The string pops out of the nut....

maju dragon · #1 08-17-2006, 08:43 PM

so i was playing my geddy lee signature fender jazz and getting into my bands music, when suddenly, my E string came out its nut groove.....
i had to look at it to see why it did this and it only happens when the string goes towards the pickup and back up again quickly, (like a trampoline i guess)
Im thinking that it could be because the part on the head, where you put in the string to whind it, is too close to the nut, which puts a lot of tension on the nut. causing it to pop out easily. if that doenst make sense, then sorry, i dont know how to explain it better.
anyway, i was wondering if anyone had a suggestion of what to do and if this has happend to anyone elses geddy lee signiture.
thanks for the help.

Dan1099 · #2 08-17-2006, 09:38 PM

This is usually indicative of improper restringing technique. When restringing, I usually follow these steps.

-Remove old strings
-Feed E string through bridge, lay across neck and pull taught.
-Clip excess string off where it passes the D-string tuner.
-Looking straight down the shaft which the string wraps around, we'll call towards the body "down." You want the slot in the shaft to run up and down, so turn the key until this is the case.
-Insert string end into hole in shaft, and bend it upwards, then crimp it around to the right (clockwise) from the slot.
-Turn the key to tighten up the string. Make sure that the string, when it goes all the way around the peg, continues to wrap underneath the last wrap, not above it. Allowing the wrap to go the other way is what usually causes the string to slip from the nut.
-Tune the string to pitch, continuing to make sure any additional wraps continue to wind UNDERNEATH the last one.
-Repeat with the remaing strings.

Let me know if this needs any clarifying.

maju dragon · #3 08-17-2006, 10:15 PM

thank dan. those tips really make a lot of sense now that i see them.....
and this sucks, becasue i was using my churchs bass yesterday, and me, being an idiot.... was playing really hard and totally broke the E string.....like, i pulled it off.....i dont know, it was weird...
and i just got strings today and put them on like i normally do, which is the wrong way.....
i could have put them on the right way....

well, thanks again man.
anymore help from anyone else is nice also.

Dan1099 · #4 08-17-2006, 10:47 PM

You might be able to pull them out and redo them correctly. Its worth a shot.

LakLander · #5 09-15-2006, 10:18 AM

This is just my preference, but I change the strings one at a time instead of taking all of them off at once. This way, you can measure the new string by the old string so you don't accidently cut it a little too short. Also, once you get the new strings on, pull up on them a couple of time at about the 8th fret and it will help stretch the new strings. Just a side note: you want the strings to be as straight as possible from the nut to the tuner.

Dan1099 · #6 09-15-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakLander

Just a side note: you want the strings to be as straight as possible from the nut to the tuner.

??? I was under the impression that good down pressure is what is wanted, created by wrapping the strings lower on the peg, intentionally creating a downward angle from the nut to the tuning peg. This holds the strings in the nut better.

LakLander · #7 09-20-2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1099

??? I was under the impression that good down pressure is what is wanted, created by wrapping the strings lower on the peg, intentionally creating a downward angle from the nut to the tuning peg. This holds the strings in the nut better.

That's absolutely correct, Dan. That's where string trees or a tilt-back headstock comes in as well. I guess what I meant to say was, looking straight down on the strings, not from the side, you want it as straight as possible. Sorry....