Adjustments required for lighter strings?

[surfguy13]

Hi guys

I have a feeling this is a bit of a stupid question but nevertheless I felt it was worth asking!!

I have an old 60s Jazz which has always had 55-105 strings (previously roundwound and now flats). I want to try the bass with a much lighter set as I recently tried a jazz with 45-95 strings and although different was really very nice.

So, the aim is to install 40/45 - 95/100 strings as an experiment. The million dollar question is......will the lighter load result in the neck flattening out a little? I am quite happy to adjust the trussrod accordingly but I guess I have never been quite sure if lighter strings will have any real effect on setup, having always used the same gauge.

Cheers

[Twincam]

Probably it will move a bit, but some necks move more than others so just try it.

[Twincam]

Too add that lighter sting typically have less tension so they might move around more so this might affect how you have to play or how you typically like your setup.
It's very subjective.

[BassBus]

You could try looking at the series of videos Fodera put up recently about setting up a bass. This one is for intonation which will definitely need to be checked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvm_DT0GHIM

[JTUK]

Put them on and monitor the neck and action over 24 hrs. Tweak as applicable...

[Norris]

It depends how fastidious you are about your setup, and the bass of course. Chances are it won't change much if at all. Do check your intonation though - it will have an effect on the bridge compensation (related to string mass & compliance or "bendiness")

[surfguy13]

Thanks guys, this sort of confirms what I thought......that there will be very little change. I will give it a whirl and see how it goes. I guess I wasn't sure how much the physical size of a string accounted for the pressure placed on the neck and it sounds like the difference between gauges doesn't make [i]that [/i]much difference.

[Wonky2]

A change in string guage will alter things a small amount BUT in several places, such as saddle hights and tension on neck.... If you want to get the best out of your bass and feel your new guage at its best, take some time after it settles to run through a few measures, you WILL find you either HAVE to due to fret buzzes or what not, or you may just be able to tweak a bit more out of things to get it silky smooth.
Change of strings to different brand, type or guage always worth laying a towel out on the kitchen table and spending some time. Dont be scared of it, unless you do something mirinic its all easy put back right

Have fun

[Grassie]

Have had 45-105's on my PJ for 3 years (although tuned down half a step). Now I've finished with my band I've taken the old strings off, given the bass a good clean and ordered some 35-95's. Been meaning to go back to a lighter gauge string for a while now, but only ever used 40-100's before. Fully expecting to make some truss rod adjustments, but have always set my own basses up, so not a major issue for me. 😊