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Post subject: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz bass
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 5:31 pm
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I am going to buy ernie ball cobalts but don't know which gauges to go with. Any suggestions? I will be playing rock cover tunes if that helps. I am a total newbie beginner so need some good advice. Thanks! [size=150][/size]


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Post subject: Re: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 8:53 pm
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I don't know for sure which model Jazz you have. The Fender 7250ML is often used on Squier Jazzes. That set is sized .045/.065/.080/.100. It is usually best to stay in the ballpark gauge-wise to avoid nut filing. The Ernie Ball 2734 Cobalt set is exactly that same gauge. That would possibly require less adjustment than any other E Ball Cobalt set. I would probably not go larger than .a 045/.065/.085/.105 set. Never used the EB Cobalts, but your mind seems made up.


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Post subject: Re: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:20 pm
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I bought a used geddy lee signature series. I dont know what set is on there now. just looks like cobalt is better but i am just guessing. what do the different gauges do/mean? Thanks Brother Dave for the great information!


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Post subject: Re: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:01 pm
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I was not aware that Squier made a Geddy Lee model.

The gauge is the string diameter size. The bigger the number the fatter the string. Also generally the fatter the string the higher the tension, but not always...just within the same line or if the exact same materials and construction techniques are used. There are only like a handful of companies that make all the wire in bulk rolls for about every string brand on the market.

When changing string gauge you have to do a full setup adjusting everything because intonation will be different and tension will also be different. When changing string sets or types but keeping the same exact gauge you still will possibly have to make truss rod adjustments because different types of strings can have different tensions, but the intonation should be about the same once you get the neck relief set properly for the tension. When simply swapping out a new set of the exact same old set you may not have to make any adjustments at all if you change them one at a time.

If you go with a set that is too fat you may have to file the nut slots larger which creates two problems. 1. You have to have nut files = $$$. 2. Once filed they can't be "un-filed" so if you ever want to go back to standard gauge strings you have to replace the nut which = even more $$$. Nut replacement should be left up to a luthier/skilled tech experienced at nut replacement which again = even more $$$.

If you go with a string gauge that is too fat to fit the existing slots without filing the slots wider you can break the nut. Not fun. Best not to go with a really fat gauge, especially if you are trying to set it up yourself at home without the right nut files.

ADVICE: Take your instrument to a tech for a setup when first switching to a new string set! After that you can change strings one at a time using the exact same replacement set with no adjustments needed indefinitely. The tech may ask what kind setup you want and ask questions about your playing style. Aggressive finger style players often need a higher setup than pick players for example. With the proper setup it should play easily and in perfect intonation for a long time. Yes it is expensive and inconvenient but totally worth it. After a pro setup stick with the same string set every string change.

OR if you want to try it yourself, you can use any of the setup guides on my DO IT YOURSELF page here:
http://brotherdave.com/add_maint.htm


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Post subject: Re: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:25 pm
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Did some checking. Is it the very limited edition Squier model that looked like THIS?

Image

They were sold directly on the Rush website I think in support of the 2012 tour. They were called "The Rush Squier Clockwork Angels Bass" and sold for a penny shy of $600. Some were used as promo giveaways mostly by radio stations and magazines. They are based on the Squier Vintage Modified 70's Jazz Bass with a few extra markings and the decal on the pickguard. The mass production Squier they appear to be based upon uses Fender 7250ML strings, so probably the limited edition Geddy models did too. I've read this was a run of 100.


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Post subject: Re: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz
Posted: Fri Nov 22, 2013 9:54 am
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Sorry I just realized this is under squier basses and mine is a jazz bass artist series Geddy Lee made in Japan serial #: S 091057 As I said I am very new to all of this and am learning everyday.Lol Thanks for all of your feedback! Very much appreciated!


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Post subject: Re: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz
Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2013 8:46 pm
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No problem!


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Post subject: Re: New guy wondering which strings to buy to restring jazz
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 3:01 pm
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I just switched to Fender 9050 .105 - .50 gauge on my Affinity Jazz bass. I wanted to try flats. I love the sound. You can hammer on 'em pretty good.

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