How much string do you wrap on the tuning peg?

[shawshank72]

I understand too little can be a problem but is too much a problem also?
But was wondering if there seems to be a norm in this.
I ask because i just got some new flats but didnt want to cut much in case i didnt like them and wanted to sell them which is the case.
And someone scolded me for having too much.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I've seen people that do not cut strings and put it all on. I usually aim for two wraps on the lower strings and maybe three on the higher strings.

 

[jumbodbassman]

great thing on Fodera.com website about string installation. i would trust there recommendation...

 

[gjbassist]

The correct answer is three times. Just like the number of licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop!

 

[unclebass]

On my Fender, I cut the E string and leave 3 wraps. I leave all other strings full length. It keeps the string down close to the base of the tuners. Plus, tuner pegs fully wrapped with string looks pretty cool. If I do the same with my 5 string sets, I am able to reuse the strings on my 4 string, or go the other way and use my 4 string sets on my 5er and just buy a new B string.

 

[Joe Louvar]

3 wraps.

 

[BGF]

2 wraps on the E string, 4 to 5 wraps on the A string, and 2 to 3 wraps on the D and G strings.

That's how I setup my 2 Fenders and 1 Squier.

 

[96tbird]

I never trim my A, at least 3 wraps on the E & at Least 4 on D & G. The A is critical: then you don't have to add an ugly string retainer. M R nasty.

 

[walterw]

filling up the post is fine (even required in the case of fender A strings), as long as there's no overlap.

there's some anecdotal evidence that the closer the strings are to the face of the headstock, the less it torques the headstock up, and the less the headstock flaps like a diving board with string vibration.

 

[SilGarzaJr]

The correct answer is three times. Just like the number of licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop!

+1

 

[jmattbassplaya]

2-3.

 

[winegamd]

I fill the post on the B and E strings and match the number of wraps for the other strings.

 

[SactoBass]

Just remember The Three Amigos and you'll be okay.

 

[1954bassman]

All I can get.

 

[MegaSwing]

2-3 wraps. The longer runs don't even give you that much string sometimes. Usually I trim 1-2 inches of any given string. On some G or D strings I don't cut off any and it's barely enough string.

 

[darkstorm]

2-3 for E&A string. 3 for D&G. As the norm. Overwrapping is bad imo, as is underwrapping.

 

[bassclef112]

I just wanted to add this - it works on my Fenders, and gets pretty close on any tuning peg of similar diameter. I'm talking standard gauge (45-105), 34" length strings.

I've found this to work with most string manufacturers. If I use the entire lengths and wind 'em tight, when the string comes up to tune after normal stretching all of the tuning paddles are in line.

It doesn't always work exactly, but I've done it successfully enough times to adopt is as the way to go on these basses in particular.

Now that looks cool!

 

[Dominic D]

I don't like to use string trees, so on my G&L L2500 I wind them as far as they go before they touch the bottom. I typically don't even cut the strings furthest from the nut (E and A). For the average person, I'd say 3 wraps minimum.

 

[scottbass]

2-3.

This is also what I do. Closer to 2 on the E (like maybe 2-1/4), almost 3 full turns on the G.

Too many wraps, especially on the thicker strings, and you will drive the wraps to the bottom and start a second layer, which CAN'T be good!

 

[96tbird]

^not if you keep your wits about you.