A string wanting to hop out of the nut...

Guiseppe · #1 10-16-2007, 01:14 PM

While throwing on a new set of strings on my Jazz Bass (a Geddy), I came across a problem in that the A string was trying to jump out of the nut (not enough downward pressure). Now before I go too far, let me back up a couple steps...

1) I recently replaced the stock tuners with replacement Hipshot tuners. They were an exact fit replacement - the only tool I needed was a screwdriver.

2) the new strings are a LITTLE bit bigger gauge than what I was using...the new ones are 45-100 Boomers...I honestly don't remember what gauge they were, but they were "lights".

With the old set of strings, I didn't have the problem w/ the A string hopping...so a part of me thinks it's simply the nut needing to be filed. Because I was going out the door to a gig, I wound up stringing the A "incorrectly" and crossing the string on the tuner (rather than doing it the neat, spiraled way) so that I could get enough downward pressure to keep it firmly seated in the nut.

The other part of the anamoly is while I was restringing the bass, I happened to notice that 2 of the tuners appear to have deeper slots. Although I've been around the block a few times, I confess this is something I'd never noticed. Are most bass tuners (sets) like this?

ThunderLizard · #2 10-16-2007, 01:36 PM

Guiseppe-
Would the two deeper slot tuners would be for the D & G?
Haven't had this problem, but I think some 'downward' pressure on the A string might help. Maybe you could install another string post like the one for that holds the D & G strings.
Good Luck To You!

Guiseppe · #3 10-16-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThunderLizard

Guiseppe-
Would the two deeper slot tuners would be for the D & G?
Haven't had this problem, but I think some 'downward' pressure on the A string might help. Maybe you could install another string post like the one for that holds the D & G strings.
Good Luck To You!

I'm definitely not a luthier/guitar tech, but I think that the string tensioner (the disk screwed on the headstock for the G and D strings) fixes that. I would imagine that the E and A strings, having the least break in the string angle where it crosses the nut would benefit from it.

lug · #4 10-16-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guiseppe

Because I was going out the door to a gig, I wound up stringing the A "incorrectly" and crossing the string on the tuner (rather than doing it the neat, spiraled way) so that I could get enough downward pressure to keep it firmly seated in the nut.

Redo this correctly.

Guiseppe · #5 10-16-2007, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

Redo this correctly.

As I said earlier, I strung it wrong because I was stringing the bass for a gig and didn't have time to take corrective actions right there. When the string is strung correctly, there isn't enough break angle to keep the string firmly seated in the nut. Hence this thread.

PaulMacCnj · #6 10-16-2007, 03:24 PM

Can you post a picture of how the string is wound?

Guiseppe · #7 10-16-2007, 03:33 PM

I just re-strung the A (correctly, without it crossing over itself) and now it seems to be OK...maybe I was just rushing (it was about 10 minute before a gig) and didn't have the string pushed as far down on the tuning peg as I could have? for whatever reason, it seems like it's fine now...

I suppose that is what I get for slapping on a new set before a gig when I'm pushed for time...

Seriously, I appreciate you alls' feedback! If there was a beer icon here on TB, I'd send you all one...

bassmanrocke · #8 10-16-2007, 05:46 PM

If the problem reappears, you might consider cutting the string an inch or so longer on your next restring. This will give about one more wrap around the post and as long as they spiral down it will lower the string about 1/8 of an inch or so. It will also put more pressure on the nut and may improve the sustaine slightly.