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Post subject: Upgrading to heavier gauge strings... any issues?
Posted: Sun May 21, 2017 5:32 am
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I am buying a 50's Precision Bass (Classic series, Mexican). It is brand new but it may have been manufactured 2 or 3 years ago cause it was going cheap due to being "old stock". It comes with (.045, .065, .080, .100) gauge strings, as shown in the specs.

I am planning to replace the strings with (.045, .065, .085, .105 ) gauge strings - so slightly heavier.

I am wondering if there would be any issues with doing this, like...

Any adverse affects from higher tension on the neck?

Anything related to the groove widths in the nut?

Thanks for any comments, experience or information.


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Post subject: Re: Upgrading to heavier gauge strings... any issues?
Posted: Sun May 21, 2017 6:57 am
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You should have no issues whatsoever. Look up the Fender Bass set up guide right here on this site. Check your neck relief and adjust truss rod if necessary. Then go to the bridge and adjust string height first and then reset your intonation if it is off. If you've never done a set up before and don't own the tools, it is always best to have a professional install your stringset and give you a complete from scratch setup. Having your frets checked for level is always a good thing as well as setting the action at the nut which requires special nut files and a lot of expertise. Having all of that done professionally right from the start can save a lot of hassle and headaches. Plus you'll enjoy your new bass all the more. Good Luck!

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Post subject: Re: Upgrading to heavier gauge strings... any issues?
Posted: Sun May 21, 2017 5:20 pm
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linnin wrote:
You should have no issues whatsoever. Look up the Fender Bass set up guide right here on this site. Check your neck relief and adjust truss rod if necessary. Then go to the bridge and adjust string height first and then reset your intonation if it is off. If you've never done a set up before and don't own the tools, it is always best to have a professional install your stringset and give you a complete from scratch setup. Having your frets checked for level is always a good thing as well as setting the action at the nut which requires special nut files and a lot of expertise. Having all of that done professionally right from the start can save a lot of hassle and headaches. Plus you'll enjoy your new bass all the more. Good Luck!


Wow, thanks Linnin, for all the great info!! I was already planning to get a proper guitar technician to do the installation and setup for me, so I will definitely do that. I am also changing the pickups to American Vintage '58s, and putting on a tortoise shell pickguard and a chrome bridge cover. So I will get all that done professionally in one go.

I reckon it will look pretty good (it is the Honey Blonde model). What effect do you think changing the pickups will have on the sound/tone?


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Post subject: Re: Upgrading to heavier gauge strings... any issues?
Posted: Mon May 22, 2017 12:28 am
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In general, I wouldn't rush major upgrades like that pickup change.
Thinking that if you like the bass enough to buy it, maybe give it, your other gear and yourself some time to get acquainted. A classic Series 50's Precision is a nice instrument right off the shelf (+ the setup, of course).

And it ain't a bad idea to have a pro do a yearly checkup/setup routine, so the pups change could be done 'in one go' with the first annual pro visit. If you still feel that is necessary. :wink:


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Post subject: Re: Upgrading to heavier gauge strings... any issues?
Posted: Mon May 22, 2017 4:11 am
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jmattis wrote:
In general, I wouldn't rush major upgrades like that pickup change.
Thinking that if you like the bass enough to buy it, maybe give it, your other gear and yourself some time to get acquainted. A classic Series 50's Precision is a nice instrument right off the shelf (+ the setup, of course).

And it ain't a bad idea to have a pro do a yearly checkup/setup routine, so the pups change could be done 'in one go' with the first annual pro visit. If you still feel that is necessary. :wink:


Thanks jmattis for your insights.


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