[Bassboomer]

I bought a set of Rotosound Flatwounds 40-90 at the basstore on Denmark Street, London last week...I have have put them on my SG RI. I saw something about that it is important that the E string have a 105 or thicker. How important is it, and have i done something wrong?? Should i take em off, and can i use long scale thicker flatwounds on it?? PLEASE HELP!!

[rockinrayduke]

Saw something where? You've done nothing wrong, that bass will play just fine with those strings.

[donnervogel]

They won't do any harm. A lot of people prefer thicker strings on a short scale especially because the tension is too loose for their playing feel otherwise. But flatwounds are generally stiffer so that alleviates the problem somewhat. If you a are fine with the way the E string sounds and feels then you have no issue.

Uwe

[Bassboomer]

Originally Posted by donnervogel

They won't do any harm. A lot of people prefer thicker strings on a short scale especially because the tension is too loose for their playing feel otherwise. But flatwounds are generally stiffer so that alleviates the problem somewhat. If you a are fine with the way the E string sounds and feels then you have no issue.

Uwe

Thanks Uwe!

But i can`t get the bass to play right. I tried to adjust the trussrud both ways, and hightened the action a little bit, but all could get was a lot of fretbuzzing...Maybe thicker strings would do it, like 45-105 like i use on my roundwounds...Anybody??

[rockinrayduke]

Now if you're having some nagging fret buzz most likely it's just a string problem and a heavier gauge would help. Don't freak out, it's a fixable problem.


I'd try something besides Roto flats to begin with.

[jules]

I just bought a set of RS77s for my SG reissue - same as yours. Haven't put them on yet, but will do soon - i'll let you know what happens

[donnervogel]

Thicker strings won't swing as wide so there will be less buzz. Generally, thin strings (and 90ies are for girls or Mark King or 8 string players, let's face it) force a higher action on you, but the playing feel will still be comfortable due to their lack of tension.

You shouldn't run into any problems with anything from 100s flats upwards.

Uwe

[jules]

Originally Posted by donnervogel

Generally, thin strings are for girls

My new band have got a song that is effectively 'dizzy miss lizzy' - and they play it at 300mph.... I do feel a bit like a girl when I complain after every rehearsal - and you should see the looks they give me when I do (I thought you could play bass??????), but it really hurts my hand (I don't use a pick)......

i'm hoping some super light strings will stop me getting arthritis before the end of next month......

[donnervogel]

Which gives me the opportunity to thank our hostess, Julene, for her profound hospitality here!

In next week's forum: Julene's funky cooking tips!

Uwe

[Dave W]

90s on a long scale are too loose for me. On a 30.5" scale you only have about 80% of long scale tension, the formula would be (30.5/34)². IMHO that's almost too little tension to intonate properly.

I've never understood why string makers often only offer short scale in their lightest set. The opposite is needed.

YMMV, of course.