Tape Wounds For Godin A5 Fretless??

[billcunn]

Hello all. I am new here and have an A5 string comment/question.

Last month I purchased an A5 fretless. It came with flatwounds. I attempted to put a new set of GHS Nylon Tape wounds on it. The ends of the strings are too fat to go in the machine heads of strings 4 and 5. Does anyone have experience with a set of tape wounds that will fit the A5?

Also, I sent a note to Godin. Here's their response...

Hi Bill,

We've never used tape wound strings on the A5, so you'll have to try different sets.

You should also make sure that the total string tension of the tape wound strings you'll install on your bass is approximately the same as the tension on the factory fitted strings (total tension : approximately 213 lbs). If not, you may damage the bass' top, bridge and neck.

Regards,


Michel
Godin Guitars
www.godinguitars.com

[billcunn]

Any ideas?

[62bass]

I had a Godin 4 string with the same problem. I drilled out the E string tuner hole and the problem was solved. Be careful if you do this though. Check the drill size to make sure it's not too big or you'll remove too much material. The tuner metal is soft enough that any decent high speed steel drill bit will go through easily enough. I just used a 3/8" Makita drill but can't remember the bit size, but if you have set of bits it's easy enough to figure out.

I also had to do the same on my Dano DC. It's an easy fix if you have a steady hand.

[PilbaraBass]

why not use LaBella NTW's instead?

btw...what tuners does Godin use?

[billcunn]

Thanks for the feedback. The tech drilled the slot as 62 recommended.

I don't know what brand the tuners are. They are labeled Godin. I can send you a picture if you are interested or maybe upload it here. Just let me know. I'll run down the La Bellas and give them a try.

In case anyone is interested, GHS responded that they haven't measured tension on their tapes but guess its about 120-130 lbs.

I have a fretted A4 and use TI Bronze Phosphors.
Love the way they sound and no problems with putting them on.