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G string problems …

Tdywo

Tdywo

Oct 4, 2023
7
3
#1
Hey,
So I have a reoccurring problem.
My G string once dropped down won't go back up to G ?

This is going on with a Spector of mine but this has also happened on multiple thunderbirds ?? I use 130-65.

But with the Spector, I broke 2 65s in one day, AND the G string I bought the bass with (which is not a 65) won't get to G…

I have no clue what to do… if there is any advice any of you could give besides get it set up which I plan on doing it will be gladly appreciated.
 
#4
Ah, the 13 year old is still alive and well in my head.

Anyway. @Tdywo, you're running 4 string 65-130 and you're tuning to standard EADG? One issue might be strings that heavy are designed for tuning to BEAD. I'm not surprised your g string keeps snapping. I'm actually kind of surprised your neck hasn't folded yet.

Cool t-bird in your avatar. Welcome to talkbass.
 
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#5
Yeah I had initially got that big of a gauge when I first started for the down tuning but the highest I'd go (half way) would be a half a step down from standard yk

But I did consider the condition of my neckSS
 
#6
Tdywo said:
Yeah I had initially got that big of a gauge when I first started for the down tuning but the highest I'd go (half way) would be a half a step down from standard yk

But I did consider the condition of my neckSS
Click to expand...
Like said up thread, my money is also on the g tuner being stripped out. That would explain the slipping. Eb standard is still a lot of tension for a gauge that heavy. That would explain the breaking. When the string breaks, does it always break in the same spot? If so, where?

Also, yeah I'd get to a tech and have them check things out. Then maybe think about running 50-110 gauge which is about the heaviest strings I'd run in E or Eb standard. Rotosound has a good nickel round set in that gauge. Good luck, man.
 
#7
Tdywo said:
Hey,
So I have a reoccurring problem.
My G string once dropped down won't go back up to G ?

This is going on with a Spector of mine but this has also happened on multiple thunderbirds ?? I use 130-65.

But with the Spector, I broke 2 65s in one day, AND the G string I bought the bass with (which is not a 65) won't get to G…

I have no clue what to do… if there is any advice any of you could give besides get it set up which I plan on doing it will be gladly appreciated.
Click to expand...

The 65-130 set is meant for BEAD tuning, not the standard EADG. Are you actually trying to tune the .065 up to G? No wonder you're having problems!

A .065 tuned up to G would have almost 90 lbs. of tension, which is almost double what it's supposed to be when tuned to D.
 
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#8
EB.png



These are a good choice as well, besides the Rotosound strings that MattO mentioned :thumbsup:

Either one will be way better than what you have now.
 

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#10
Tdywo said:
Hey,
So I have a reoccurring problem.
My G string once dropped down won't go back up to G ?

This is going on with a Spector of mine but this has also happened on multiple thunderbirds ?? I use 130-65.

But with the Spector, I broke 2 65s in one day, AND the G string I bought the bass with (which is not a 65) won't get to G…

I have no clue what to do… if there is any advice any of you could give besides get it set up which I plan on doing it will be gladly appreciated.
Click to expand...
What ?…you're using a string gauge that's normally used for the D as a G? No crap you broke 2x 65s in one day you're turning them to a tension that is beyond ridiculous …. that's about as amateur is a gets right there.
 
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#12
That's pretty thick for a G-string... and with that kind of tension, it could damage your nut, neck, and/or tuners. I usually run 0.45, and have run as low as 0.30.
 
#13
Like others have said, you're using FAR too heavy gauge strings for that tuning. No wonder the strings keep breaking. I honestly don't see how the necks on your basses have been able to handle this. Hopefully they're not permanently damaged.

I'm still a bit surprised that the TUNERS have been damaged by this though. I would have expected the strings to break long before the tuners were damaged. Or is that what happened?

Did the G-string "drop" without actually breaking? Or do you mean that the string itself snapped every time? If it's the latter there's hope that the tuners aren't damaged.

If the string "dropped" without actually breaking it sounds like you have somehow managed to break the tuners on several different basses. I've honestly never seem anyone do THAT before. But then I've never seen anyone use a .065 "G-string" with that tuning before either...

Get some lighter gauge strings. If the strings still keep dropping you'll need new tuners as well. And your basses will DEFINITELY need a professional setup, particularly the neck relief (truss rod).
 
#14
Tdywo said:
Hey,
So I have a reoccurring problem.
My G string once dropped down won't go back up?
Click to expand...
I had a ex with the same problem. Thanks, I'll be here all week. Seriously, I have never heard of using 65 gauge G string. The tuner may be stripped from that extra tension but my biggest worry would be damaging the neck tuning strings that big to standard tuning.
 
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#16
Tdywo said:
Hey,
So I have a reoccurring problem.
My G string once dropped down won't go back up to G ?

This is going on with a Spector of mine but this has also happened on multiple thunderbirds ?? I use 130-65.

But with the Spector, I broke 2 65s in one day, AND the G string I bought the bass with (which is not a 65) won't get to G…

I have no clue what to do… if there is any advice any of you could give besides get it set up which I plan on doing it will be gladly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Well, you need a fifth string to get to G.

But a new nut, and some files. Or, take it to guitar center and have them put one on for you. Then, buy a set of 105 - 50 strings.
 
#19
The core wire in a string has a certain strength - when you tune a string higher than it was designed for, at some point it will snap - that's the simple reality. Yes, you broke 2 of them. If you kept trying, you would have broken every one you tried to get to G.
 

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