How far for a P-Bass?

[Mr. Mig]

When restringing a Fender P-Bass how far past the tuning peg do you cut the string? Thanks to all.

[Turnaround]

About four and a half inches beyond the post you are stringing to. When installing the E string pull the string through the bridge and up past the E string post. With a pair of pliers, bend the string at right angles 4.5 inches beyond the E string post. Then cut the string about three-quarters of an inch beyond the bend and string it up. You should get about 3 wraps around the post, which will give a good break angle over the nut. Use the same measurement for all strings.

[Bassguy1]

The technique that I use is to pull the string through the bridge then wrap the string around the tuning post 2-3 times while pulling it fairly tight and then cut the end off to length while wrapped. Leave a little extra (about 1/2") on the end for inserting into the hole in the tuner peg. No guess work as to whether it's too long or too short.

[JimmyM]

I go two pegs past the peg I'm winding it into. Seems to work.

[walterw]

it's a good idea with fenders to leave the A string a little longer than the others, so it wraps all the way down the post; otherwise, it can rattle in the nut slot from having too shallow an angle over the nut.

[thirtypoint87]

Here's a big 10-4 to all of the above. I like to cut the E, D, and G strings at "two pegs past" and the A at the end of the headstock. Works just fine.

[nicoli]

I generally go with three inches past the post.

[idoru]

Originally Posted by walterw

it's a good idea with fenders to leave the A string a little longer than the others, so it wraps all the way down the post; otherwise, it can rattle in the nut slot from having too shallow an angle over the nut.

Absolutely. Better yet - upgrade your string tree to something that covers the A string too (I like the Hipshot trees).

c-

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by walterw

it's a good idea with fenders to leave the A string a little longer than the others, so it wraps all the way down the post; otherwise, it can rattle in the nut slot from having too shallow an angle over the nut.

Yeah I screwed that up on my most recent set of TIs on a Fender Jazz, cut the A string too short and only getting two wraps around the post -- but I'm dealing with it.

[xray]

There's no exact science to this. Just make sure the strings stay wrapped around the peg and you'll do fine. P's practically play themselves even with coat hanger wire.

[Pilgrim]

Remember this gem of wisdom from my dad:

"No matter how many times you cut it off, it's still too short."

Get the hint?