Double Bass Confession, dearest TalkBass forum:

[Seiki]

No matter how many times I do it, tuning up to tension terrifies me after some sort of adjustment: if I'm adjusting (making it pretty) the ends of the strings in the pegbox, putting on new strings, or tuning up after moving the bridge back to a desirable alignment. Does anybody else feel that way? Just the sheer knowledge that the strings, bridge, or soundpost could potentially slip out and cause damage... I have to tune up so slowly or I think I'll develop an aneurysm.

Is it possible to develop PTSD from a prior experience with an E string slipping out? If so, what would be the bass-equivalent song of "Fortunate Son" while the flashbacks take over?

Joke aside, does anybody else feel this way?

 

[Don Kasper]

with an E string slipping out? If so, what would be the bass-equivalent song of "Fortunate Son"

This would make a nice soundtrack for a slipping string-

OR,
See photo below - the A string is clearest to see: this method uses the final full wrap around the axle to capture the previous windings. I've had very good luck using this method. Never Failz.
You can also tie a simple knot after passing the string thru the hole in the axle, before beginning the tedious, BUT NEAT, process of winding the string onto the axle.

 

[Seiki]

Your picture definitely sparked an idea which is holding fast! Instead of fighting with this E string any longer, I wrapped it like how you have yours, except with the string underneath (as in: make a fist, but put your thumb under your fingers). My reasoning was that as the string is wound up, more and more pressure will hold it tight under the other winds - also, I had already clipped my strings long ago so I couldn't do it your way regardless, lol

My strings once again are at their intended tension but damn was getting them there still as worrying as ever

The song you linked provided me with much needed comedic relief and I thank you for it

 

[charlie ford]

I always have that fear. I'm procrastinating a bridge adjustment right now lol. I picture the top falling in under sheer pressure Haha

 

[Seiki]

I always have that fear. I'm procrastinating a bridge adjustment right now lol. I picture the top falling in under sheer pressure Haha

How many people do you need to start a club?

 

[Roger Davis]

The only sinking feeling I have, and it's happened twice, is when you tune up and each note goes down. Because you know that the tail wire is about to let go. Goes back to the days when they fitted 'welding wire'.

 

[Seiki]

The only sinking feeling I have, and it's happened twice, is when you tune up and each note goes down. Because you know that the tail wire is about to let go. Goes back to the days when they fitted 'welding wire'.

Welding wire? On the tailpiece?

 

[charlie ford]

Welding wire? On the tailpiece?

the wire (metal if you have a kay or engelhardt and haven't changed it) that runs from the bottom of your tailpiece to your endpin and back.

 

[Roger Davis]

Yes. Most decent basses today have braided tail wire, looks like smaller diameter boat rigging. The solid wire version of old often didn't withstand the passage of time. Never understood why they fitted it. BTW Uptons use braided nylon chord.

 

[Josh Kneisel]

I still have PTSD from last time I was cleaning and polishing and changing strings and the sound post slipped and fell... I was able to place it correctly again, but I still have nightmares

 

[Bill Fatty]

Based on advice I got on here, I changed the tailwire on my Strunal - I think it was a bit of a coat-hanger on there. I changed it to braided steel wire. Looks ad sounds so much better now! I heartily recommend this to anybody - it's not that hard to do (yes a tad nerve-wracking as per the OP, when you put everything back together!) but well worth it.