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First String Change Thoughts

Meenkya

Meenkya

May 1, 2019
193
653
61
Margate FL
#1
Beware: Newb content, I'm sure most TB'ers will chuckle at my inexperience!!

Did my first string change over the weekend. As usual, I hem and haw for month or so then just spontaneously go for it. Everything went as easy as you all said and I certainly over thought every aspect. So much so, I purchased everything I needed to do a basic setup just in case, lol. I replaced the original Slinkys that came on the bass. I wanted to try flats on my Ray4 so I purchased EB Slinky Flatwound's, they went on no problem and yes I did wind the G string the wrong way at first, lol. They sound great and I love the smoothness of them. At first I thought they were clanky/tinny but after "playing" on them a couple days I believe the fretting errors I make just sound different than rounds. When I do my role they are awesome. Couldn't tell you the tone as I'm still waiting for my Subway 1x15....ugh

Here is a pic, if anyone sees anything wrong please let me know. Are the windings supposed to be so close to the posts? Did I put enough wraps around the posts? Thanks in advance
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#4
Lo-E said:
It looks like you did just fine.

Some people will swear by a minimum of three wraps around the post. Others won’t. If the strings aren’t slipping and tuning is stable then everything is good.
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Yeah, what ^HE^ said. Personally, I always - always - use 3 winds; but, I'm a retired engineer, and fairly obsessive-compulsive as well, so...:rolleyes:
 
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#5
Meenkya said:
Here is a pic, if anyone sees anything wrong please let me know. Are the windings supposed to be so close to the posts? Did I put enough wraps around the posts? Thanks in advance
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Looks like you didn't follow the instructions that came with those strings, did you? ;)

EB Cobalt Instruction.jpeg


Never mind... I personally don't like their quirky double-wrap method. As far as I'm concerned, you did a fine job. Looks great to me! :thumbsup:
 
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#6
Those are my new favorite strings. I've been changing and playing strings for 35 plus years and I can't believe how awesome they sound. Nice work on the restring. I didn't want to be the one to mention the special instructions that come with the flat wound slinkies but I bet you'll be fine.
 
#11
michael_t said:
Looks like you didn't follow the instructions that came with those strings, did you? ;)

View attachment 4680908

Never mind... I personally don't like their quirky double-wrap method. As far as I'm concerned, you did a fine job. Looks great to me! :thumbsup:
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This makes me never want to even consider EB strings again. I don't like them to begin with but now I won't give them another thought. The lock wrap is awful. On every instrument.
 
#12
HelpImaRock said:
This makes me never want to even consider EB strings again. I don't like them to begin with but now I won't give them another thought. The lock wrap is awful. On every instrument.
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My honest reaction to the lock wrap instruction when I first saw it? "If any string requires such a quirky installation method just to stay intact, there is something wrong with its design to begin with. Thanks, but no thanks." ;)
 
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#13
Meenkya said:
Beware: Newb content, I'm sure most TB'ers will chuckle at my inexperience!!

Did my first string change over the weekend. As usual, I hem and haw for month or so then just spontaneously go for it. Everything went as easy as you all said and I certainly over thought every aspect. So much so, I purchased everything I needed to do a basic setup just in case, lol. I replaced the original Slinkys that came on the bass. I wanted to try flats on my Ray4 so I purchased EB Slinky Flatwound's, they went on no problem and yes I did wind the G string the wrong way at first, lol. They sound great and I love the smoothness of them. At first I thought they were clanky/tinny but after "playing" on them a couple days I believe the fretting errors I make just sound different than rounds. When I do my role they are awesome. Couldn't tell you the tone as I'm still waiting for my Subway 1x15....ugh

Here is a pic, if anyone sees anything wrong please let me know. Are the windings supposed to be so close to the posts? Did I put enough wraps around the posts? Thanks in advance
Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...


Cobalt flats? Awesome strings.

I suggest more windings on the E and G, or on all strings if there’s no string tree, to affect greater down force over the nut.

Quite like their fold-back method at the posts, and beven doing it for all strings since learning it.

Learn to do basic setup - ignore measuring fractions of an inch based on *other* people’s preferences, gauges, instruments, playing style, tensions, and neck relief - and keep your action what most here call “high”. Better, bigger tone, with less of the clank/tinny sound you mentioned not liking.

Have fun and don’t over-think it! You’ve learned all you need from the site. Log off TB & never return; focus on lessons, and you’ll be far a far better bassist and have more money to your name.
 
#14
As long as you have some wraps around the tuner post and you don't twist the strings when you start getting tension you're fine. That's really key. Stick the end in the hole, bend to the side and start winding. Keep the wraps going clean like you did and let the ball end twist with the wraps and make sure it's not twisted around when you start going to where there's tension. If you are using round core strings crimp the area you're cutting and snip it at the middle of the bend. If you use DR strings they give special instructions for that. Hex cores you're usually fine without doing anything.
 
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