Recently I stringed up my warwick fortress one (1994) with Hi Beams (medium gauge). I noticed the 4th string, E, BARELY fit properly through the bridge. So you can imagine the 5th string, B, had problems as well. I tried to crimp it down with some pliers but had little success. After 15 minutes I was able the string it up but with the string basically resting on top of the bridge instead of through it. I would show photos but I am not allowed to post attachments for some reason. The bridge in my bass is in good condition. Anyone else had this similar problem with their strings?
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Dr Hi Beam Woes?
- Thread starter BaconPopper
- Start date
I used to have to squash strings to fit my Thumb as well. The high beams may be a bit wide, but the problem is compounded by warwick's tail pieces being narrow. Tapered strings will help, but I never had a problem fitting anything after crimping them.
Common issue with Warwick. You need to file the slots or order saddles with wider slots, or use tapered strings.
Thank you for the info guys. I will look into these options. The tapered DR strings will be my first step after playing through these hi beams. If I don't like the tapered strings, I will look into the saddle option. Speaking of which, I tried adjusting the string height on B and G strings but one of the set screws on each of those saddles are either stripped or corroded, leaving me with a saddle that is elevated only on one side. Guitar center did not have any replacement saddles for this warwick. Any website suggestions for quick acquisition of this replacement part? I may just let the luthier take care of this...
I get hi beams to fit by crimping with needle nose pliers. Gotta be careful to avoid twisted cores though? Hi beams can be really great on warwicks.
How much force do you have to use to crimp with the needle nose. I don't think I'm a weakling and I find it very hard to get any significant crimping done on the winding.
Strong, and then i put the string in place in the tailpiece and hold the ball end down with the padded base of my pliers while i increase tension. That pulls the string into the slot. Its sketchy, be careful!
