smurfitt Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 Hi all, I have 3 basses and have tried different brands and gauges over the past few yrs. My problem is I cant remember what I last put on my Musicman. Could be either of the following: 40,60,80,100 45,65,80,100 45,65,85,105 The local music shops have technicians but they dont have a micrometer or calipers to measure what gauge is already on this bass. One said it shouldnt matter if I use any of those gauges as there's not much difference. is that correct? Will the intonation be out or muck up the neck? The other said they would be able to give a rough idea. What?? I'd like to know how they can tell 0.05 of a millimeter difference!! No known luthiers in the area so any advice would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure those different gauges shouldn't impact on your intonation. They're all round about what a standard 4 string pack would be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 You can buy an electronic micrometer for less than a fiver. Even with the same gauges and same make and model of string you will likely need to do a setup. New strings even of same model and gauge are different, they are new. If they are a different make of string and still the same gauge then you are extremely likely to need to do a full setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1449842355' post='2927407'] You can buy an electronic micrometer for less than a fiver. Even with the same gauges and same make and model of string you will likely need to do a setup. New strings even of same model and gauge are different, they are new. If they are a different make of string and still the same gauge then you are extremely likely to need to do a full setup. [/quote] Wait, does this mean you do a full set-up every time you change your strings?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morgano Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 You might find the truss rod needs a slight tweak if you go heavier or lighter, especially on the lower strings. By the way, on eBay you can be electronic calipers for under a fiver, delivered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='AinsleyWalker' timestamp='1449842439' post='2927410'] Wait, does this mean you do a full set-up every time you change your strings?! [/quote] Yes, if it needs it. I'll always check the intonation & neck relief when I put new strings on & adjust it if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='AinsleyWalker' timestamp='1449842439' post='2927410'] Wait, does this mean you do a full set-up every time you change your strings?! [/quote] I rarely change strings but if I do I would do a setup. I'd also redo or check the setup every now and then anyway without new strings. How would you know it didn't need doing if you hadn't checked it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 It's not only the gauge of strings that matters. The particular construction affects tension, compliance, and intonation. That's why strings of the same gauge can have very different tensions and or compliances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1449842709' post='2927417'] I rarely change strings but if I do I would do a setup. I'd also redo or check the setup every now and then anyway without new strings. How would you know it didn't need doing if you hadn't checked it? [/quote] I guess through my lack of knowledge of how to actually do a set-up on my own I've never thought it was necessary to do that often! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='AinsleyWalker' timestamp='1449842990' post='2927423'] I guess through my lack of knowledge of how to actually do a set-up on my own I've never thought it was necessary to do that often! [/quote] [media]http://youtu.be/cIzV9462xeE[/media] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 http://youtu.be/D4MdWzN_100 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1449843344' post='2927430'] [media]http://youtu.be/D4MdWzN_100[/media] [/quote] Thanks for the links! I have a stingray, I know what needs to be done in theory, just never applied it through fear of messing the thing up haha.. Will these videos apply to a ray? (Can't check videos at the moment!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 http://youtu.be/k8qFpcsg-0A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='AinsleyWalker' timestamp='1449843488' post='2927433'] Thanks for the links! I have a stingray, I know what needs to be done in theory, just never applied it through fear of messing the thing up haha.. Will these videos apply to a ray? (Can't check videos at the moment!) [/quote] The principles are the same for any common fretted bass guitar - by which I mean to exclude 13-stringers and the like, etc. but even there the principles would be the same. If Carl Pedigo's video doesn't appeal, there are many more on Youtube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1449843803' post='2927437'] The principles are the same for any common fretted bass guitar - by which I mean to exclude 13-stringers and the like, etc. but even there the principles would be the same. If Carl Pedigo's video doesn't appeal, there are many more on Youtube. [/quote] Yeah, I've checked a few, but they seemed overly complicated needing tons of tools and such... But thanks I will check these out tonight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 (edited) [quote name='AinsleyWalker' timestamp='1449844026' post='2927445'] Yeah, I've checked a few, but they seemed overly complicated needing tons of tools and such... But thanks I will check these out tonight [/quote] You do need some tools - an electronic tuner, appropriate screwdriver(s) and allen key(s), feeler gauge set, short ruler with sixteenths, 18" straight edge rule, and maybe a cheap business card. Also useful are string cutters, string winder, an electronic micrometer for less than a fiver, a small bottle of lemon oil for your rosewood fretboard, and an appropriate polishing cloth Edited December 11, 2015 by EssentialTension Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurfitt Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share Posted December 11, 2015 What?? I need all those tools just to change a set of strings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='smurfitt' timestamp='1449845159' post='2927465'] What?? I need all those tools just to change a set of strings? [/quote] No, you can just change the strings and soldier on if you prefer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 [quote name='smurfitt' timestamp='1449845159' post='2927465'] What?? I need all those tools just to change a set of strings? [/quote] No those are to set-up the bass, to change strings all you'll need is string cutters, and an optional would be a winder for the tuning pegs to save time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurfitt Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share Posted December 11, 2015 I was going to say, I dont know anyone who does that. I do check my intonation regularly and its never been out no matter what strings I've had on the bass. I mustve misunderstood your post which said: [i][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]I rarely change strings but if I do I would do a setup. I'd also redo or check the setup every now and then anyway without new strings.[/size][/font][/color][/i] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 Misunderstood how? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurfitt Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share Posted December 11, 2015 You posted the quotes below and then put up videos to show how to do a complete set up. I think they suggest a set up should be done each time you change the strings?? [size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i][color=#282828]Even with the same gauges and same make and model of string you will likely need to do a setup.[/color][/i][/font][/size] [size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i][color=#282828]If they are a different make of string and still the same gauge then you are extremely likely to need to do a full setup.[/color][/i][/font][/size] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]I rarely change strings but if I do I would do a setu[/i][/font]p.[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 (edited) [quote name='smurfitt' timestamp='1449846592' post='2927487'] You posted the quotes below and then put up videos to show how to do a complete set up. I think they suggest a set up should be done each time you change the strings?? [size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i][color=#282828]Even with the same gauges and same make and model of string you will likely need to do a setup.[/color][/i][/font][/size] [size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i][color=#282828]If they are a different make of string and still the same gauge then you are extremely likely to need to do a full setup.[/color][/i][/font][/size] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]I rarely change strings but if I do I would do a setu[/i][/font]p.[/size][/font][/color] [/quote] He was posting the videos in response to what I said, which was that I didn't know how to set my bass up on my own. And his comments about setting up each time was just what he does, I've never done that for example. Edited December 11, 2015 by AinsleyWalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurfitt Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share Posted December 11, 2015 Ok cheers for clarifying Ainsley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AinsleyWalker Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 No problem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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