Broken flatwound

SMPTE · #1 05-15-2006, 06:24 PM

Ok just restrung with a set of D'Addario flats, and when I was tuning the A string it was giving off the funniest "Twang". At first I thought I was pressing down oddly or something, but the winding on the string is loose? I've never used flatwounds before so any advice? Did I screwup putting the string on? Is it just busted?

Thanks!
SMPTE

Flatwound · #2 05-15-2006, 07:50 PM

Try loosening the A string and pulling the ball-end out of the bridge and see if there's a twist in the string. A twisted string can make a really odd sound.

SMPTE · #3 05-15-2006, 08:28 PM

Ok so the saga continues:

The flat was loose around the inner core of the string, so I tightend the outer around tighter and the nut seems to be gripping it such that the "twang" has gone away. However NOW I've noticed that I can't tune the "D" string because it changes wrapping around the 12th fret, its like the outer wrapping dissapears. Is this normal?

Flatwound · #4 05-21-2006, 10:12 AM

What you describe sounds pretty strange from here. If the outer wraps of the A string were loose, you may have a defective string, or you may have cut it wrong or something. Also, I've not seen any strings that change texture or diameter or whatever around the 12th fret. IME, D'Addario Chromes have a consistent appearance and texture and so on from nut to bridge.

SMPTE · #5 05-21-2006, 02:54 PM

Yeah I'm starting to think I had just one defective string, and I cut the A wrong. In the intrests of full disclosure I'm putting them on a Samick Mini-Corsair so I may very well have screwed it up.