Changing strings - Cutting/shortening strings

[Chris Paget]

I just put on a new set of lower-tension strings (Silver Slaps) last night. My main goal is to really get the best sound and slap response from these- basically utilizing the low tension to the fullest.

I noticed that the end of each string is wrapped around the tuning head so many times that there is actually little room remaining on each head. My question is this: Is it OK, or even recommended, to cut strings to shorten them as one might do with an electric bass? Does the number of times a string is wrapped affect the actual tension or playability of the string (more times wrapped = higher tension)?

[salcott]

I don't think the number of wraps affects tension. I don't cut strings (any more); I pull enough string through the hole to get 3-4 turns on the tuner shaft and tuck in the excess.

[Chris Paget]

So would there be any disadvantages to wrapping around as many times as it takes to tighten the string (say 6 to 8 times.. I think that's a good average for the strings I put on last night)?

I've also heard it isn't great for strings to rub against each other in the headstock.. how much truth is there to this? It seems like that could be a disadvantage if there are a lot of wrappings taking up a lot of room in the headstock.

[George700DL]

Originally Posted by Chris Paget

So would there be any disadvantages to wrapping around as many times as it takes to tighten the string (say 6 to 8 times.. I think that's a good average for the strings I put on last night)?

I've also heard it isn't great for strings to rub against each other in the headstock.. how much truth is there to this? It seems like that could be a disadvantage if there are a lot of wrappings taking up a lot of room in the headstock.

You don't want to pinch the string against the side of the box, but if there is room on the peg, I don't see the problem of many turns.

Since I use gut strings that I got overseas in person, I didn't cut anything - I wrapped everything on the peg. If these particular strings break (unlikely), they can be spliced. So I wanted to have all the spare material.

George

[Jake deVilliers]

+1 on what Steve said. The number of wraps doesn't alter the tension at all.

I like to see about 3-4 wraps on each capstan in the pegbox. That's enough to give good grip but not so much as to cause tuning instability issues or to wedge up and crack the pegbox cheeks.

You don't have to cut them if you don't want to, just pull the excess through and tuck the loose ends in.

[Don Higdon]

Originally Posted by Chris Paget

So would there be any disadvantages to wrapping around as many times as it takes to tighten the string (say 6 to 8 times.. I think that's a good average for the strings I put on last night)?

I've also heard it isn't great for strings to rub against each other in the headstock.. how much truth is there to this? It seems like that could be a disadvantage if there are a lot of wrappings taking up a lot of room in the headstock.

I know you meant to say pegbox. I just know it.
There's no need for 6-8 wraps. 4 are plenty. I cut the excess.

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Don Higdon

I know you meant to say pegbox. I just know it.

Dream on.

[Chris Paget]

Pegbox! Pegbox!!

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Chris Paget

Pegbox! Pegbox!!

Okay, here you go:

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Chris Paget

Pegbox! Pegbox!!

Yay!
Five STARS for saying "Pegbox!"
Five MORE stars for not being offended by TBDB's two most grouchy grouches. Dono and yers truly.
You da man.

[salcott]

Hey-I'm grouchy, too-I just save it for the perfect occasion.....

[Turnaround]

Any reason NOT to cut them?

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Any reason NOT to cut them?

If they might be used on a bass with a longer string length at some point. If you want to sell them.

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Any reason NOT to cut them?

You gotta mild case of OCD?
Or.............
Do you dust out your pegbox?
Do you Amor-All your crutch tip?
Do your machine handles all have to be lined up, making that be more important than being in tune?
Do the screw notches in your tuning gears have to be perfectly horizontal?
Do you use Q-Tips on your scroll volutes?
Do you dust the insides of the heart in your bridge with a Q-Tip soaked in lemon oil?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you're in deep trouble here.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

You gotta mild case of OCD?
Or.............
Do you dust out your pegbox?
Do you Amor-All your crutch tip?
Do your machine handles all have to be lined up, making that be more important than being in tune?
Do the screw notches in your tuning gears have to be perfectly horizontal?
Do you use Q-Tips on your scroll volutes?
Do you dust the insides of the heart in your bridge with a Q-Tip soaked in lemon oil?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you're in deep trouble here.

LOL

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

You gotta mild case of OCD?
Or.............
Do you dust out your pegbox?
Do you Amor-All your crutch tip?
Do your machine handles all have to be lined up, making that be more important than being in tune?
Do the screw notches in your tuning gears have to be perfectly horizontal?
Do you use Q-Tips on your scroll volutes?
Do you dust the insides of the heart in your bridge with a Q-Tip soaked in lemon oil?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you're in deep trouble here.

What does it mean if I polish my endpin a lot?

[Paul Warburton]

Means you like your rod to slide in nice 'n easy.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Means you like your rod to slide in nice 'n easy.

That's got to be a good thing, right?

[George700DL]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Do you dust the insides of the heart in your bridge with a Q-Tip soaked in lemon oil?

The bridge is where I occasionally rosin up my bow - plenty of rosin caked up on the bridge. Thinking about enlarging that heart, so that I can get the whole bow in there...