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Help. Everyone says its so easy, I must be the worst strings changer...

THany

THany

Jul 24, 2019
408
383
Israel
#1
Wow, I have read carfuly before trying to do it myself, and followed Mark's instructions. After 2 hours I have managed to somehow replace them, (ibanez sr800/ Daddario exl 180) I just can't keep the string down, as I turn the knob, no matter how hard I try . Finally I gave up, but its no good since E string is a real Buzzer right now, followed by comrade D, and the orhers seem eager to join the buzzing party.
~ faints on bed ~
I need some magic spell
 
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#3
First off, what kind of strings did you replace? There's a chance that the new strings have less tension than the last set. This may cause your neck the ever-so-slightly bow back. When this happens, your strings are closer to the fretboard amd more likely to buzz. The solution to this is a good setup for those strings. If you are unfamiliar with how to do that, I suggest you take your bass to a shop to have it done, or at least get guidance from and experienced friend.

Also, string break angle at the nut can be an issue. This guy can explain it better than I can.
String Break-Angle at Nut - The problem — Haze Guitars

Finally, newer strings "tell on you" more than older strings. New strings are "zingy" (bright), and amplify and noises the strings make. If your old strings were dead, buzzing may not have been as obvious because the strings simply weren't producing those zingy high frequencies anymore. New strings force me to play cleaner.

Hope this helps!
 
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#4
knumbskull said:
what do you mean by "can't keep the string down"?

do mean buzzing when you hold down a fretted note, or when you play the open string?

if you post a photo of your headstock we *might* be able to troubleshoot it for you (if there's something obviously wrong!).
Click to expand...
Oh... Its buzzing not only open.
They say that when you wrap the string around the knobs you should keep the string down, and I have tried, but they pop up as I turn the knob, no matter how hard I try.. I will post a pic but dont laugh at me :) its my first time
 
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#5
two fingers said:
First off, what kind of strings did you replace? There's a chance that the new strings have less tension than the last set. This may cause your neck the ever-so-slightly bow back. When this happens, your strings are closer to the fretboard amd more likely to buzz. The solution to this is a good setup for those strings. If you are unfamiliar with how to do that, I suggest you take your bass to a shop to have it done, or at least get guidance from and experienced friend.

Also, string break angle at the nut can be an issue. This guy can explain it better than I can.
String Break-Angle at Nut - The problem — Haze Guitars

Finally, newer strings "tell on you" more than older strings. New strings are "zingy" (bright), and amplify and noises the strings make. If your old strings were dead, buzzing may not have been as obvious because the strings simply weren't producing those zingy high frequencies anymore. New strings force me to play cleaner.

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
I understand, but its more than playing clean. Something is wrong. I believe the tention.
 
#6
I put some silicon tape on the knob of e string. Its a little beter
20190828_154601.jpg
20190828_154624.jpg
 
#7
1. Cut the string to the right length (goal is the wraps around the post).
2. Put the string through the bridge and the end into the hole on the post.
3. Use your right hand index finger to bend the string down at the post. Use your right hand middle or ring finger to keep the string in the nut groove. Tighten the string with your left hand. When the string starts to tighten up, you can adjust the height of the wraps if necessary.

Done.
 
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#8
buldog5151bass said:
1. Cut the string to the right length (goal is the wraps around the post).
2. Put the string through the bridge and the end into the hole on the post.
3. Use your right hand index finger to bend the string down at the post. Use your right hand middle or ring finger to keep the string in the nut groove. Tighten the string with your left hand. When the string starts to tighten up, you can adjust the height of the wraps if necessary.

Done.
Click to expand...
I have tried, cant adjust, dont know why. Maybe Im too weak? (Im not a very strong women)
 
#9
thanks for the pic. I've seen worse :)

did you keep the E string held under tension with your other hand while tightening it? that should stop things moving around on the string post while you wind it.
 
#13
THany said:
Wow, I have read carfuly before trying to do it myself, and followed Mark's instructions. After 2 hours I have managed to somehow replace them, (ibanez sr800/ Daddario exl 180) I just can't keep the string down, as I turn the knob, no matter how hard I try . Finally I gave up, but its no good since E string is a real Buzzer right now, followed by comrade D, and the orhers seem eager to join the buzzing party.
~ faints on bed ~
I need some magic spell
Click to expand...
Plenty of other good videos, but half the people doing them fail to say "bend before cutting" so check out this one.
(Not to mention his string comparison.)
 
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#16
THany said:
I put some silicon tape on the knob of e string. Its a little beter
View attachment 3522062 View attachment 3522063
Click to expand...

That's not nearly enough break angle. See the article I linked you to. You need to push the strings down on the post as you wind them around. That will increase the break angle at the nut and (possibly) alleviate some, or all, of your buzzing. By the time you're done winding, the string should be touching, literally sitting on top of, the nut that holds the post in place.

Short version: Your strings should never pass through the nut flat. They should bend downward toward the bottom of the tuning post.


Top image is good. Bottom image is bad. Honestly, I force my strings even lower than the top image. If I can't get them lower than that I'll add a string retainer.
3443730448_fd0874196b_o.jpg


If that doesn't work, I'll go back to getting a setup done due to a difference in string tensions between the old set and new set of strings.
 
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#17
two fingers said:
That's not nearly enough break angle. See the article I linked you to. You need to push the strings down on the post as you wind them around. That will increase the break angle at the nut and (possibly) alleviate some, or all, of your buzzing. By the time you're done winding, the string should be touching, literally sitting on top of, the nut that holds the post in place.

Short version: Your strings should never pass through the nut flat. They should bend downward toward the bottom of the tuning post.


Top image is good. Bottom image is bad. Honestly, I force my strings even lower than the top image. If I can't get them lower than that I'll add a string retainer.
View attachment 3522082

If that doesn't work, I'll go back to getting a setup done due to a difference in string tensions between the old set and new set of strings.
Click to expand...
I know!!! I say it al along that that is the problem. I just cant keep them down, even with the help of my boy
I will need to pay someone to do it for me. Ugh
 
#19
I think you're saying you're having trouble keeping the E-string wrapped around the post properly while you tighten the string. Here's how I do it: I wind the string around the post once or twice, keeping tension on the string by pulling on the string, then start turning the tuning peg with one hand while maintaining tension on the string with my other hand, pulling on the string to keep the string wound properly around the post. It requires a little practice. I hope this helps!
 
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#20
Don't sweat it. Tactile response and hand/eye coordination can be a tricky thing. My wife spins wool, felts wool, knits socks, yet has difficulty with window latches and light dimmer switches. Just take it somewhere or have a neighborhood musician help out.
 

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