Cutting strings for a Fender?

[SuperSnake2012]

When putting on new strings, I usually cut them about 4.5" away from the tuning post and I only get about 2 wraps around the peg. Should I cut the strings first, or does anyone know how far should I cut the strings?

[RSY]

I'm not sure about basses, but for Fender guitars the general rule is to cut them two string posts past the one you're stringing.

In the case of their basses, the only one I'd trim, at all, would probably be the E string using the method above. The A, D, and G shouldn't need cutting in my experience. YMMV.

scott

[idoru]

Especially not the A. How many Fenders have you seen where the break angle over the nut is far too shallow on the A string? I'm guilty of that one myself - and I was following BP's re-stringing guuide at the time.

[seanm]

I like to get a lot of wraps around the post, especially on the E string to get the angle right. I go a full 6" past the tuner post.

[GlennW]

I like to get all I can on there. The A and D wwere cut a little short and the G wasn't cut at all.

[Cochise]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but in that headstock photo, only the tail of the E string is around the tuning peg. Whenever I restring my Jazz I end up with the main part of the string around the peg. What gives?

Also, looking at this thread makes me realise I've been cutting my strings too short for years, and the most annoying thing is I only restrung yesterday.

[RSY]

Originally Posted by Cochise

Not trying to hijack the thread, but in that headstock photo, only the tail of the E string is around the tuning peg. Whenever I restring my Jazz I end up with the main part of the string around the peg. What gives?

No problem with that. Rotosounds on my StingRay do the same thing. I think it depends on a combination of scale length and string length. As long as the cloth wraps aren't on the nut (did that one time when accidentally put on a short scale set) you should be good to go.

scott

[MonetBass]

Next time, ask Fender: http://www.fender.com/support/setup/basssetup.php

[Sundogue]

I cut my strings about 4 inches past the tuning peg for the "E" string, 5 inches or so beyond the tuning peg on the "A" string, and about 5.5" to 6" the "D" and I leave the "G" string as it is.

The cut length will vary slightly with different gauges.

IMO, each winding around the peg should be clean and tight (each pass sitting tightly below the last winding), with no overlap on any previous winding. The string should exit to the nut from the lowest possible point you can get it from the tuning peg.

[rushfan73]

I don't cut my strings at all...should I be or is it just a personal?

[Slowgypsy]

Why not go to the source: Fender.com
They have a set up guide specific for bass, and they are quite clear how much string to cut. Actually they specify how much for the different tuners that have been made.

[MonetBass]

Hello, Slowgypsy, see my post above. ^^

[Slowgypsy]

Dang... got caught again submitting a reply without really reading the previous posts. But at least we agree... sometimes asking the manufacturer about something to do with their product is a really good way to go...

[SuperSnake2012]

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Why not go to the source: Fender.com
They have a set up guide specific for bass, and they are quite clear how much string to cut. Actually they specify how much for the different tuners that have been made.

I used Fender.com's numbers and I only got 2 wraps around, which is why I asked.

[Slowgypsy]

OK, now I've read all the posts here, and my question is... why is 2 wraps not ok? For me, 2-3 wraps more than holds the string on the tuning peg. The pegs are tapered, so having strings ride up the peg is not going to happen unless you loosen the strings all the way. The one thing that's important on a Fender type headstock is that the string exit the peg on the bottom of the peg, so there's the downward pressure on the nut. The setup info on the Fender website I find correct and is working for me.

[seanm]

The setup instructions on fender.com are great, *except* IMHO, they tell you to cut the strings too short. Like I said I like 6". That gives me four good wraps around the post.