Can't anyone wind strings correctly?

[bigcatJC]

Of course, we could all just go the headless/double ball end route. No guesswork, no cutting, no counting the winds...

 

[Lowactnsatsfctn]

Those look like nickels.... Get some Steel strings and they should sound brighter than month old nickels. Then you could send me your old ones.

 

[dtripoli]

I thought it was just me that it annoyed. There is not a day that goes by w/o someone selling a bass on craigslist L.A. that is strung slipshod, ass-backwards or ends floppin'
And more times than not it is a $1,000+ bass!
Think about it, if they have no clue how to correctly string a bass, how much care has actually gone into the care and feeding of that instrument?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Spector Bass - $1000 (COVINA)
Date: 2012-03-20, 11:06PM PDT
Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]
Im selling my Spector bass. asking $1000 cash.
String ends floppin and the D&G strings strung backwards

 

[Jrutt]

Standard keys. Pre-cut each string for the proper length and desired amount of winds. Pull the fourth string 3" (76 mm) past its tuning post and cut it (make sure to pull each string taut). Insert through the eyelet in the tuning key, allowing approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) of the end to extend through the eyelet, then wind neatly in a downward pattern, being carefull to prevent overlapping. Pull the third string 3 1//2" (89 mm) past its tuning post, cut it, and repeat the winding procedure. Pull the second and first strings 3 1/2" (89 mm) past their tuning posts and cut and wind as noted. For five-string basses, cut the fifth string 3" (76 mm) past its tuning post and repeat the same cutting and winding procedure.
Vintage keys. Pre-cut each string for the proper length and desired amount of winds. Pull the fourth string 4" (102 mm) past its tuning post and cut it (again, make sure to pull each string taut). Insert into the center hole of the tuning key, bend and crimp to a 90° angle, and wind neatly in a downward pattern, being carefull to prevent overlapping. Pull the third string 4 1/2" (114 mm) past its tuning post, cut it, and repeat the winding procedure. Pull the second and first strings 4 1/2" (114 mm) past their tuning posts and cut and wind as noted. For five-string basses, cut the fifth string 3 1/2" (89 mm) past its tuning post and repeat the same cutting and winding procedure.

 

[PDQbass]

On a Pbass you don't need to cut the strings. Stick the end in the whole, wind down from the top and once tuned the string will run sweetly off the bottom of the peg...

 

[mndean]

I bought short scale Labella flats for my SX shortie P-bass and found that out of the package the G string was too short to even get one wrap around the post. I use it anyway and it holds tune just fine, but it wouldn't pass visual muster here.

 

[Gaius46]

I usually go about 18 months to 2 years between string changes. On my 6 string it takes about 2-3 beers because I usually give it a good cleaning while I'm at it.

 

[String Theory]

I change bass strings about every year or two. I first unwind the old string and cut the new string the same length. That way it will have the same number of windings. I like about three windings around the post.

 

[Solarmist]

^ I do 3/4 times per year for that new string zing. Once the zing is gone; it's time for new strings.

I cut the strings 3 1/2" past the peg - push it in the hole, and give it the 90 degree bend - pull it back out, and put the second bend in it so it looks like sideways Z using needle-nose pliers.

 

[Garret Graves]

I usually go about 18 months to 2 years between string changes. On my 6 string it takes about 2-3 beers because I usually give it a good cleaning while I'm at it.

I like how you measure time in beer!

 

[tabdog]

I'm embarrassed to admit this, but
I played bass for over 28 years
before I figured out I was supposed
to put the ends of the strings down
those little holes,

I feel like such a slug,

Tabdog

 

[whoapower]

Wow... so many of you guys are anal about string windings.






ok, me too. I take my time and criticize it to no end.

 

[audiophile21]

after playing guitar for about a year and having a terrible time changing strings, I got a bass and changed the strings for the first time and remember thinking "NO WAY THE STRINGS GO IN THE HOLE THATS SO COOL!"

 

[MiJaKo]

I thought it was just me that it annoyed. There is not a day that goes by w/o someone selling a bass on craigslist L.A. that is strung slipshod, ass-backwards or ends floppin'
And more times than not it is a $1,000+ bass!
Think about it, if they have no clue how to correctly string a bass, how much care has actually gone into the care and feeding of that instrument?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Spector Bass - $1000 (COVINA)
Date: 2012-03-20, 11:06PM PDT
Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]
Im selling my Spector bass. asking $1000 cash.
String ends floppin and the D&G strings strung backwards

Oh dear God no!!!

 

[tabdog]

Tabdog

 

[bassike]

this guy was so exited to play with chick corea that he forgot to wind his strings properly

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Pilgrim]

$250 for strings per month; you could buy a pretty nice bass in 3/4 months time at that rate.

Agreed!

After 20 years they belong in the Bass Strings Hall of Fame.

OK, then these strings (installed in 1972) are hall of fame ready. They sound great.

 

[johndough247]

After stringing up my basses for 10 years now, I remember restringing my first electric guitar and thinking how ass-backwards guitar tuning pegs are...maybe there's a legit reason for that design but I'm not seeing it.

Since there are a few people that seem very...concerned...about string winding, I've always been curious: Has anyone worked out (or at least thought about) a consistent way to get 3 windings on the post AND have the tuners facing the right way when perfectly in tune (i.e. having all the tuning keys parallel to the length of the neck)?

Next batch of strings I buy I'm gonna take a real shot at making this happen

 

[curbowkid]

Tabdog

You're a monster! I can feel the OCD now saying FIX THE FREAKIN E STRING.

 

[hover]

Know what's a great way to keep pretty close to that new string zing? Wash your hands before you play and wipe them down when you are done. Do you bleed acid? I change my strings maybe two-three times a year, tops, and they always sound great. Such a waste of good money otherwise, imo.

Boil them or soak them in electronics grade alcohol if you kill the top end bite quick, let em dry, slap 'em back on the bass. sheesh.

I simply could not imagine why in the world you'd be compelled to change 8 sets of strings every month and hit OCD levels of stress and anal retentiveness on windings, just about the silliest thing I have ever heard...but hey, you do what you do, you put it out there.