Re-using strings on a new Bass - 1mm gap in string winding at bridge contact point

YTFC2010 · #1 09-13-2009, 11:09 AM

Hi everyone, my first post here.
I'm a Guitarist of 15 years & Double Bass player of around 2, although I still regular refer to this forum for most advice & info.

I'm getting a brand new Westbury Bass here in the UK tomorrow & apparantly it's coming without any strings. I've had some Pirastro Obligato's on my current cheap & nasty 4/4 bass for approx 2 weeks, & would now like to put them on my new 3/4 Westbury when I get it. However, where the strings have met contact with the bridge on my cheap Bass, there is approx 1mm gap in the winding of the string which just about shows through to the synthetic core, & the strings are significantly weaker at these points now I've taken them off.

I will be taking my new Bass to a luthier to have it set up, but wanted as many opinions as possible as to whether any of you know from experience whether my current Obligato's should be ok, or whether you'd recommend purchasing some new strings?

I'd like to know In advance of going to the luthier as I'm sure he'll recommend purchasing some from himself if need be, wheras I can actually get them cheaper through my work.
If I do need to get some new strings for my 3/4 Westbury, any recommendations? I'm a huge Jim Creeggan fan & play an evenly balanced mix of Pizz & Arco. Are Evah Pirazzi's pretty versatile?

Many thanks

TroyK · #2 09-13-2009, 12:21 PM

Regarding reusing strings the answer is "it depends on the strings". I would not do so with Obligatos, especially if you can see seperation. They just don't restring well and they're not the longest life strings to begin with.

If you like them, a new set is the way to go. Evah Pirazzis are more stable and hearty. They don't sound quite like Obligatos, but they are good for both arco and pizz, if you like a darker pizz sound. The weich gauge EPs are reportedly more focused pizz than the regular and are probably closer to Obligatos in gauge. Other good strings in this family include Innovation and Kolstein Heritage. I suggest searching the string forum if you want to know more about them.

Steel strings, like Spirocores are much more durable and can be taken off and restrung over and over. There are some good choices among them too, but if you like the characteristics of the synthetic core, they may not be for you.

"Which strings should I use?" is not an answerable question, I'm afraid.

Congrats on the new bass!

Eric Hochberg · #3 09-14-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YTFC2010

However, where the strings have met contact with the bridge on my cheap Bass, there is approx 1mm gap in the winding of the string which just about shows through to the synthetic core, & the strings are significantly weaker at these points now I've taken them off.

The strings are probably snagging at the bridge because the slots are not shaped correctly. If the separations end up below the bridge on the new bass, you may get more use out of the strings, but if they lay on the bridge or above in the bowing area (assuming you use the bow), I would forget it. Get some new strings to have with you when you visit your luthier.

forester · #4 09-14-2009, 08:59 PM

knot the end @ the tailpiece untill the burr on the string(s) is below the bridge..check the string where it passes over the nut, if there is no similar damage,great,they will still give you good $ervice.

disclaimer: your luthier won't like it, he will want new.

YTFC2010 · #5 09-15-2009, 03:29 PM

Many thanks guys, greatly appreciated! I am seeing my Luthier on Friday, & a new set of Obligato's should be delivered tomorrow - Can't wait for the set up!

robobass · #6 09-16-2009, 05:57 PM

If the windings on Oblis have opened up, I don't think you will be able to re-use them. Oblis are like many metal tape-wound guts. The winding holds the string together, and once loose, the string will vibrate internally, making all kinds of unwanted noise, and preventing a clear and focused sound. Whichever string you go for, make absolutely sure that the notches in both the bridge and nut are properly carved, and lubricate them with a graphite pencil. Oblis are my string, btw.
It's good that you're going to a luthier, but even then, double check that the strings slide over the bridge and nut easily. Don't trust him just because he calls himself a luthier. Finding a good bass guy is sort of like finding a mechanic to work on your 40 year old Citroen. Relationships need to be cultivated, and there is a certain amount of magic in the formula. If the guy clearly is not Gandolf, then string path work is something you can do yourself with time and effort, and maybe the first thing to do, considering that you just wasted upwards of 150 GBP on strings just because of a bad bridge. Just like anything else, learn as much as you can about setup on your own, so you know what you're talking about when you order work, and some things you will find you can do yourself.
Hope this helps...