String tension too high

[Ace&Jocelyn]

Hey guys, kind of a noob question here but the D string on my Peavey T-40 is actually more like a Db right now because I can't seem to tighten it any more because it feels like it's about to snap. It has gradually gotten worse (and I'm sure my fiddling with the saddles didn't help) and I kind of need this fixed asap. What do you think the problem is? Is it the saddles? I'm probably going to take it in later but I'm just wondering what it could be so I don't get suckered into paying for something I don't need :/

[SurferJoe46]

What brand strings? If the string is stretching - and that would be kinda strange - I don't think it would even hold a Dd - so some other dynamic is going on here.

Plus --- please define: 'fiddling with the saddles'.

[Dirk Diggler]

Are you sure you're not an octave up?
How do the other strings feel?
I can't imagine any reason why it would change over time.
Also you mentioned the D string, how does the G feel?
Dirk

[Ace&Jocelyn]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

What brand strings? If the string is stretching - and that would be kinda strange - I don't think it would even hold a Dd - so some other dynamic is going on here.

Plus --- please define: 'fiddling with the saddles'.

They're rotosound black nylon flatwound strings. The thing is, I can't tighten them past Db to D because the tension feels REALLY tight like it'll snap if I go any further. By "fiddling" I meant moving the saddle up and down a bit.

[Ace&Jocelyn]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

Are you sure you're not an octave up?
How do the other strings feel?
I can't imagine any reason why it would change over time.
Also you mentioned the D string, how does the G feel?
Dirk

Positive they're not an octave up. The other strings feel perfect, and I could probably get THEM up another octave or two if I wanted. I put these strings on some time ago but I recall it being tight back then as well but it wasn't flat, it tuned exactly to D

[Ace&Jocelyn]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

What brand strings? If the string is stretching - and that would be kinda strange - I don't think it would even hold a Dd - so some other dynamic is going on here.

Plus --- please define: 'fiddling with the saddles'.

here's a pic too, they're adjusted just below the picture via a standard philips screw

[ThrashMaster]

are the gears in the tuning machines fouled up? Common thing (especially on open back tuners), and feels like the tenstion is high even though the machines are just tough to turn

[Ace&Jocelyn]

Originally Posted by ThrashMaster

are the gears in the tuning machines fouled up? Common thing (especially on open back tuners), and feels like the tenstion is high even though the machines are just tough to turn

Doesn't seem like it, the entire gear is clean and all the teeth appear to be intact

[Handyman]

Which set of strings do you have on the bass. Those looks like some REALLY thick flats, which are often very high tension strings.

[Beauchene Implements]

Do you have enough winds around the tuning peg? It might be slipping, esp. with the tape winding.

[PazzoBasso]

I'm by no means an expert, but I believe that a string's tuning is a combination of its diameter, tension & length. Theoretically, an open D string can't be " too tight " & still be flat - maybe something's gone wrong with the inner winding or core? Unless it's not a D... The saddles shouldn't be a concern for the open string ( intonation of fretted notes will be another issue). Even if you moved the saddle a whole inch - you'd still be in the 33 to 35" (on a standard 34" scale bass) scale length & tuning to D should be possible.

If the string feels tight, I'd try a new string - if the tuning machine feels tight, it could be an issue there (as stated by another tb'r)

[ctmullins]

Try swapping the A and D tuners. See if the problem stays with the D string, or migrates to the A.

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by Ace&Jocelyn

Doesn't seem like it, the entire gear is clean and all the teeth appear to be intact

Actually the tuner bushing can be cocked and create a lot of friction that will lead as person to fault the string. Good teeth or not - if the tuner is hard to turn it may not be a gear problem at all.

[PurpleDrank]

Try checking the nut. Maybe the D string is binding in the nut slot and putting a lot of tension on the string between the nut and the post.

String could still be flat, but could "feel" super tight because of it.

[Ace&Jocelyn]

Thanks guys for all the advice, it was way more than I expected to get. Seriously, I appreciate it. It turns out, the screw in the D tuning machine is different from the other three. It's over 30 years old so at some point I guess someone messed with it. I took it in and the older looking gentleman, in all his wisdom, pointed that out to me. I'm not sure WHY the screw makes such a difference in tension I feel while turning it but I guess that's the reason. Thanks again you guys.

[allexcosta]

So, it had nothing to do with the tension of the string. Cool...

Didn't you notice that the string had a regular tension by playing the bass?

[Oldboy]

Silly point I know,but are you sure that its actually a 'D' string,and not a mis-packaged 'G'