String tension

[georgie_boy]

Just a quick add on here
Would anyone reccomend that I DO NOT but a set of D'Addario Pro Steel 180's (my prefered gauge)--35, 55, 75, 95
I use dto use  them years ago, and I loved them-much better than the usual run of the mill that was on the market

[white_cloud]

George,
 
Im seriously thinking of d'addario 40 - 100's.
 
Ive never used them before but my local store is trying to do me a deal on some!
 
I think I will go for it, ive been using rotosounds forever.
 
John.

[mike1762]

I appreciate all the feedback.  After continuing to work with the truss rods, nut, and bridge my bass is now much more playable (or did I just get used to it?).  The truss rod took a while to settle in.  As I mentioned on my original post the bass was set-up as a piccolo when I got it; therefore, the neck had a ton of back-bend with regular strings.  BTW, I noticed with my MM Stingray that PU height can significantly affect the ease of play.  The magnetic poles on MM PUs are fairly large, I guess the stronger magnetic field allows you to gets the string moving with less effort.

[rami]

Hey Mike,
 
Loosening the truss rod will lower string tension, but raise the string height. You can then lower the bridge as well which will also reduce the string tension.  Then simply adjust the intonation and you should be good to go.
I don't think the magnetic field of the pickups play any significant role in the tautness of the strings - but some more experienced players may disagree.

[81distillate]

I dont really think the pickup height has anything to do with it.  I believe its all in the action and setup.  Mostly in the neck and truss rod, and bridge height.  The strings might play a small role and the thinner the string does seem to work better.  Logically, you would think the thicker strings would feel looser. DAddarios are great and I highly recommend them.  But I really recommend trying the 180 set, its seems this set was made for Alembics which have the lowest action Ive ever played.  My bass plays like a guitar now, and not buzzy either, each note is even and true with a light to med. light technique.  Think  Entwhistle.

[81distillate]

Although I think the original posters bass is in good shape now, here is a note to anyone else that might want to adjust their bass.  I just took my Distillate apart and completely removed the truss rod nuts.  I put a small dab of GHS Graphital ( Which can be bought at Guitar Center) on the rods, then reinstalled the nuts, until finger tight.  Then, I adjust both of them equally 1/2 turn.  Then I put the strings back on and now the neck is straight and the action is even better than I had it before, with even less buzz with really low action.  I measured 3/64 under the E and G strings at the 12th fret and 2/32 at the end of the board at the 24th.  With a capo between the nut and first fret and with my finger down where the neck meets the body, I measured .05mm distance at the 8th fret from the bottom of the E string.  Now, this action is pretty low, so some of you may not like it and with strong play, it will buzz, but with a med. light touch its clean and only buzzes when you dig in, which I like.  Hope this helps and remember, only you can truly adjust your action to its best playability for yourself.