Balls not fitting in bridge.

[Cuphandle]

hey,

i just bought some GHS Boomers for the first time, got home, started to string my bass (Epiphone T-bird pro) only to realise the balls didn't fit in the bridge... i dont really know what to do, seeing as the tension of the strings caused some of th balls to get Jammed... i gave it a firm pull and they seemed stuck... an suggestions on what to do would be pleasant

~Anthony

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I got a chuckle at your title. ;-)

I'd cut them close to flat with the bridge and try to tap them out with an ice pick and hammer. Gently, of course.

 

[Cuphandle]

I was waiting for a that's what she said, I was going to change the title but left it there for comedic value.. so i think that means back to the store for new strings! :/ i think ill wait until tomorrow... i have a gig tomorrow night, i suppose i could put my old set on.. hmmm too many options!

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

On some bridges, if the balls are at an odd angle they will get "stuck" like that..

You need to hold them in place (and not let the string twist) and kind of guide them as you are bringing the strings up to tension.

On this bass for example, I have all the balls with the hole facing outwards... If they were facing side to side, they could slip into the bridge at an angle and get kind of wedged in there:

However on this bridge, it doesnt matter since they are just resting over a hole rather than a "slot"

 

[Cuphandle]

you can see the a string is stuck in there.. my old strings all use to slot in there at any given angle... even with some faffing about they still didn't fit..

 

[elgecko]

How about running a small screwdriver/metal rod/etc through the ball end then levering the strings back out, making sure to protect the bridge from the end of the probe?

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

when you get those out of there, try making them so the holes are facing UP away from the front of the bass...

Not the best pic but like this one as well:

 

[Cuphandle]

cool! thanks a heap!

 

[Cuphandle]

okay, i got a hammer and an old car key and tapped the ends out.. put the strings back in with the balls facing upwards and it seems to be okay! yeow! thanks guys

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

niiiiiiice