Changing stock strings to lighter guage

[Greggo]

Hi,

I've bought a 5 string Vintage EST96A bass and thinking of changing strings. The factory fit are 45 - 130 but I'd like to fit ernie ball super slinkies which are 40 - 125. Am I fine to just change and adjust action accordingly or is it best to adjust neck also?

[deanovw]

Stick 'em on and see what happens. The neck might need a tweak. You wont know until its up to tension.

[Hobbayne]

Its usually changing up to a heavier gauge that puts more strain on the neck.

[Greggo]

Thanks. I'm not particularly experienced with truss rod adjustment so hoping minimal intervention will be required!

[Silvia Bluejay]

In the past few months I've changed the strings on all my bass guitars from high tension sets to low tension ones, and I'm still having to loosen the truss rod every now and then! So it's definitely something you should consider, as well as re-checking the intonation and, of course, the string height at the bridge and nut (if adjustable).

[Greggo]

OK. Is fret buzz the symptom of neck adjustment or is it the tension in general?

[Silvia Bluejay]

[quote name='Greggo' timestamp='1348779460' post='1818222']
OK. Is fret buzz the symptom of neck adjustment or is it the tension in general?
[/quote]

It means that your action is too low and/or the string height needs to be adjusted. Often both...

[Greggo]

Thanks. Will change them over and see what needs adjusting, I'm bit scared of messing up neck if I have to do that

[Silvia Bluejay]

You'll see that everything needs adjusting! My basses were unplayable before I re-set them up correctly. Don't be scared, you need to learn how to carry out all those adjustments. Have a quick search online for tips.

Edited September 27, 2012 by bluejay

[Kongo]

[quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1348778726' post='1818200']
Its usually changing up to a heavier gauge that puts more strain on the neck.
[/quote]

Indeed, but remember this is a two way thing.
Less tension from the strings will make the truss rod's tension greater.
I'd wager you may need to loosen it, if anything. Depends on your action. If it's low, you may find it might fret out.

[lowdowner]

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1348779108' post='1818213']
In the past few months I've changed the strings on all my bass guitars from high tension sets to low tension ones, and I'm still having to loosen the truss rod every now and then! So it's definitely something you should consider, as well as re-checking the intonation and, of course, the string height at the bridge and nut (if adjustable).
[/quote]

+1 for this but the other way around (stock to high tension). Mind you, the weird weather probably has a hand in this, together with the fact that I'm more conscious of the next bow now I've taken the plunge and fiddled with the truss...

It's not as scary as you might think - all you need to do is remember to turn the rod in quarter turns at most each time so as not to strain the neck in one great over-tightening 'yank' and you'll be find. Turn (slightly) and then wait 12-24 hours and re-assess.