Should I change strings on my own?

BrandonBass · #1 07-03-2006, 06:42 AM

Never done it before, i know thers this faq on changing strings and I might wanna follow and change strings myself...

is there a huge risk of me screwing up? Like cutting the strings too short or winding the strings improperly..

btw, i wanted to get dr highs but they're sold out so i got dean markley blue steels instead. how do they compare to the dr highs?

Tony G · #2 07-03-2006, 06:56 AM

You can definetly change your strings yourself. You are wasting money having somebody else do it. If you are worried about cutting your strings too short, do as I do. I string the uncut string through the bridge. Then I pull it up to the string post that it will go in, and cut it about 3 to 6 inches longer than that. You will have plenty of string there.

Also, I am a fan of the blue steels. I really like them when I am going for a very hi-fi type sound. They also last as long time for me.

Good luck!

vindy500 · #3 07-03-2006, 06:59 AM

my general rule of thumb is to cut it 2 machine heads up (if its your typical fender esque head stock.. i.e for the low e string cut the string at the machine head for the d string

MarkMyWordsXx · #4 07-03-2006, 07:07 AM

its really really easy to change bass strings. there thick enough that there not sharp or anything.

like gabe said, put it through/in the bridge and then cut it so you have a cupple inches above the tuner. bend the string into the tuner and tighten it up. thats it, your done.

its about the eaisest thing you can do to a bass

BrandonBass · #5 07-03-2006, 07:19 AM

oh crap my string cutter couldnt cut thru the strings!

Tony G · #6 07-03-2006, 07:20 AM

for bass strings you deffinetly need to use a heavier duty wire cutter.

bassbully43 · #7 07-03-2006, 07:21 AM

a quick trick which never fails for first timers is to simply take the old string and measure it against the new...just unwind the coiled wraps..easy! Make sure when winding that the string is coiling to the bottom putting downward pressure on the string.

BrandonBass · #8 07-03-2006, 10:02 AM

phew! just finished changing. it was hell!

winding the strings require so much effort!!! id rather do pull-ups then wind the damn strings!!!

also, when i first wind the e string the fret buzzed so i thought i did
it wrong so i took it out and...and after thinking for awhile i thought maybe the string tension has somethin to do w it. so i finally strung em together and taaadahh it works

but i was quite dissapointed with the new strings, its about the same as my old curt mangans....guess ill get dr highs next time when im done with this set

good experience though, i must say.

EADG mx · #9 07-03-2006, 12:13 PM

Just remember to string it top to bottom.. it's actually really easy.

HELLonWheels187 · #10 07-03-2006, 12:20 PM

Somebody was telling me to change strings one at a time is that true? I have changed strings at least 10 times and I always took all of the old dtrings off first then I put the new strings on.

kjones · #11 07-03-2006, 02:44 PM

I prefer to do them one at a time, except when that's impossible. (Twice a year, I clean and protect my fingerboard before changing strings, obviously when I do that, everything comes off.)

Doing one at a time is by no means mandatory, but it does keep tension on the neck, thus leading to less shifting around of the neck. A minor plus, in my book.

tplyons · #12 07-03-2006, 03:09 PM

I take 'em all off, clean and restring in under 15 minutes. Five years of practice, restringing about 3-4 different basses a month.

Strings are subjective, and really vary from bass to bass.

morf · #13 07-03-2006, 03:48 PM

Dont worry about your blue steels, they need some playing to settle down.

vindy500 · #14 07-03-2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrandonBass

phew! just finished changing. it was hell!

winding the strings require so much effort!!! id rather do pull-ups then wind the damn strings!!!

what did you wind them round the posts by hand or something? winding strings requires next to no effort at all.

Minger · #15 07-03-2006, 04:17 PM

The only time I have a problem with winding is when I'm too lazy to cut the strings so like my G string has to take like 10 wraps on my Ibanez.

Its not that hard though; you get used to it. I think doing these are easier than guitar strings, but thats just me.

Nick Ioannucci · #16 07-03-2006, 07:35 PM

definitely change your own strings. get your hands dirty and save some money. besides (not to be rude) having someone do it for you would be a waste of cashola.

the_luke · #17 07-03-2006, 09:03 PM

I change my strings and do setups too. It's really not that hard to do it all, and if you get it wrong you have time to fix it. Strings on basses are a cinch compared to any other guitar.

BrandonBass · #18 07-04-2006, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vindy500

what did you wind them round the posts by hand or something? winding strings requires next to no effort at all.

kinda, cause they keep flying out sometimes when i turn the pegs. I gotta keep the string in the hold den i turn....which took ages.

my e string had like 5 or 6 wraps. a string 4 wraps.my d string has like 3 wraps. g string 2...

i cut according to my old strings' length. is it supposed to be like this?

vindy500 · #19 07-04-2006, 04:34 AM

they should all have the same amount of windings.. just poke the string in the hole then hold it tight with your hand so all the slack is between your hand and the bridge(does that make sense) and they shouldnt pop out. but all your strings should have 2-3 windings. 5-6 on the E string is way too much.

BrandonBass · #20 07-04-2006, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vindy500

they should all have the same amount of windings.. just poke the string in the hole then hold it tight with your hand so all the slack is between your hand and the bridge(does that make sense) and they shouldnt pop out. but all your strings should have 2-3 windings. 5-6 on the E string is way too much.

is it like bad for my bass if i wind it too much?