Stringing Your Own

Ibanez Bassist · #1 02-03-2010, 05:20 PM

Im a new Bassist.. Drummer by Nature.. Is it easy enough to string my own bass guitars or should I have it dont at the local music store..?

Boguszewivz · #2 02-03-2010, 05:24 PM

its easy, there are loads of videos and tutorials on the net which help you

Thumper828 · #3 02-03-2010, 09:01 PM

Just wondering, what type of Ibanez, What strings your going with. Im getting readt to embark on the same adventure with my SR 500. Still havent chose the strings yet though.

**line6man** · #4 02-03-2010, 09:11 PM

Stringing a bass should be one of the most basic skills you should learn.

There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever in my book for a person to need a professional to string a bass.

jpfbass · #5 02-03-2010, 09:15 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtCqNfEDSB4
There ya go, a video that perfectly demonstrates how to restring your bass. It's really incredibly easy, you don't any tools, or skills for that matter. Also, the kinds of strings that you want on your bass is pretty subjective IMO. Since I'm kinda low on cash right now, I'll just buy some cheap d'adario's (2 sets for 20 bucks) ignore these more name brand strings that cost like 30 bucks a pack. But if you have the cash, I like elixirs a lot so you might wanna try those out (but again it's really pretty subjective to personal taste). Also, if your strings are dead new ones are really a huge improvement no matter what kind you get.

BD Bass · #6 02-03-2010, 10:19 PM

I used this site, for the first time around

http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_string_change/

chadhargis · #7 02-04-2010, 07:39 AM

Stringing your bass is not difficult. Just a few things to keep in mind:

1) Don't cut the new strings too short! Use your old strings as a measuring device for your new ones.

2) Don't cut your old strings off. They are under a lot of tension, and it also keeps you from being able to use the as stated above.

3) Unless you are going to clean your fretboard, it's recommended that you change one string at a time. I have been told a lot of this is personal preference provided you aren't going to leave your bass unstrung for several days, but to me, it's a "clutter" thing. Doing one string at a time leaves less mess you have to deal with.

4) When you twist the end around the tuning post, be sure not to twist the string along its length. This is especially important for the low E and/or B if you have a fiver.

5) Don't worry about tuning your strings as you put them on. Get them "close enough" using your ear (or a tuner if you want to). As you change the other strings, you will effect the tune.

6) Press the new strings into the bridge saddles (and immediately in front of the bridge) to seat them. Do the same at the nut.

After you are all strung and tuned, check your neck relief and string height. It's not hard to do. If you are happy with where it is with your old strings, then get a sheet of paper and mark the height on it and use it for a measuring tool for your new strings.

When I put my strings on, I adjusted the truss rods (I have two), set the string height, and adjusted the intonation. I'd never done it before, so I took my time and checked everything multiple times. I also read every internet article I could find and watched every video I could find.

It's not hard to do, and you really can't mess anything up real bad unless you overtighten your truss rod, so be careful there. Make SMALL adjustments and wait a day or so before tweaking it.

Ibanez Bassist · #8 02-04-2010, 02:56 PM

Thanks so much guys for all the help Im sure I will be fine just wanted to know some of the finer points which I got Thanks Again Scott

Ibanez Bassist · #9 02-04-2010, 03:02 PM

One last thing I dont know if I mentioned that it is an Acoustic/Electric Bass and I dont know if that makes a difference??

Ibanez Bassist · #10 02-04-2010, 03:04 PM

Never had to string a bass before Im a drummer of 30 Yrs. and just started playing the bass My bass is new and didnt need to be strung so I never had the opportunity to string it.. but before I did I thought I would ask just to get the finer points.. I dont believe I will have any trouble..maybe some day I will be as good as you!!

Ibanez Bassist · #11 02-04-2010, 03:10 PM

I have a Gio GSR200FM Ibanez and an Ibanez AEB10E Acoustic/Electric but not sure about the strings yet..

darkstorm · #12 02-04-2010, 10:15 PM

Take your time, dont rush. Snug each wind up against the previous one. Tune as you go then adjust tuning after rest are changed. You'll find that you'll need to retune a little for a day or two after as strings settle. Does help imo to tune about a half step up initially then tune back down to pitch. And yup, you'll need to retune a little after all the new strings are on and maybe the next day or two as strings settle. Do learn to do your own action setups. For trussrod and bridge saddle heights. This way you learn to adjust action to best personal pref instead of being stuck with someone elses.

For those asking about string choices for Ibanez, is purely personal pref. Myself roundwounds only. GHS boomers as main brand used, alternateing off and on with Rotosounds. 45-105 gauge. If you wanted crunchier sound, to me ernie balls are good choice, or for smoother sound daddarios. GHS haveing solid tone, great harmonics, and doesnt affect crunch factor like daddario and ernie balls do a little to my ears.