How do you install your strings?

dTune · #1 03-30-2007, 06:18 AM

I have always put on my strings so that I cut them to the lenght that they go 2-3 times around the peg, and I don't wind them by hand (i use the tuner). But some people say you shouldn't cut them, because they might unravel (that i understand) and some even say it affects the tone... How do you do it? And if you cut them, how much do you have to snip off?

JerryH · #2 03-30-2007, 06:32 AM

Hi fellow finn TBL'er.

I used to put the strings on my basses and not to cut them. I was also once asked how does it keep in tune - I did not find any problems.
Then one day I put new strings on my JB and wanted to test does it really change anything if the strings are cut to the proper length and just have few rounds on the peg. Since that day I have cut the strings if needed (at least the peg for E-strings gets a bit too tight to have all the rounds on it). I am also trying to have even angle for all the strings on the nut. I haven't experienced any problems doing this - just positive things.
Still I keep strings for my DB uncut, but that's another story.

My 0.02

smogg · #3 03-30-2007, 06:43 AM

i cut mine. but it's minimal as my bass is 35" scale and I string it through the body rather than through back of bridge. i like 3 raps around the tunning peg (usualy can only get 2 - 2 1/2 on low B) and change one string at a time and wind them by hand. i then tug on the sting (between neck & bridge) to stretch it out. after all strings changed i tune bass 1/2 step high, lean it facing against the wall for about a half to one hour then retune back down to stanard.

saxnbass · #4 03-30-2007, 06:44 AM

What do you mean by "by hand" and "by tuner"

MonetBass · #5 03-30-2007, 07:45 AM

I believe he means wrapping the string around the post as opposed to cranking the tuner to make the string wrap around the post.

Me, I've found I have to cut the strings a little otherwise I wind up with some strings (E in particular) wrapping all the way down to the headstock. And I wrap once, then use the tuner the rest of the way.

saxnbass · #6 03-30-2007, 07:46 AM

I wrap as much as I can by hand and then tune the rest up with the tuner. I cut it, trying to get about 1.5-2, sometimes 3 wraps, depending on the string (less with E, more with G).

ibnzneksrul · #7 03-30-2007, 08:33 AM

I bend, then cut, then wrap once or twice by hand and finish with the tuners.

However you do it, take your time, don't rush it, you'll thank yourself later.

Scott01 · #8 03-30-2007, 08:55 AM

I used to do it by hand as much as a could and then wind it tight with the machine heads - but I read not long ago on one of the threads that winding it by hand can cause twists along the string, which, when pulled/tuned to tension can create a spiralling in the string which makes them dead sounding very quickly.

So I think the next set of strings I put on will be done completely by tuner, no matter how long it takes.

WillBuckingham · #9 03-30-2007, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott01

I used to do it by hand as much as a could and then wind it tight with the machine heads - but I read not long ago on one of the threads that winding it by hand can cause twists along the string, which, when pulled/tuned to tension can create a spiralling in the string which makes them dead sounding very quickly.

So I think the next set of strings I put on will be done completely by tuner, no matter how long it takes.

You just have to twist the string to accomodate for this as you do it. I'd be more worried about wearing out your tuners.

Cochise · #10 03-31-2007, 12:11 PM

I've always cut, then tuned with the tuner. Didn't really occur to me that there were other ways. Not wanting to hijack this thread but why, when I'm restringing my Jazz, does the main part of the E string (as opposed to the tapered tail which you normally cut) go around the tuning peg? Am I buying strings of too long a scale length?

manicbassman · #11 03-31-2007, 01:13 PM

cut, wound on using tuner, but guided on using fingers to make sure they feed properly and don't kink or cross over themselves.

WarriorJoe7 · #12 03-31-2007, 03:38 PM

Do you replace your strings by taking one off and putting one on (one at a time)

saxnbass · #13 03-31-2007, 03:45 PM

Me? Heck no. I always take them all off.

SBassman · #14 03-31-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manicbassman

cut, wound on using tuner, but guided on using fingers to make sure they feed properly and don't kink or cross over themselves.

That would be how I describe my way, too. I'd add that I pull slightly on the string while winding it so that it gets a good, tight wrap.

saxnbass · #15 03-31-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBassman

I'd add that I pull slightly on the string while winding it so that it gets a good, tight wrap.

Me too. Not all that slight though, and not just once. Over and over until it doesn't throw it out of tune.

SBassman · #16 03-31-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxnbass

Me too. Not all that slight though, and not just once. Over and over until it doesn't throw it out of tune.

I do that, too, but I was referring to During the initial winding. I take up the slack and pull against the post a bit so that the winding is a tight wrap.

saxnbass · #17 03-31-2007, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBassman

I do that, too, but I was referring to During the initial winding. I take up the slack and pull against the post a bit so that the winding is a tight wrap.

Ah. OK. I do that too.

But more to make sure they stay all in line and don't move out of the saddle.

ibnzneksrul · #18 03-31-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarriorJoe7

Do you replace your strings by taking one off and putting one on (one at a time)

No, best time to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of your axe is with no strings on.

And before installing the new ones (I don't know if anyone else does this) I spray some polish on my polish rag and run the new strings thru it to clean off the manufacturing gunk that's left on them.

SGT. Pepper · #19 04-01-2007, 11:48 AM

I cut them so I get 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 windings around the peg.

dTune · #20 04-03-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxnbass

What do you mean by "by hand" and "by tuner"

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKStateBass66

I believe he means wrapping the string around the post as opposed to cranking the tuner to make the string wrap around the post.

Yeah, that was the point. By tuner i mean putting the string straight in the tuning peg, only bending the necessary curve(s) to the string and then turning the tuner until the string is wrapped aroung the peg. The hand-wrapping-part i can't really explain more clearer...apologies for my bad english.

I should have put the options of changing all at once vs one by one... but then again i thought i saw a poll on that a while ago.