3 1/2 windings around post necessarily bad?

triggervision · #1 03-25-2009, 09:58 PM

I don't know why but I cut my strings a bit longer this time...giving about 3 1/2 windings around the post. I normally have less than 3. Everything stays in tune fine. Just wondering if there's more to the whole no more than 3 windings saying?

bongomania · #2 03-25-2009, 10:02 PM

I've never heard that saying.

PBass101 · #3 03-25-2009, 10:07 PM

All I've ever heard is that you don't need more than two, and from the experience of having cut my most recent A string short, I'd say you probably want more than one.

JTE · #4 03-25-2009, 10:28 PM

It depends on the way your tuning machines are made. The Schallers that were on my two Hamer Cruise basses wouldn't let you get three on there. On the A string for a typical Fender I'll have three because it helps ensure downward pressure on the nut. The pictures I've seen of Marcus Miller seem to show he puts a LOT of windings on the post.

The only problems I would expect with too many windings are that the extra windings can cause more room for the string to store slack and cause some tuning issues, and that you may not have enough room on the post for too many windings.

jte

Mr. Ray · #5 03-26-2009, 07:03 AM

What I found works best is 1.) Don't overlap the windings/thinner strings will/can have more windings on the post. 2.) The last winding should be at the bottom/lowest part of the string post. This will insure optimum downward pressure on the nut. Once you find the proper cut string length, just copy it on your new set to save time.

KevtheRev · #6 03-26-2009, 08:02 AM

Agree. On my jazzes, if I don't have 3 windings on the A string there's not enough down pressure on the nut to keep it from rattling when I play a hard open note. Other basses will differ based upon headstock/tuner configuration and angle, and use string retainers. Don't know about you guys, but when I put on new strings I always make sure that there is tension on the string as I wind - that seems to help minimize stored up slack.
Cheers!

megadan · #7 03-26-2009, 08:14 AM

I agreed with the above.

I cut my strings so that I get enough wraps to get from top to bottom before heading to the nut. Usually 3 - 3.5