with those strings. He is giving anecdotal evidence to the contrary. Which one are you going to believe?

didier · Nov 9, 2005

ask him to de-fret the bass?

I'd keep the strings (and the frets) the same and maybe look hard for someone else to work on it for me.

lonote · Nov 9, 2005

I wouldn't change them, it's his experience vs. your experience. I'm sure he has seen the problem, though, or he wouldn't have brought it up.

WezV · Nov 9, 2005

Sometimes Luthiers are just as arrogant as anybody that works in a guitar shop, And we all know how arrogant and 'know it all' they can be. Some people have a need to state things as fact with very little evidence to back it up. I am sure he has seen the problem, and probably attributed it to the frets, its an obvious assumption. Obviously in your case, with your playing style, it aint a problem.

Tell him of your experiences and that you are aware that it could be a problem and wouldnt try to blame his setup if it did happen. If he still has a problem with it remind him you are the Player (the person Luthiers should be accomodating) and the customer (the person any business man should be accomodating) and that you will now be taking your business elsewhere (assuming that is possible).

I say all this as a builder (i feel a bit poncy calling myself a luthier) who is used to dealing with players unique needs.

Rene · Nov 9, 2005

snake said:

I've never taken my bass to luthier. I called one that works a music store I occasionally buy from. I told him I would like to have my bass set up. He asked what I wanted, and I told him Truss adjustment, string height, intonation... I told him I would provide the strings. He asked what kind of strings I use. And I told him the tapewound flats. I told him it was a fretted bass. Anyway, he told me those strings won't work on a fretted bass as the frets will chew into the tape and unwind. I had these strings on two different basses for more than four years with no problem. I don't change strings often, nor have I ever broke one.
I'm sure the guy knows more about guitars in than I do, but I don't want to change the strings I use because of his opinion. I know I sacrifice some tone with these strings, but I like the ease of playing them.
Would you change your strings on the advice of a Luthier?
Click to expand...

If he is a qualified and a professional honest luthier, He must be abble to set up your bass the way you want and chose with any kind or gauge of strings that you chose.
Because you are the one who plays that bass, so it is your call

snake · Nov 9, 2005

I want to thank everyone for thier opinion. They did ALL agree with mine.

Thanks, Ed

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