will I ruin my bass?

[lowdowner]

So... for christmas (yes, that long ago) my folks were kind enough to buy me a spanking new set of strings. Thing is, they're Rotobass 40-60-80-100 gauge, and my bass came with standard 45-105's. I'm guessing that the truss rod is set for the standards, so will I need to have it looked at if I put the thicker strings on?

Is there a significant difference in tension?

Can I do it myself, or do I need a bass specialist, or any old guitar shop?

[RhysP]

The strings you want to put on are lighter (40-100) than the ones you've got on there now (45-105), not heavier.

The truss rod might need a tweak, but it all depends on the individual bass - I've had basses where I've never needed to adjust the neck & ones that needed adjusting all the time. It's easy to do, but if you've never tried it before you'll probably be a bit nervous about doing it.
There are probably other forum members in your area, why not see if somebody can go through what you need to do with you so you can learn to do it yourself? It's much cheaper than paying for a set up every time you get new strings.

[Zenitram]

Spanking, tension, rods, thickness ... only you can decide whether to seek specialist help or take care of it yourself...

[lowdowner]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1344630436' post='1767462']
The strings you want to put on are lighter (40-100) than the ones you've got on there now (45-105), not heavier.
[/quote]

*doh* of course!

thanks for the advice - i'll see if i can track someone down for some help

[lowdowner]

[quote name='Zenitram' timestamp='1344630604' post='1767464']
Spanking, tension, rods, thickness ... only you can decide whether to seek specialist help or take care of it yourself...
[/quote]

now, now, we're only just past the watershed!

[LukeFRC]

teach yourself to do it. Try not to break anything

[Zenitram]

It's all in the wrist, you know...

[BILL POSTERS]

Have a go, Ask somebody to sit with you if you can, or read up on the interweb, fender sites good, even if its not a fender, it explains it well.

Make sure you get a quality allen key that fits properly, and push it fully home, so as not to damage the socket. You shouldnt need more than a quarter of a turn, absolute maximum.

Edited August 10, 2012 by BRANCINI

[LiamPodmore]

Check out [url="http://www.jerzydrozdbasses.com/akcndfr54jdhrei567/Ultimate_Guide_ver100.pdf"]this[/url]. It's quite long, but i've found it VERY useful in the past. Goes through everything you need, and more.

Liam

[BassBus]

Youtube, dear boy, Youtube.

Search for adjusting the truss rod and you'll get a few videos on the subject. Then you can decide whether or not you have the courage to have a go yourself.

[LukeFRC]

Main things to remember....

1) right size allen key. If it's american it's likely to be an imperial size, if not metric.
2) As you tighten, pull back on the headstock (gently but firmly) so that you're not trying to use the thread of the truss as the tightening tool.
3) don't do too much in one go.

[gjones]

I chopped and changed strings, of different gauges, for years before I knew what a truss rod was. You'll probably find the lighter strings sit a little closer to the frets because they sit lower in the nut but it's unlikely you'll need to adjust the truss rod if they still feel comfortable to play and they're not rattling off the frets.

But if you do this will help http://basschat.co.uk/topic/138152-how-to-give-your-bass-the-best-set-up/

[lowdowner]

lots of great advice - i feel brave enough to watch some youtube links/read a few web guides and 'have a go'. I suppose if I muck it up without actually over tightening, I can always go to a shop and have an expert look at it

[Nibody]

Just remember - tighter for less "bow", looser for more. and when turning the truss rod - Righty-tighty, lefty-loosy

[xgsjx]

I thought you needed a hammer & chisel to get to the truss rod?

[Lozz196]

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1344642899' post='1767635']
I chopped and changed strings, of different gauges, for years before I knew what a truss rod was. You'll probably find the lighter strings sit a little closer to the frets because they sit lower in the nut but it's unlikely you'll need to adjust the truss rod if they still feel comfortable to play and they're not rattling off the frets.

But if you do this will help [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/138152-how-to-give-your-bass-the-best-set-up/"]http://basschat.co.u...he-best-set-up/[/url]
[/quote]

Yep, and, as lighter gauge, they`ll probably feel easier to play as well. I noticed this the other day, recording on a bass strung with 90s. I use 110s, so these were a doddle under finger, so to speak.

[waynepunkdude]

You want to get an Alan key that is a bit smaller that the truss nut then keep on turning, don't worry about feeling tension that just means it's working, use as much force as possible.

It's good to help.

[BILL POSTERS]

Small point. Dont forget to slacken the strings before you try and adjust the truss.

[Spike Vincent]

If you really knacker it,I know a good luthier in the Forest of Dean..