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Using an A string as a D string


conk97

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Posted

OK i went to a local music shop and asked for a single D string. The owner got a box out and flicked though all the strings and pulled out a string (in small bag), I didnt bother to look at the gauge of the string cause i was in a rush.

 

Well I got home and realised that he had sold me an A string by mistake. Now i have strung it up with the A string in the D string slot, but is that good for the bass...or will i be ok till i can get another string?

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I'd think it would be ok, you may need minor adjustment to the neck because of the added stress of having a heavier gauge, but other than that, no prob.

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You may have to adjust the truss rod because the string will have a higher tension than a normal D string. The added tension will pull on your neck so you may need to adjust the truss rod so you don't get too much neck bow. The amount of adjustment will probably be very little if any; its not like you are restringing your bass BEAD or anything. A better idea would be to just go back to the music store and swap it out for the correct string. I know I would not be comfortable playing a bass strung with two A strings, it would be odd from a "feel" point of view.

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yeah it does feel kinda odd. Im gonna stick with it till i can get a new string and keep the A string just incase i ever break an A string (which isnt gonna happen)

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Um. . . wouldn't tuning an A string up to D put an enormous amount of tension on that string? and the neck, the tuners, the bridge. . .

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Originally posted by Long

Um. . . wouldn't tuning an A string up to D put an enormous amount of tension on that string? and the neck, the tuners, the bridge. . .

Yes and I damn sure wouldn't do it.

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Posted

So i should take it off and go take it back?

 

I dont think i will be able to get a new string for free cause well i have cut the string and wound it.

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Posted
Originally posted by conk97

So i should take it off and go take it back?


I dont think i will be able to get a new string for free cause well i have cut the string and wound it.

The hell with the string, i'm thinking more of what it can do to your neck...plus i'm surprised it didn't crack your nut, does it fit into your slot? The tension that string will place on your neck when tuned to D will be unbelievable...i wouldn't even attempt it.

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Posted

Hang on just a second...what lead you to think it's an A string?

It may be a heavy gauged D string, considering it did fit in the slot, what's your made of? (OK, the nut on the bass itself) :rolleyes:

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Posted

Originally posted by Fran da Man

Hang on just a second...what lead you to think it's an A string?

It may be a heavy gauged D string, considering it did fit in the slot, what's your made of?
(OK, the nut on the bass itself)
:rolleyes:

 

well the string gauge is .85, same size as the A string I have.

Im not to sure what the nut on my bass is made from.

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Posted

 

Originally posted by Fran da Man

And it allowed you to tune to D without it breaking or alot of creaking of the neck/body.

 

 

yeah.

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