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Cobalt Flats Question

So the consensus is to cut and crimp them as normal?

Alrighty, here goes nothing... :)

Question on crimping (I've always just cut 3" or so passed the peg and put on normally), how far back do crimp from where you are going to cut (assuming you crimp first). I have only broken 2 bass strings in 17 years and both were saddles on new basses when I was 15 years old.

I'm definitely not a noob, have toured and can do set ups, just never crimped before.

Thanks for all of the clarification, was hesitant to cut a string that says not to.

Benny
 
I measure enough to wrap to the bottom of the post- 3 or 4 fingers width. Bend/crimp a 90 there, then cut 5/8"or so past it. The short bent part goes down into the tuner hole. Be sure the first 90 coming out of the slot has a tight bend as well (same for 2nd run thru slot per EB instr.
The overwrap is a locking wrap- I have used it on short cut flats and round cores.
If instr are not followed and something slips don' t blame EB.
 
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I measure enough to wrap to the bottom of the post- 3 or 4 fingers width. Bend/crimp a 90 there, then cut 5/8"or so past it. The short bent part goes down into the tuner hole. Be sure the first 90 coming out of the slot has a tight bend as well (same for 2nd run thru slot per EB instr.
The overwrap is a locking wrap- I have used it on short cut flats and round cores.
If instr are not followed and something slips don' t blame EB.

Thanks a ton!

I always bend the 90 and then cut, wasn't sure that was crimping, thank you. I have never gone through the post again but I will follow the EB instructions. Will do it tomorrow as we will have -15 weather with a -25 windchill (after like 11" of snow in the last 36 hrs), nothing else to do otherwise :)

Benny
 
For some strange reason, I followed the directions. No problems. Directions are to bend the strings at the end and wrap them around in a way that's sort of like tying them down (I forgot the exact directions), then wrap. I've seen stories of those that cut them and they unraveled. Great sounding strings.
 
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For some strange reason, I followed the directions. No problems. Directions are to bend the strings at the end and wrap them around in a way that's sort of like tying them down (I forgot the exact directions), then wrap. I've seen stories of those that cut them and they unraveled. Great sounding strings.

Can you post a picture of your tuning posts with the entire string wrapped uncut?
 
Can you post a picture of your tuning posts with the entire string wrapped uncut?
Here you go. Hope this helps. Looks bad, but I didn't want to not follow the instructions and ruin $30+ strings...

IMG_1167.JPG IMG_1168.JPG IMG_1169.JPG IMG_1167.JPG IMG_1168.JPG IMG_1169.JPG
 
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I put them on my Jazz Bass according to the instructions and had no problems but mine were from a very early production run and I got a very disturbing high- pitched twang from the D- string as I brought it up to pitch. I put Rotosound 55's on it to prevent any problems. If anyone would like to try them P.M. me. They are .45-.105's and you just need to pay postage.
 
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I was one of the lucky ones who encountered a few string breaks. I installed according to the instructions and my usual way which is 3 wraps around the post with the 90 degree bend and cut. Both ways I had strings break. Every time I had a string break EB customer service took care of the problem and replaced the strings. As far as the full wrap thats a lot of string and maybe too much for narrow tuning posts. So crimp and cut and install. don't overthink it EB customer service will help you out if you have an issue. String breakage didn't occur because of the way the string was wrapped around the post, it was because of QC issues. One of my strings broke after a couple weeks down at the bridge. If you have a bad set you will know it when tuning up because you will probably hear a very disturbing pinging sound. i have one set that has been removed and reinstalled on my Rickenbacker 3 times and one set on a pbass twice with no issues. Just install and see what happens and if they break call EB simple as that. They are my favorite flat by the way, at least this year anyway!
 
I put mine on the regular way. If I need to cut a string I do the 90 degree bend and cut per DR's recommendation. I have not had a problem with mine, but I do also have the fender non-tapered posts. The winding ends of these strings are so skinny that I probably didn't need to cut the A and E string like I did.
 
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I'm pretty hard-headed, but finally got it that companies include instructions for a reason. No skin off of me either way, so not sure why you would be resistant. but whatev, i installed mine as per direx and had no issues.
 
You mean this, right?

P1NxCh9.jpg


I did that and they turned out perfect. I'd suggest it. They wrap more smoothly than you'd expect. Step #3 might make the crimping part unnecessary, but I did it anyway. I've had no problems after all this time.

bkqFcKp.jpg


I still cut the strings of course! Don't wrap the entire string around the post, that would be lunacy!
 
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I know this is slightly off topic but seeing as there are so many EB Cobalt Flat users in one place...

How smooth are Cobalt flats? Are they as smooth as Chromes?

What is the tension/flex like on these strings? I've heard they're similar to DR roundcore strings (Sunbeams/Hi Beams)?
 
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