Heavier gauge strings, need to readjust

[stinky634]

So at Bass Player Live I was offered a set of the new stainless steel strings from Elixir. I didnt bother even noting the gauge size until I was stringing them on my LX. I usually opt for the light or med-light version of the nickels, but these are medium. I am also not sure if the different style/material of string has a hand in the difference in tension as well.

Anyway, the tension on these strings is super tight, and I don't like it. It is very hard to play especially with the left hand and considering I have had a lot of joint pain lately. Even with the tension, due to the low action I had before it still gives noticeable fret buzz and is even more noticeable due to me playing harder since the strings are tighter.

I checked all my adjustments and the neck seemed ok, but I figured it might be more on the straight side rather than relief-ed. So I gave some relief maybe 1/2 turn at most and I am right at or even just a tad past the 2 business card thickness at the 7-9 fret. The action feels higher now but I still get buzz and the strings still feel tight.

Is there any way to really fix this aside from lighter strings and down tuning? I had the bass perfect before and want to get it as close as possible. Would straightening the neck or loosening it help regarding tension and/or the action/buzz issue?

 

[shaftbass]

You can adjust it out as you were saying, but if I were you I'd just go back to the strings you were happy with in the past and that your bass is already set up for. You've tried the new free strings and you don't like them.. so take them off now

I'll take those others off your hands. $10 shipped?

 

[stinky634]

I think I put too much relief into it, I didnt like the higher action it gave and thus tighter tension. I took it back down and it feels better, plus I am used to the tension now after a couple days. I cant bring myself to change them since they were free and should last a year and I am flat broke, so I guess I shouldn't complain.