Do you guys stretch your strings?

NickInMesa · #1 01-04-2009, 12:43 PM

Never done myself but I stumbled upon this video the other day:

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/8...ng-strings.htm

According to this kid, it avoid losing tuning.

I'm just putting a new set today and was wondering if I could use this technique. This is a GHS 44-106 (M6000) set.

Thanks!

CapnSev · #2 01-04-2009, 12:45 PM

Yes. I tune my new strings to pitch, pull them hard, then tune it again.

Ampeg SVT · #3 01-04-2009, 12:48 PM

I dont, also dont stretch like that guy. Not really good for the strings if you do that, just some light tugging will do if you want to stretch them.

VegaV77 · #4 01-04-2009, 12:50 PM

i put them up bend at the 12 fret and go crazy pulling it in and out of tune pull them up till there set in

atheos · #5 01-04-2009, 12:56 PM

I stretch them, not as aggressively as the guy in the video (I only pull the string semi-gently up from the 12th fret) but the basic principle is the same. Tune - stretch - tune - stretch - tune. When the stretching no longer affects the tune I'm done. It really does help, especially if you tend to wind too much of the string around the tuners (I only wind them 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 rounds).

markblasco · #6 01-04-2009, 12:59 PM

I stretch my strings a little, but I find this to be over the top. It seems to me you could not only damage your bass (strings can break, even if they are new, and especially when doing something like this), and you may stretch out the windings around the bridge, which would seriously change the tone or longevity of the strings. I am not an expert though, so I could be wrong about this.

UncleBalsamic · #7 01-04-2009, 01:01 PM

Yes, but don't do it like that

Clank · #8 01-04-2009, 01:07 PM

Yes, I tune up, dampen them around the 7th fret, and give them a couple of tugs. Then I tune up again and usually don't have to touch them for a whole show.

svenbass · #9 01-04-2009, 01:10 PM

LOL!! He must work for a string company that needs orders. Man, what a massive tool.

agreatheight · #10 01-04-2009, 01:16 PM

Yes, but (again) not like that guy.

Billy-Bob · #11 01-04-2009, 01:18 PM

The down side of the internet, any goofus can make a video and become an instant "expert".

Billy-Bob

lindseyp · #12 01-04-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Never done myself but I stumbled upon this video the other day:

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/8...ng-strings.htm

According to this kid, it avoid losing tuning.

I'm just putting a new set today and was wondering if I could use this technique. This is a GHS 44-106 (M6000) set.

Thanks!

I don't stretch them the way he does, but I do stretch every new set. I tune to pitch, stretch the strings and retune, then stretch and retune one final time. Same with my guitars.

west*coast*bass · #13 01-04-2009, 01:21 PM

I have tuned - stretched - and retuned for 30 years but never quite like that guy...that is a bit extreme.

newparade · #14 01-04-2009, 01:23 PM

Didn't watch the video, but I've seen some pretty aggressive string stretching before. And yeah, pretty much everyone is right. I used to use more affordable strings and just changed them very often...maybe two or three shows tops on a set. By my own experience, stretching does help keep them in tune, but it does shorten the life (get dead sounding sooner).

stanger503 · #15 01-04-2009, 01:43 PM

yes this i would say is a standard practice but this dude...jesus h maaannnn..... when he ripped up on the e string i almost jumped at my comp.... maybe he doesnt buy his own strings but when my e string un ravels(breaks) my wallet feels it....which is rare any how but still.

Grateful · #16 01-04-2009, 01:43 PM

I usually stretch *a little*. I had to close the video when he did the yo-yo move. That seems dangerous and potentially really bad for the bass...

I installed some DR Marcus Millers recently and the package said specifically not to stretch the strings. It also gave instructions to bend the string at at least a 45 degree angle above where you trim it. I think that's the first time I've seen that.

SGD Lutherie · #17 01-04-2009, 01:55 PM

I do stretch my strings, both on bass and guitar. I didn't watch the video, but what I do it gram them about the 12th fret and pull up a few inches. They usually stretch about a step low, so I retune and stretch them again. That takes care of that.

If I don't stretch them they go out of tune. After I stretch them they never go out of tune.

It's also important to have enough wraps around the tuner post (about 3 or 4 will do), but don't let the string wind on itself. Also wind down towards the headstock for more down angle over the nut.

vin*tone · #18 01-04-2009, 01:57 PM

That couldn't be good for the nut.
I always stretch new strings a little- but generally only enough to tighten it snugly around the tuning pole.

SpamBot · #19 01-04-2009, 01:57 PM

I don't stretch them. My bass has a fragile neck with no truss rod (Long story) So I don't risk the neck.

SGD Lutherie · #20 01-04-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grateful

I installed some DR Marcus Millers recently and the package said specifically not to stretch the strings. It also gave instructions to bend the string at at least a 45 degree angle above where you trim it. I think that's the first time I've seen that.

I think they use round cores on those? They don't want the outer wraps from slipping off the core... so that's why you don't want to stretch them and you need to bend an angle before you cut.

Strings always used to come with instructions to bend the end before cutting, but then the hex core strings did away with that need. That was also the reason they had the silk thread on the ends.