My new Stingray doesn't want to be stringed with TI Jazz Flats...

TFZ© · #1 02-08-2009, 07:21 AM

Hi Gentlemen,

I've decided to get rid of the original Ernie Ball strings on my new Stingray and replace them by my favorite ones : Thomastik Jazz flats.
An usually trouble-free operation done many many times on my other basses.
While I was tuning the G string, the twisted wire under the silk material (I guess it's called outer winding) broke, at the post string, exactly at the point where the string is right angle bended...
This happened before the G string reached its correct tune !
I thought it was an "accident" but I broke 2 more new G strings trying to install them again with different number of windings around the post just to see if I was doing something wrong.
During these new attempts, the A string did the same without being even touched and exactly at the same point.
I decided to take a closer look to the string posts of the bass and discovered that they are much more sharper (unbarbered ?) than any other string post I've seen.
Under tension (and even before in tune), they litterally CUT the outer winding of these particular strings : I've tried another branded flatwound G string (Pyramid) and it resisted as resisted any of the other round wound string which I've tried too (their wire end construction is much more thick/stronger than flats).
This is the first time I experience this problem (I also use these same TI strings on a T-40, a PB, and an ATK).
Does somebody already seen this type of problem ?
Am I doing something wrong or...maybe I'm the proud owner of the only MM Stingray who hates TI Jazz flats ?

Any suggestion is very welcome.
I can post close pics if necessary.

Thank you.

mmbassplayer · #2 02-08-2009, 07:28 AM

I think your poor Stingray is trying to tell you something? What is your intention for putting flats on it anyway?

jasper383 · #3 02-08-2009, 11:20 AM

I have had that exact problem with D'Addario Chromes and the G string tuner on Stingrays. That angle is super sharp, and the string cuts and slips right there.

Cut the G (and I have been doing it on the D, too just to be safe) extra long. Then put the string end in the hole, make the 90 degree bend, then wrap it over the slot one more time before winding down the tuner. This method won't slip.

The TI Flats core is pretty fragile, imo. Chromes not as bad, but similar issues with the EBMM tuners.

TFZ© · #4 02-08-2009, 03:58 PM

Thank you very much, I'll try your method and let you know how it works for me with the TI.

mrufino1 · #5 02-08-2009, 09:49 PM

I have TI flats on my stingray and I do not have that issue. Sounds like you may need to swap the tuners for another set. Also, to answer the other question as to why TI flats? I think they sound amazing on the stingray.

GeoffByrne · #6 02-09-2009, 05:30 AM

Get a Dremmel & a miniature grinding stone & take the edge off those tuners - look how much they've cost you already!!!

TFZ© · #7 02-09-2009, 02:25 PM

Geoff, this idea came to my mind but chrome plated really does not like grinding stone, unfortunately....

mrufino1, thanks for explaining much better than me how sounds a TI Flats equipped Stingray !

While trying jasper383 solution when...I'll receive my new set of TI flats, I'm in touch with the (possible) manufacturer of Musicman tuners...

Let's wait & see.

stflbn · #8 02-09-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffByrne

Get a Dremmel & a miniature grinding stone & take the edge off those tuners - look how much they've cost you already!!!

+10 1/2

Take the sharp edge off your tuners and you should be fine. I do this on most of my tuners that are not powdercoated black.

.

TFZ© · #9 02-10-2009, 02:38 PM

Interesting...but it does not affect the finish (chrome) on the post string ?

Thank you.