Just got some EB Flats and I noticed this instruction packet. I've never seen anyone suggest installing strings this way. Should I try it or ignore it?
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Alternate method of installing flatwounds? On Ernie Ball string package
- Thread starter el_Bajo_Verde
- Start date
I would try it, seems like an extra-secure way to keep the windings from unraveling.
Whatever way you try, you have to be gentle. There's lots of accounts of the thin threaded ends snapping on installation for no good reason. In every case people mentioned here, EB was great about replacing the string but that still means a week of waiting for it.
Interesting, I'll keep that in mind. I'm always gentle and patient when installing, though. And I always tune up to pitch very slowly.
Back when I was checking out Youtube vids on how to install strings, one of the guys (expert but I can't remember who/what he was) did it that way. I've done it that way, and bending (then cutting) the strings instead.
I installed a set of these on a Squier Cabronita, and totally didn't see this insert until I was done. I just strung them up normally, string end through hole in tuner, bend and wind. Didn't have any issues -- in fact, was totally unaware of the issues others have had -- until well after I'd installed and tuned them up to pitch. Maybe I was just lucky, but I didn't use any special wind on the tuners and haven't experienced any issues.
I've done it both ways and either seems to work without issue. I was one of the lucky ones who had a few strings break, and EB and Jason at BSO were great in getting the issue resolved. I also cut and crimped with no issues. They seem to have fixed the problem with the initial run of bad strings, but some sets may still be floating around. But rest assured if you stumble across a set they will resolve the issue!
Just looking at the picture for "step 3" is making me cringe as I'm very uneasy about the sharp angle it creates, especially with a flat...not to mention I hate the way it crisscrosses over itself in "step 4".
I think I'll stick with the conventional way, which has always worked just fine for me.
I think I'll stick with the conventional way, which has always worked just fine for me.
I thought so too, but they're actually more flexible than you'd expect. And I've seen a few used basses strung this way in stores. So I guess some people do it.
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I used to do that. Never a problem, except for a nickel string that had been boiled a couple of times and had its core corroded.
I have purchased roughly 7-8 sets of Cobalt Flatwound strings and have never had an issue with strings breaking at the tuner post. I know they had issues at first release but they have since fixed that issue.
I string all my basses in a similar fashion (all rounds though). In my case i position the tuner slot roughly parallel to the FB run the string up to the tuner and wrap to obtain a good angle. Then form a ninety degree bend into the slot and make an opposite ninety going out the other side forming a sort of a Z shape. Once tuned up and slap stretched i almost never go out of tune. Having said all that i don't think that would be real kind on flatwounds. The two attachments show an example of "my" method.
Attachments
I just put a set of Cobalts on my bass today and, seeing the included instructions for the first time, did it like they said. After I finished tuning I sat the bass down on a chair and turned away and heard a pop and, the G string had snapped at the tuner. I have been using them since they were introduced and never had this happen before. This is the first time I have gone back through the slot like they advise so I don't know if it was something to do with that or just a bad production day. I think I will go back to the conventional wrap next time.
You probably got one of the older sets they had issues with. I broke like 3 in the beginning but Ernie Ball and BSO took care of the issue. Great customer service. I strung them both ways and they broke both ways. In fact one broke at the bridge.
I put those strings yesterday and unfortunatelly D string break on peg during playing. I wind what's left on peg again but now there's only 1 winding on peg and tuning stability is very weak. How can I get replacement? I'm from Poland, Europe so I guess it's not easy to get spare string from EB like for Americans? Thanks for any tips and help.
Kinda timely to see this thread reappear, because I put some cobalt flats (40-95) on for the first time today, on a Squier VM Jazz. I strung them like I usually do with other strings (bend/cut/insert down hole/wind) and was surprised that I couldn't make that work on the G string. The part of the string that I put down the hole kept wanting to pop out. So with some work (wasn't easy), I got the string wound as they recommend and it worked. Hopefully it'll hold up, especially when I move them to another bass (trying to determine which of two basses they might be best on). The other three strings are wound the usual way and seem fine.
Tangentially, after I did a setup, I was a little surprised at how these strings sounded at first, especially the G (hopefully not related to the installation issue). The G was louder than the others and had an unusually pianistic ring. Also, the E just didn't offer much bottom. I messed around with pickup height some, which maybe helped a little, but mostly, I just played, and after about an hour of play, the G started to sound much better. The E, not so much, yet. So for those who are familiar with these strings, is this a fairly common experience, does this set balance out even more with age, and does the E ever get deeper?
Tangentially, after I did a setup, I was a little surprised at how these strings sounded at first, especially the G (hopefully not related to the installation issue). The G was louder than the others and had an unusually pianistic ring. Also, the E just didn't offer much bottom. I messed around with pickup height some, which maybe helped a little, but mostly, I just played, and after about an hour of play, the G started to sound much better. The E, not so much, yet. So for those who are familiar with these strings, is this a fairly common experience, does this set balance out even more with age, and does the E ever get deeper?
