Are these things gonna hurt my bass?

Resonance129

Resonance129

Feb 15, 2011
1,385
1,515
4,571
Purgatory
www.youtube.com
#1
I recently decided I wanted new strings for my Squire CV 70's P bass and looked into getting some flats for that classic sound everyone knows and loves. I've tried D'Addario Chromes before on a different bass but didn't like them much (sticky and cumbersome).
I was in Sam Ash and saw they had 2 sets of LaBella flats (45-100 and the heavier "1954" set), and I've read plenty of great reviews on LaBella strings. Decided to try the heavier set to get that thumpy sound, however, I never knew about the extreme tension associated with them.

I've already installed them, and man, the tension really is something serious lol. Definitely a workout for my left hand, but the more I play them, the more comfortable I become with them

My question is will these strings actually HURT my neck? Should I get a new full setup on my bass specifically for these strings to prevent hurting the neck, or will the tension be ok? I don't want my neck destroyed just because of some strings when I could easily put some lower tension strings on it, but I really do like the sound I get from them.

Any suggestions?
 
#2
I have always stayed clear of the 1954 set due to the reported extreme tension, at .095 the A string of those is roughly the same gauge as my E string (I use the FX set with a .096 E string), that being said I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to tension and I don't tend to go heavier than 100-45 with most strings.
Whether your bass will handle them well it is hard to say as bass necks being made of a natural material such as wood can vary considerably. My suggestion is to get a lower gauge set of Labellas
 
  • Like
Reactions: Remyd
#5
Resonance129 said:
I recently decided I wanted new strings for my Squire CV 70's P bass and looked into getting some flats for that classic sound everyone knows and loves. I've tried D'Addario Chromes before on a different bass but didn't like them much (sticky and cumbersome).
I was in Sam Ash and saw they had 2 sets of LaBella flats (45-100 and the heavier "1954" set), and I've read plenty of great reviews on LaBella strings. Decided to try the heavier set to get that thumpy sound, however, I never knew about the extreme tension associated with them.

I've already installed them, and man, the tension really is something serious lol. Definitely a workout for my left hand, but the more I play them, the more comfortable I become with them

My question is will these strings actually HURT my neck? Should I get a new full setup on my bass specifically for these strings to prevent hurting the neck, or will the tension be ok? I don't want my neck destroyed just because of some strings when I could easily put some lower tension strings on it, but I really do like the sound I get from them.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Any time you change string types (especially with a noticeable tension difference) you should check your setup, period. The truss rod is there for a reason.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Remyd, Andre678, ColdEye and 2 others
#6
Resonance129 said:
I recently decided I wanted new strings for my Squire CV 70's P bass and looked into getting some flats for that classic sound everyone knows and loves. I've tried D'Addario Chromes before on a different bass but didn't like them much (sticky and cumbersome).
I was in Sam Ash and saw they had 2 sets of LaBella flats (45-100 and the heavier "1954" set), and I've read plenty of great reviews on LaBella strings. Decided to try the heavier set to get that thumpy sound, however, I never knew about the extreme tension associated with them.

I've already installed them, and man, the tension really is something serious lol. Definitely a workout for my left hand, but the more I play them, the more comfortable I become with them

My question is will these strings actually HURT my neck? Should I get a new full setup on my bass specifically for these strings to prevent hurting the neck, or will the tension be ok? I don't want my neck destroyed just because of some strings when I could easily put some lower tension strings on it, but I really do like the sound I get from them.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
The 45-100 set they had was most likely for a Hofner so it's a good thing you didn't get them.

You mention a work out for your left hand. Assuming you're a righty, fretting should actually be easier because you can set your action very, very low with these. Unless you're a lefty or you like high action.

If you like them then great but you can get a lighter set of labella flats and the sound will more or less be the same but with much more manageable tension.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Will_White, Matthew Fisher and petrus61
#7
It's funny because I actually don't mind the tension. I feel like my dexterity and hand strength improve just from using the 1954 set. I also like the fact that the strings are so thick. Just feels right for some reason.
BUT, if they're gonna hurt my neck, I don't know... I don't want to buy ANOTHER set, as these were $40 (not like I can take em back lol).
I've never had previous basses re-setup after changing strings before - didn't know it was a "thing". I'm at least gonna have to look into getting a new setup.

Spend money on a setup (probably around $60), or buy a new set of strings with a lighter tension (another $40)...
 
Last edited:
#8
Resonance129 said:
It's funny because I actually don't mind the tension. I feel like my dexterity and hand strength improve just from using the 1954 set. I also like the fact that the strings are so thick. Just feels right for some reason.
BUT, if they're gonna hurt my neck, I don't know... I don't want to buy ANOTHER set, as these were $40 (not like I can take em back lol).
I've never had previous basses re-setup after changing strings before - didn't know it was a "thing". I'm at least gonna have to look into getting a new setup.

Spend money on a setup (probably around $60), or buy a new set of strings with a lighter tension (another $40)...
Click to expand...
Firstly, you should do your own setups. It's easy and (I think) fun. Only pay for it at least once if the tech will let you watch and ask questions.

Secondly, buy your strings from bassstringsonline.com.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1stnamebassist, BAG, ColdEye and 4 others
#9
Resonance129 said:
I never knew about the extreme tension associated with them.
Click to expand...
D'OH! :facepalm:
Resonance129 said:
I've already installed them, and man, the tension really is something serious
Click to expand...
It is isn't it?
Resonance129 said:
My question is will these strings actually HURT my neck? Should I get a new full setup on my bass specifically for these strings to prevent hurting the neck,
Click to expand...
Yes & Yes :help: James Jameson refused to let anyone touch his Precision and the heavy LaBellas seriously warped his neck to the point that only he could play it. You must totally reset up your bass. Don't skip anything or take shortcuts. Find a competent technician (not GC) or luthier that will teach you how to do a proper set up while giving your bass a top notch professional setup.. You'll need some small hand tools, a special ruler or action set up gauge, and automotive feeler gauges. It's not difficult, but you do need to develop a touch. Setting the action at the nut is critical, but only has to be done once. It requires specialized nut files and a skilled hand so do get this done by a competent pro. Best of luck to you. :thumbsup:
 
#10
Linnin said:
D'OH! :facepalm:

It is isn't it?

Yes & Yes :help: James Jameson refused to let anyone touch his Precision and the heavy LaBellas seriously warped his neck to the point that only he could play it. You must totally reset up your bass. Don't skip anything or take shortcuts. Find a competent technician (not GC) or luthier that will teach you how to do a proper set up while giving your bass a top notch professional setup.. You'll need some small hand tools, a special ruler or action set up gauge, and automotive feeler gauges. It's not difficult, but you do need to develop a touch. Setting the action at the nut is critical, but only has to be done once. It requires specialized nut files and a skilled hand so do get this done by a competent pro. Best of luck to you. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...


Crap... Had I known all of this, I wouldn't have bought em. I definitely like the sound, but I can't risk hurting my bass. Gonna take em off when I get home, and reapply the stock Fender strings that came with it until I get a chance to have someone walk me through a setup. I've watched it done on YT a few times and attempted to do it myself on my Warwick Rockbass, but ended up warping the hell out of the neck on it :|... Not sure I'm interested in trying that out again until I have some guidance.
Kinda bummed I wasted money on the strings AND like the sound, only to have to take em off. But I AM glad I asked. Might've saved me down the line.

Thanks much for all the replies.
 
#11
Resonance129 said:
Crap... Had I known all of this, I wouldn't have bought em. I definitely like the sound, but I can't risk hurting my bass. Gonna take em off when I get home, and reapply the stock Fender strings that came with it until I get a chance to have someone walk me through a setup. I've watched it done on YT a few times and attempted to do it myself on my Warwick Rockbass, but ended up warping the hell out of the neck on it :|... Not sure I'm interested in trying that out again until I have some guidance.
Kinda bummed I wasted money on the strings AND like the sound, only to have to take em off. But I AM glad I asked. Might've saved me down the line.
Click to expand...

Your bass isn't made of tissue paper.

To do a setup the only tools you need are a truss rod wrench, a bridge saddle allen wrench (both came with your bass), a screwdriver for intonation and an accurate tuner.

Make it feel right and sound good. Use your eyes, ears and fingertips.
Read the sticky instructions and do it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PunkNerve, Andre678, Fabio_MIJ and 5 others
#12
The heavy stringed can hurt a bass neck that's not structurally sound. And sometimes you won't know if a bass neck is or isn't structurally sound until it's irreparably damaged. Your classic vibe is an excellent bass and can very likely stand up to the tension just fine.

But those strings and that bass aside, learning how to do a basic setup is important.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Will_White, RyanJD and Linnin
#13
doing a setup ... make small adjustments , keep tabs of how many turns , so it can be undone ...

a lot of times the directions seems backwards ..!?!?! rule #1 - never be in a hurry ..!!

i like low tension strings ... used Ti flats ... they have the opposite issue ... still had to adjust the neck ...

i find doing setups to be rather fun ... i like tweeking stuff ..! it's a good thing to learn for sure ... i believe it is part of the whole stringed instruments experience ..!
 
#15
Resonance129 said:
Crap... Had I known all of this, I wouldn't have bought em. I definitely like the sound, but I can't risk hurting my bass. Gonna take em off when I get home, and reapply the stock Fender strings that came with it until I get a chance to have someone walk me through a setup. I've watched it done on YT a few times and attempted to do it myself on my Warwick Rockbass, but ended up warping the hell out of the neck on it :|... Not sure I'm interested in trying that out again until I have some guidance.
Kinda bummed I wasted money on the strings AND like the sound, only to have to take em off. But I AM glad I asked. Might've saved me down the line.

Thanks much for all the replies.
Click to expand...
don't be scared. when I bought my 1st set of 1954,I put them on my '83 precision and much like you,I noticed the immediate change - my action became sky high.tension was crazy! in fact, next several days or weeks I adjusted the truss rod on a daily basis. but once set, like all strings, I was done with the nightmare. I enjoyed that set for a long time. No warped neck at all. Great strings, but yeah,my favourite flatwounds set are Chromes. 45-100, nice,safe with good tone for yrs! Older the better.
 
#17
Relax it's not rocket surgery. There's plenty of YouTube set up videos. You need basic hand tools and some coffee. And a decent tuner.

I'd leave the nut alone until you have found "your string set". Search for it at bassstringsonline.com with your Talkbass VIP discount and reward points.

I've found that there's a fair amount of lee way at the nut end. You can try out a lot of strings before you go cutting a new nut.

When I install new strings, I tune up and check the action and relief. Adjust the truss rod. Adjust the bridge. Adjust pick up height. And intonation last. The whole install and set takes about 20 minutes. I keep my wrenches handy where I practice and fine tune things as the strings settle in.

With your large gauge strings, the action over the first few frets might be higher than ideal, but I'd suggest trying some other string sets before you enlarge the nut slots. That's not easily reversed. Too small of a string in the nut slot might rattle when played open, or buzz on the first fret. I'll put a bit of heat shrink under a string for that. Once you settle on a string set, fine tuning the nut is the last step.

You can always sell your new, lightly used strings in the classifieds.

Over the years I've gone to lighter and lighter strings, with less tension. As always, YMMV.
 
#20
+1 to getting s set up...once settled, those strings will last forever and sound great. I used heavy gauge strings almost exclusively for the last 15yr or so and have never had any issues or damage to any of my basses as a result.
Whenever you change gauges it is good to dona set up
If your bass hasn't had a pro set up...get one ..well worth it and gives you a baseline for any follow up adjustments...
In the long run, it will cost a lot less.as those strings last for years and years...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Linnin
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back