| Author | Message | ||
| edmouk
Junior Username: edmouk Post Number: 35 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi there This is a copy of what I already mentioned in the "Showcase" thread, just in case I could get some more help... Here's my recently bought Alembic Series I. Very good bass, sound is excellent and is more comfortable to play than my other S I from 1977. However I'm a bit disappointed as I got a problem with it since I started putting new strings : the previous strings had a rather heavy gauge (maybe 105 for the E string) , which I don't really like. So I put a lighter gauge string set, the one I usually use on my other basses, 35-95. Then the frets began to buzz very much at the 3rd fret. Looks like the neck backbowed. And of course the truss rods adjustement didn't help as they'are both completely loose. So here's a fantastic bass but unplayable at the moment ! If anyone can suggest some advice, that would be wonderful. Thanks.  | ||
| chuck
Advanced Member Username: chuck Post Number: 210 Registered: 3-2005 |
Most strings have the tension printed on the back of the package.I would suspect that you have installed strings of a lighter tension as well as gauge.If you no longer have the packaging go to the various web sites of string makers.String tension is very important to obtain a proper balance between truss rods and strings. Chuck | ||
| edmouk
Junior Username: edmouk Post Number: 36 Registered: 7-2007 |
Thanks Chuck. Do you mean that there's a standard string tension to respect when installing on an Alembic bass ? | ||
| chuck
Advanced Member Username: chuck Post Number: 212 Registered: 3-2005 |
There is no standard that I know of but thats a question for Mica. The first rule of trouble shooting is whats changed?. In your case you went to a lighter string.Try going back to the old ones if you still have them. Chuck | ||
| dfung60
Advanced Member Username: dfung60 Post Number: 278 Registered: 5-2002 |
I don't think most string manufacturers publish their tensions specs, but maybe I just haven't bought strings enough lately. In any case, there's no simple correlation between string gauge and tension since each manufacturer uses different materials, winding techniques, core wire diameter, wrap wire diameter, etc. Two strings of the same diameter can have radically different tension or two strings that have different gauges may have the same tension. In any case, typically, lighter gauge strings will have less tension than heavier gauge strings. The kind of buzz you're getting would be the symptom of the new strings having less tension, hence the backbow in the neck. If you significantly change the truss rod settings, it may take some time for the neck to reflect the change, so first, give it a little time. I think that tapping the back of the neck a little to make sure that the truss rods aren't hanging up wouldn't hurt. If you still have a back bow with the truss rods completely loose, then you will need to have a qualified tech take a look at it. You may be able to correct the problem with a fret dress. Another alternative would be to return the instrument to Alembic for a heat treatment, where they warm the neck then retension it. In the most extreme cases, a refret might be required. It's unfortunate that it turned out this way. Ideally, you would want to address this with a simple truss rod adjustment, but wood is a natural material and there's basically no way to be sure how it will act until you assemble the instrument and see how it turned out. David Fung | ||
| chuck
Advanced Member Username: chuck Post Number: 213 Registered: 3-2005 |
All string makers publish the tensions either on the package or there web site.. Chuck | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5594 Registered: 5-2002 |
Edmouk asked, "Do you mean that there's a standard string tension to respect when installing on an Alembic bass?" No. I think this depends on a lot of factors; but in your case, your bass is 30 years old and there's no telling what kinds of strings have been on it, what kind of bow it's been set up with, or what kind of climate it's lived in. Personally, I play light tension strings; so I would tend to go with David's suggestion and give the bass some time to adjust, if it will. If it doesn't adjust, David's suggest about compensating for it with a fret dress is worth looking into; and if that doesn't seem practical, then the heat bend would be the next thing to look at. | ||
| hieronymous
Advanced Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 224 Registered: 1-2005 |
"All string makers publish the tensions either on the package or there web site." I'm not so sure about that. D'Addario and Thomastik Infeld are the only two companies I know that publish string tensions. I can't prove it, but DR strings don't have info on the package or their website or their downloadable catalog, nor do LaBellas. Another way to check is to go to juststrings.com - they publish tension info when they have it, and it's not there for every brand of string. | ||
| dfung60
Advanced Member Username: dfung60 Post Number: 279 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hey, I don't think Rotosound, GHS or Dean Markley publish tensions either. I think it's more true to say that "a few string manufacturers publish string tension". Since every bass will vary and require individual adjustment, the absolute numbers don't matter much compared to being consistent from package to package (so you don't have a big change in feel or have to redo intonation). David Fung | ||
| edmouk
Junior Username: edmouk Post Number: 37 Registered: 7-2007 |
Thanks again everyone. Actually it seems to have improved a bit over the last 5 days. It's not perfect yet but by lifting up the bridge and tuning the strings a half tone higher and leaving the bass at rest that way for 3 days seems to have helped the neck getting less backbowed. Maybe a little work on the frets might just be enough now. I'll keep you informed. But I really can't play on 50-105 gauge strings ! You don't get the same sound at all compared to extralight gauge strings. Thanks. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1228 Registered: 9-2002 |
It's amazing; this isn't the first time we've run across one more bass that just FREAKS OUT when you go to those itty-bitty strings. I need to think about this . . . . J o e y |
