DR Round cores - Crimping question

[OldBluesGuy]

I just got my first set of DR Fat Beams and I want make sure that I install them correctly. I've read the note in the box which illustrates and advocates crimping the string end after cutting to size, and I've read several threads discussing the manner in which folks cut and crimp as well as the string installation article from the FAQ, and I still have a couple of questions:

1. Some folds say "bend" while others say "crimp" - same thing right?

2. I'm a bit of noob to bass guitar (30 year guitard). When I change the strings on my Fender-type tuners, I poke the end down inside and then sharply bend the string and begin winding. How (if at all) is that different from cutting and bending first?

Thanks!



obg

[donstrenz]

I read that too and crimped (simply fold over the top and crimp with pliers). But, the crimped thicker strings won't fit in small machine heads so I didn't do that and haven't had a problem, yet..

[OldBluesGuy]

Originally Posted by donstrenz

I read that too and crimped (simply fold over the top and crimp with pliers). But, the crimped thicker strings won't fit in small machine heads so I didn't do that and haven't had a problem, yet..

So you bend and crimp? Sounds like you poke the end in the tuner, bend over at 90 degrees and then crimp (squeeze) the sting at the point where you bent it. Is that it? That sounds like it would achieve the same results as bending and/or crimping before putting the string end in the tuner. I think I'll try it your way and see what happens. Thanks!


obg

[Mastermold]

I just cut these like all my other strings and installed them, had no problems.

[RCCollins]

Originally Posted by Mastermold

I just cut these like all my other strings and installed them, had no problems.

Well you're lucky then. The first time I put sunbeams on my fender jazz, the G string slid like a sidewinder until I finally crimped it.

[xshawnxearthx]

Originally Posted by Mastermold

I just cut these like all my other strings and installed them, had no problems.

+1

[nad]

I bend, then cut just beyond said bend. Has worked for at least 10 sets of Sunbeams so far.

[ishouldbeking]

Originally Posted by nad

I bend, then cut just beyond said bend. Has worked for at least 10 sets of Sunbeams so far.

Same here, that's what i do when i put DR's on my guitars (well, when i used to... multiple bad sets in a row has kept me away from their guitar strings for about a year now... bass is still a-ok!), and that's exactly what I did with a few sets of sunbeams. The Lo-riders don't seem to require any special treatment due to the hex-core i suppose.

[donstrenz]

Originally Posted by OldBluesGuy

So you bend and crimp? Sounds like you poke the end in the tuner, bend over at 90 degrees and then crimp (squeeze) the sting at the point where you bent it. Is that it? That sounds like it would achieve the same results as bending and/or crimping before putting the string end in the tuner. I think I'll try it your way and see what happens. Thanks!

obg

I do it before putting the string in the machine head as you described. A picture is worth 1000 words:

It surely will not unravel like that.

That works fine with large (i.e. Fender) machine heads but the problem with small tuners is that the E and A strings don't fit into the hole crimped like that. Fortunately, not crimping on the smaller machine heads has been no problem.

[xshawnxearthx]

when i put the string inside the tuning peg i give it a good bend, but i don't before cutting the strings.

i've strung my p about 85 times over the last 5 years. never had a problem. had one problem on a guitar i did. string came unraveled.

[OldBluesGuy]

Originally Posted by donstrenz

I do it before putting the string in the machine head as you described. A picture is worth 1000 words:

It surely will not unravel like that.

Thanks donstrenz! The picture was exactly what I needed to sort out my confusion. I made my crimps exactly as shown in your picture and the re-string was a complete success. I appreciate the time you took to reply especially with the visual aid!

Thanks also to everyone who responded to this thread. This is a great community and hopefully one day I'll be able to contribute as well.



obg

[KJung]

Originally Posted by nad

I bend, then cut just beyond said bend. Has worked for at least 10 sets of Sunbeams so far.

+1 Just do a nice bend and cut an inch or so below the bend to leave enough wire to go in your string post. I've never had an issue through at least 50 sets of Hi Beams doing it this way, and I'm not sure you even need to do that. However, it takes about a second extra time per string.

There is NO reason to do a real 'crimping' with plyers, etc.