Hi Todd.

I thought you might be able to help me with this. I have a 7 string fretless bass. Everytime I re-string it and tune it up to 440, my d and g strings are ready to pop. The g string does pop in fact. I'm using the same strings on my three Conklin 7's without a problem. This bass with the issue is an Antonio Tsai, it is beautiful. Plays and feels great. What can the issue be with the strings popping. I'm using good quality strings, Dean Markley SR-2000 for the 7 string bass. (My choices are few). What do you think the problem might be? And can I fix it?
:confused:

Sorry to hear it. It is possible you might have gotten a bad set of strings, but that is a really remote, rare thing these days, IMO. I'd say check the saddles for any rough spots, and inspect the bridge. If you're stringing it through the body, shine a flashlight through those holes and see if you can find anything awry. This is an interesting problem. I wonder where the breaks are on the strings? Is that consistent? I'm puzzled, but I hope you find a solution. I'm sure it's not this, but make sure your tuner is indeed in A-440. Some are adjustable, but frankly, even a few cents sharp/flat should still not cause you these problems at all. Best of luck with it.

Yes it is a total mystery. They pop in mid span, as if I am using the wrong size string, but I am not... I have been playing over 30 years, and fretless for over 25. I jumped to a 7 string in 2007 from a 6. I have no explanation. very weird... Anyone else have any ideas, feel free to respond. I've never had this problem with my Conklin 7's or Carvin 6's...

where is the break in the string occurring?

Mid span, as if I were using the wrong one! Weird isn't it?

Hi Todd.

I thought you might be able to help me with this. I have a 7 string fretless bass. Everytime I re-string it and tune it up to 440, my d and g strings are ready to pop. The g string does pop in fact. I'm using the same strings on my three Conklin 7's without a problem. This bass with the issue is an Antonio Tsai, it is beautiful. Plays and feels great. What can the issue be with the strings popping. I'm using good quality strings, Dean Markley SR-2000 for the 7 string bass. (My choices are few). What do you think the problem might be? And can I fix it?
:confused:

Hi Jimibrix,

I'm glad the other guys have joined in....(thanks guys!!).

Sadly, this is not my area of expertise. I would recommend the luthiers forum.

Sorry, I wish I were more help.

As I recall this is one of those low cost Ebay basses (not saying they are bad as I have no experience with them) yet I also recall they were dual truss rod basses. I would take it to a tech if I were you as there may be something off in the adjustment between the two truss rods. I use Markely sevens everday on every bass and have for over 8 years, several of my 7 string basses were Conklins also, and I have never had one break mid way (at the nut due once with a string that was the incorrect gauge but that's another story).

Sounds to me like you need a tech and that trouble shooting this one will be difficult in an Internet back and forth.

Spin

did you ever find a solution and if so what was it?

Tuning the strings an octave too high? :hiding:

That's bizarre, no idea what would break them in the middle like that. Saddle or nut problems usually break the string right there.

Can't imaging the truss rod being the problem. Neck is straight, or it isn't, but won't affect the string tension. Scale length, string type determine the tension necessary to get a particular pitch.

Randy