b string wont fit? (the end)

bommer · #1 07-09-2009, 12:56 PM

bought new heavier gauge strings for my bass, I'm trying to get a deeper sound. so the strings were going on fine, did the highest string first, then went to the b, went all the way through, except for like a little less than an inch of the string were it gets thicker (the double wound part.)

now what should i do? tighten the string up to see if it will pull its way through, or even just stay there with a piece of string sticking out? or should i use my old b string, which seems to be in good condition still because i don't use the b string as often (but the string will be a different brand and gauge)

thanks for the help in advance

stflbn · #2 07-09-2009, 01:01 PM

Assuming you're talking about going through the hole in the bridge...

I've taken a Dremel tool to multiple bass bridges to allow bigger guage strings. Simple to do and painless. Just go slow.

bommer · #3 07-09-2009, 01:03 PM

would it be ok to tighten the string with some of the string still outside of the bridge?

chjohnst · #4 07-09-2009, 01:04 PM

I had a similar problem on my warwick where I couldnt fit the string into the bridge, so I crushed it a little with a pair of pliers just ever so slightly and that was all that needed.

bommer · #5 07-09-2009, 01:07 PM

ill give that a go right now

bommer · #6 07-09-2009, 01:09 PM

pliers will not crush it enough

RTL · #7 07-09-2009, 01:10 PM

I've heard that if you moisten the end of a Q-Tip.... Oh wait, nevermind..

stflbn · #8 07-09-2009, 01:11 PM

A drill will also expand it depending on the size of the drill bit used.

Personally I'd be cautious about crushing the end of the string. You're damaging it. Expanding the size of the hole is the best solution. After expanding it you also need to make sure that the edges of the expanded hole around smoothed or rounded slightly to keep it from eating into your strings. Not a big deal for a fingerstyle player, but could cause string breakage for a Slapper or Pick player.

bommer · #9 07-09-2009, 01:14 PM

im trying to avoid any permanent work to my bass....if i just tightened the string with a piece still out of the bridge a bit. think that would be alright?

chjohnst · #10 07-09-2009, 01:24 PM

I whoop the crap out of my strings, slap, finger style and the occasional pick. Never broke a string yet and I have swapped them 2x now since I bought the bass. Crushing the string every so slightly shouldn't cause a dramatic impact.

Using a dremel on the bridge is a permanent fix, but thats up to the owner of the bass.

lowendblues · #11 07-09-2009, 01:26 PM

+1 on the Warwick.

a file will do the trick as well.

bommer · #12 07-09-2009, 01:27 PM

a file?? wont the make the string uncoil?

Rugaar · #13 07-09-2009, 01:27 PM

I've seen people use extensions to help solve this problem. For example, cut the ball ends off some old strings and run the new string through those and then into the bridge. The ball ends will press against the bridge, holding the end of the string out further.

Did I explain that ok?

chjohnst · #14 07-09-2009, 01:28 PM

I think he means a file on the bridge

bommer · #15 07-09-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rugaar

I've seen people use extensions to help solve this problem. For example, cut the ball ends off some old strings and run the new string through those and then into the bridge. The ball ends will press against the bridge, holding the end of the string out further.

Did I explain that ok?

my string is definately long enough, its that a extra piece is hanging out and wont fit through the bridge cause its too thick

Rugaar · #16 07-09-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bommer

my string is definately long enough, its that a extra piece is hanging out and wont fit through the bridge cause its too thick

Right. That part will now be inside the ball of the old strings. Stack a couple balls together and they'll press against the bridge so the string's not just hanging there.

Pull the string out of the bridge. Slide a couple old ball ends on there until you've covered up the fat part of the string. Then restring it through the bridge.

bommer · #17 07-09-2009, 01:38 PM

ohh, ok, i see what your saying......but i dont have enough old string balls to do that.

lowendblues · #18 07-09-2009, 01:40 PM

"I think he means a file on the bridge"

Yes. file the hole in the bridge.

bommer · #19 07-09-2009, 01:41 PM

i think that's gonna have to be the option. people are having the same trouble with the washburn t25 bridge

sean60148 · #20 07-09-2009, 01:42 PM

I had that problem too, fit leaving about an inch or two. I used a very small round modeling file and increased the size of the hole, without leaving rough edges that may damage your strings.