Modulus Bass Question

[nbtone]

I have a 1996 Q5 that I tune E A D G B. It’s a little beat up, but seems to be in good shape overall. I use D’Addario heavy gage strings (.110 to .55) with a .40 for the B string, and I am not able to get the action set right. I took it to a luthier, and he tried adjusting the truss rod but said it wouldn’t adjust anymore. I’m wondering if the graphite neck just isn’t strong enough.

[itu]

A '96 with a truss rod? Sure? Got a pic of your bass?

 

Do you play with very high action? If the bridge adjustments, and neck shimming do not help, you need to change strings. I've had no issues with graphite necks (2 x MG, 2 x Vigier, 1 x Status copy), truss rod or not.

 

I had the bridge changed in the factory when they planed the top of my then Q5. That Gotoh wasn't very good, but the Hipshot was. Easier to adjust and better adjustments.

[nbtone]

9 hours ago, itu said:

A '96 with a truss rod? Sure? Got a pic of your bass?

 

Do you play with very high action? If the bridge adjustments, and neck shimming do not help, you need to change strings. I've had no issues with graphite necks (2 x MG, 2 x Vigier, 1 x Status copy), truss rod or not.

 

I had the bridge changed in the factory when they planed the top of my then Q5. That Gotoh wasn't very good, but the Hipshot was. Easier to adjust and better adjustments.

Yes it has a truss rod. I guess it’s time for a new bass. When I switched to 5 string a couple years ago I couldn’t get used to the skinny top string, so I went with heavy gage strings. The top string kept breaking when i tuned it to a c, so I tuned it to a b. 

[itu]

To get a set that is even close to a similar strings overall, I would start with the tension guide by D'Addario. I know it's an old one but gives an idea of what you are after. If this link does not work, find it with words: "daddario tension chart" and add that 13934 if needed.

 

You may use any brand strings, and this chart gives you the idea and ballpark of different tensions. Therefore this is usable with other string brands, too.

 

This tool is actually easy to read after you dive into it. I suggest you to write down tensions of your existing set of EADG, and fill it with an approximately similar tension C- or B-string.

 

https://www.daddario.com/globalassets/pdfs/accessories/tension_chart_13934.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoon9UF-qjBiCO7W25qfGAnh8Qgi16HlyVJtSFjRCVpWHV3TVHaZ

[itu]

By the way, I found your pages, @nbtone. Are you using roundwounds, and if so, have you been considering tape or flatwounds? They might produce different feel, and you could (and should) try different gauges. Yes, trials cost somewhat, but that's the price we all have to pay. I think you should go to a store or a friend of yours and try different string types as well as gauges.