problem with new sets of strings

[DTrocks]

Hi all, i recently bought a pack of d addario's chromes 5 string set, and went on to try the bass by myself.

I restrung my previous basses without any problem at all, but this one seems to give me quite alot of problems, so im posting here to see what im doing wrong, or maybe someone can tell me i have a faulty set.

First off, i tried to restring the G string.

The string slotted through the bridge, on the saddle, and i cut it about 5 inches after it passed the tuning peg. Then i inserted the string into the peg, pushed it down, and started winding. But after a few wounds, the string just came loose. I realised the blue wrapping remained in the peg, but the thin wire core came out by itself! Did i cut it too short?


After the end of the g string popped out twice more, having shortened the length by a few times, i decided to leave it aside, and try stringing the B string instead. The moment i took it out, my hands were stained with some sort of silver-ish dark powder, much like getting pencil lead markings on my hands. Is this normal with flatwounds? I really don't wish to stain my maple fingerboard


I'm very disappointed here, i was looking forward having flatwounds strung on my stingray for a change, but after this 2 incident, i dare not continue with the rest of the strings. Can someone help me please?

Photos will come soon, I'm taking them as soon as i post this thread. Thanks.

[DTrocks]

ok i took some quick photos with my phone

the string end initially cut off, if it is not clear here, the string is completly uniform for the blue part, so i believe no matter where i cut it, the same thing will happen.


the winding stuck in peg and the metal end breaking out


the dust stains on my hand, after i washed it down





Like i said above, this is not my first time stringing bass. Previous occasions have been successful, so i really don't know what went wrong here

[darkstorm]

Sounds like defective string if youve restrung a few times previous with no problems. I assume you did wrap so it went around the post a couple times or more and that you snugged up each wrap as you went.

[lowendfriend]

Wow, that's a lot of excess string.....I usually do 2.5 to 3 inches beyond the peg.

[DTrocks]

I brought it back to the shop where i bought the set, they let me exchange the set for a new one, but the grey powder was on the second B string too, albeit much less.

In the end i topped up some cash, and left the shop with a set of sadosky flats, and went on the string it with no problems. Pity, as i liked the gauge that came with the set on the chromes.

[One Drop]

Chromes usually have that polishing residue on them-just wipe it off.

Always bend a string at right angles a 1/2" past the place you will cut it: it keeps the wrap from unwinding from the core , especially needed on most flats.

[DTrocks]

Originally Posted by One Drop

Chromes usually have that polishing residue on them-just wipe it off.

So i guess i overreacted? What a pity, i really liked the strings that were not affected.

Originally Posted by One Drop

Always bend a string at right angles a 1/2" past the place you will cut it: it keeps the wrap from unwinding from the core , especially needed on most flats.

I'm pretty sure it was the product. It wasn't my first set of flats i strung. The other string from the same set was able to be strung as well. It could well be a faulty string.

[One Drop]

Sorry, I meant bend 1/2" BEFORE the place you cut it, so there will be a right angle crimp in the string that both keeps it from unwinding (especially flats) and that will help the string stay in the slot.

I don't see what fault could keep a string from gripping a tuning peg myself, but anyway...

The important thing is you now have Sadowsky flats on your bass, which is a GOOD thing!

[DTrocks]

Originally Posted by One Drop

Sorry, I meant bend 1/2" BEFORE the place you cut it, so there will be a right angle crimp in the string that both keeps it from unwinding (especially flats) and that will help the string stay in the slot.

Ah i see what you mean now.

Originally Posted by One Drop

The important thing is you now have Sadowsky flats on your bass, which is a GOOD thing!

Ye the Sadowsky feels and sound sweet too!

One quick question. my B string is now .125, and i found that I love the tension of the string when I tune the string up to D flat. Would a heavier gauge give me the same feeling when tuned to B?

Thanks again

[eyecandy]

it'll be a bit tighter and thicker

[DTrocks]

Originally Posted by eyecandy

it'll be a bit tighter and thicker

Yes I know that. Was asking if the tightness would be similar to what i get when my current B string gets tuned to D flat. Just by a rough estimate.