not wrapping strings around post

[Spolodaface]

Hi,

I recently bought a new pack of strings and put them on my bass - this is the first time I have done this. Now please tell me how badly I've ****ed up:

I cut the strings at a length that doesn't really allow room to wrap any around the post. So have I just wasted £25? Will bad things DEFINITELY happen in the close future cause I haven't wrapped them properly?

I've got my first gig coming up Tuesday and I don't want to look as much of a fool as I feel now by having a dodgy B string snap and rip my face into pieces.

[IronMaiden]

So you have it in the pole and that is it? Seems like it could potentially snap off and if that doesn't happen you are bound to have tuning issues.

[clmayhew]

Sounds to me like you're going to have to buy another set of strings.

[Spolodaface]

yeah its only turned like 90 degreed around the pole.

man I suck - totally pissed off as i'm broke. At least I didn't snip the B string yet.

[atheos]

Badly. The strings need to go 1-2 times around the pole or the string may pop off causing injury, even serious. A string in your eye will cost you quite a bit more than $25.

Leave about 4 inches "excess", never wind the whole string without cutting it as you'll end up with 10 circles around the pole and you'll have nasty tuning issues as the strings stretch.

[St Drogo]

The way I restring is as follows:

- put the new string through the bottom
- put the tip through the tuningpeg
- pull it tight through, then grab the string with thumb and indexfinger just under the tuningpeg, pul it back until your fingers are over about the second fret That should give you enough leeway.
- hold it there and start turning with your other hand.

Then there's some stuff about settling and stuff but i wont bore you with that.

On the other hand, My guitarist once broke a string on my guitar (not bass) when I wasn't around and put the new low E on just like you did. That was more than a year ago and it 's still on there, so it's possible that it's not a problem. I almost never play that guitar, though, and bass strings have both more tension on them as they can be played more vigorously, depending on your style, so i would not count on it, at least not enough to do shows.

[facethebass]

You can always buy a shorter bass.

[St Drogo]

Originally Posted by facethebass

You can always buy a shorter bass.

I like the simple, pragmatic way you think.

[Dr_Funkdamental]

Man that sucks. If I had time, I would send you a set just cause. You wouldnt happen to be near Baltimore, MD would you?

[St Drogo]

Man that sucks. If I had time, I would send you a set just cause. You wouldnt happen to be near Baltimore, MD would you?

I applaud your goodness, sir.

[unbridled]

If you do try to save the string, make sure you crimp it where you've cut it to help keep the windings from seperating.

Depending on the scale length of your bass, you might not have to cut new strings at all and can just put the end of the string down the middle of the post. you want 2-3 windings around the post. Any more than that and you'll be asking for tuning issues.

[Spolodaface]

hey thanks for the helpful replies guys, guess i'm just gonna have to count this as an expensive learning experience! And thanks for the offer Dr. Funkdamental but I live all the way in the U.K.

On closer inspection the strings are wrapped around 180 degrees, hmm - do I have the balls to risk severe injury and embarassment to save a little bit of cash?

[xgator4u]

Originally Posted by unbridled

you might not have to cut new strings at all and can just put the end of the string down the middle of the post. you want 2-3 windings around the post. Any more than that and you'll be asking for tuning issues.

^ this is the correct answer.

[darkstorm]

EEeeeks! Yup gotta replace those pronto. You need a good 2 turns minimum around post. The end of string goes into the hole in middle, downward. Then wrap string around post and snug each wind up against the previous one. 2 turns is fine 3's ok too. O btw wind string around the post so that string goes toward nut slots from the inside side of tuner post as it comes around from behind. Like in pic.

[Spolodaface]

you're just trying to show off how badass your bass looks aren't you :P

hmm, I might try winding it like a guitar string - i.e. without puttnig the end in the hole (thats what she said?) as a couple of people have suggested.

[Bassamatic]

100% agreed - you need about 3 turns for good connection, and not more than three as there will be too much stretch, and the windings will sit on top if each other. You will keep going out of tune as they settle.

A good rule is to cut the string at about the next tuner past the one you are stringing.

It may not be a total loss - Perhaps you can sell the strings to someone with a shorter scale bass - they have to cut them anyway.

[Meddle]

Originally Posted by Spolodaface

hey thanks for the helpful replies guys, guess i'm just gonna have to count this as an expensive learning experience! And thanks for the offer Dr. Funkdamental but I live all the way in the U.K.

You can get some really cheap bass strings from axesrus.com. They are Castle strings, and not very good, but they are about £6 a set and the shipping is free.

[banditcosmo]

Try selling the strings to someone with a short scale bass. They would need to be cut anyways.

[Spolodaface]

hmm, changed so only the very tip of the string goes into the hole and they wrap around about once. I may have some tuning problems but it seems stable.

[Spolodaface]

guys will approx, 1 wrap be fine temporarily?
I know 2 is ideal, but if I can get away with one then I might as they're nice strings and i'm cheapskate :P