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Flatwound breakages

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by Ciaran, Dec 11, 2001.

  1. Dec 11, 2001 #1
    Ciaran

    Ciaran

    Apr 4, 2001
    Ireland
    This is probably going to expose my 'beginner' status but i'm getting really annoyed with my new flatwound strings for my fretless.I began to string the bass with the G-string first, but as it got to a high E pitch I realised the string was at breaking point with still 3 notes to go.
    I then tried it with the E-string,same thing happened (as it got to about C/C# it was ready to break).
    So my question is this.....
    How the hell do you setup the bridge to ensure no breakage of strings?

    p.s
    I should mention that my fretless used to have frets and this problem never occured.Also I have 2 other basses and this problem never occured

    p.p.s
    the strings are medium gauge GHS precision flats
     
  2. Dec 11, 2001 #2
    Fretless Friday

    Fretless Friday

    Jan 26, 2001
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    That sounds more like a string tension issue. Are you sure (and I don't want to sound condescending) you aren't tuning them an octave too high?

    Also keep in mind that flats are high-tension strings.

    As far as the bridge, nothing there will affect string tension much.

    FF
     
  3. Dec 11, 2001 #3
    Ciaran

    Ciaran

    Apr 4, 2001
    Ireland
    wow, that sucks.
    And although that is a valid point about the octave thing I am sure I'm not an octave too high.
     
  4. Dec 12, 2001 #4
    Suburban

    Suburban

    Jan 15, 2001
    lower mid Sweden
    Sounds like you're tuning it into a guitar!
    Check the octaves!
     
  5. Dec 12, 2001 #5
    chump stain

    chump stain

    Oct 15, 2001
    Ferndale, Michigan USA
    I currently use those exact strings and have had zero problems.
    one time I did accidentally tune my A string an octive high. I caught it when I noticed the intonation was way off. never felt like it was going to break though.
    those are some tight strings, I had to tweak the relief in my neck after switching to the GHS flats.
     
  6. Dec 14, 2001 #6
    bertbassplayer

    bertbassplayer Supporting Member

    Jul 7, 2000
    Carlsbad, NM
    Maybe your action is too high? And the added tension of the higher action and the strings are causing them to break.
     
  7. Dec 15, 2001 #7
    Ciaran

    Ciaran

    Apr 4, 2001
    Ireland
    Yeah, I've spent the last day or so messing around with the bridge,nut and truss rod and eventually got it to EADG
    :)

    The strings are a little tight but I think I'll just get used to it rather than freak out about it.