Cant get my string through the bridge.

dave_bass5 · #1 10-31-2008, 04:46 PM

Im just trying to get a .132 low B Chrome on to my USA P5 but due to the amount of thick silk binding at the ball end ICant get it through the body or through the top.

Any ideas what i can do?

Cheers.

Pilgrim · #2 10-31-2008, 04:47 PM

Scrape off the silk. (BTDT with other strings)

You're welcome.

mrjim123 · #3 10-31-2008, 04:49 PM

Some guys ream the hole to make it bigger. I'd recommend that over removing the silk.

Bassman316 · #4 10-31-2008, 04:52 PM

I had a similar problem with strings and silk, except this was at the tuning post, not at the bridge. I recently strung up my ABG with Fender tapewounds, and on the E and A strings was a mad amount of silk winding, to the point where it was too thick to get down into the tuning post. Silk came off, strings went on. Oh yes.

Pilgrim · #5 10-31-2008, 05:00 PM

You can do either - or both. Personally I'd rather modify a less expensive and more easily replaceable string than a more expensive bridge. I'd remove the silk first, and modify the bridge only if forced to.

dave_bass5 · #6 10-31-2008, 05:16 PM

Thanks very much for the quick replies guys.
Panic over. I took most of the silk off and its gone on OK. TBH i didnt fancy modifying a brand new bass.
I assume this is ok to not have much silk on the string? Silly question i know but Ive never had string trouble before.

I had to string through the top in the end. The silk at the other end was across the nut.

Thanks again and have a good weekend

fretlessman71 · #7 10-31-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

The silk at the other end was across the nut.

I've had this happen before. Kinda chafes, huh?

dave_bass5 · #8 10-31-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

I've had this happen before. Kinda chafes, huh?

Yeah. I knew it was going to be a bit short as its only a long and not extra long.
Cant believe the amount of winding at the nut end. so much wasted.

By the Way, i heard D'Adarrio are stopping making the Chrome
.132 extra long. Might have to pick a couple up before supply dries up

ReidK · #9 10-31-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Yeah. I knew it was going to be a bit short as its only a long and not extra long.
Cant believe the amount of winding at the nut end. so much wasted.

Humor rarely travels well across the pond...

dave_bass5 · #10 10-31-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReidK

Humor rarely travels well across the pond...

I wasnt sure.
I looked for a LOL or ;-) but as there wasnt one i thought it best not to comment in the wrong way.

Sorry, didnt mean to rub anyone up the wrong way

fretlessman71 · #11 11-01-2008, 02:19 AM

Hey, if we're wearing silk, it'll just glide right over.

Sorry if my delivery was too dry!

Rick Auricchio · #12 11-01-2008, 11:17 AM

You rub me the wrong way...but keep on rubbin'.

Pilgrim · #13 11-01-2008, 07:12 PM

I have the impression that the silks are there for visual ID and to help prevent windings from unwrapping. As long as the string stays intact, I don't think they are needed at all. Some strings don't have them.

peakdesign · #14 11-02-2008, 12:16 AM

One way I've found is to burn the silk off, gently, with a butane lighter. That's especially helpful for those fluffy fiber masses that mush out on the bridge or the nut.