Now that’s creative.
Love it!
I was going to suggest alternate tuning
E-A-G-D
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I did something dumb.
- Thread starter Hawaii Islander
- Start date
Love it!
I was going to suggest alternate tuning
E-A-G-D
I see that you have a workaround, but I'd caution you that an A string tuned up to D adds a lot of tension to your neck, and the fact that it's a flatwound adds a bit more to that same issue. If I were you, I wouldn't leave the bass tuned that way for long periods of time; it might start to do some not so nice things to the neck.
And yes, I have cut a string too short - I was working on a bass for a client - being the guy who does setups and such for other people, it was doubly embarrassing to make that rookie mistake, and have to explain that it'd be a few more days before he got his bass back, because.....
And yes, I have cut a string too short - I was working on a bass for a client - being the guy who does setups and such for other people, it was doubly embarrassing to make that rookie mistake, and have to explain that it'd be a few more days before he got his bass back, because.....
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I did that once (only measured the ‘A’ to the ‘E’ tuner) when I was changing strings while, um, fungally enhanced (can’t imagine why the spirit moved me to change bass strings of all things in that condition, but then it’s nowhere NEAR the weirdest thing that frame of mind has inspired me to do). I simply wound the ‘A’ on the ‘E’ tuner and verse vice-a and went on about my business.
The strings lasted several months before another change, and I assume would’ve lasted until they corroded in two, I just wanted to change them because they were getting a little too dead for the funk/fusion stuff I play most of the time. The crossed strings made zero perceptible difference in feel, sound, tuning stability, or any other area. No big deal. Oh, and it was on a 2x2 Fernandes headstock, not a 4-inline Fender style, so pretty similar to what you have.
Don’t play one dead and three new strings, there’s no need. If you ever do it again and don’t want to buy a new set or track down a single, don’t. It’ll be just fine.
The strings lasted several months before another change, and I assume would’ve lasted until they corroded in two, I just wanted to change them because they were getting a little too dead for the funk/fusion stuff I play most of the time. The crossed strings made zero perceptible difference in feel, sound, tuning stability, or any other area. No big deal. Oh, and it was on a 2x2 Fernandes headstock, not a 4-inline Fender style, so pretty similar to what you have.
Don’t play one dead and three new strings, there’s no need. If you ever do it again and don’t want to buy a new set or track down a single, don’t. It’ll be just fine.
I bought a set of Rotosound tapewound strings for my Guild Starfire II bass. Everything was going smoothly until I went to put on the new D string. I inadvertently measured my D string to the G string tunerand cut it too short for the D string tuner
.
As a short term fix, I installed my old flat wound A string in the D string position. It sounds and plays fine.
Fortunately, these tape wounds will work on my Hofner Ignition bass. The cut D string reaches the D string tuner on the Hofner. I ordered another set of Rotosound tape wound strings for my Guild.
I’ve done the same thing several times, so don’t beat yourself up. My main issue however, is not cutting off enough.
As for subbing an A string for a D, I wouldn’t wait too long to replace the A with a proper D. The A tuned to D will create more stress on your neck, and could cause the neck to warp, and or twist if left on long term.
Re: Answers
Some better than others..LOL
How’s that for staying in tune??
Is this even dumber?
I was installing an expensive set of 5 strings. While turning the E string up to pitch and watching my muted tuner pedal the string suddenly snapped and popped me in the face!!!
I immediately realized I was already way passed low E and was on my way to the next octave. I also realized the string hitting me in the face was my bass’s way of calling me an idiot.
When you learn the hard way you always remember the lesson.
I was installing an expensive set of 5 strings. While turning the E string up to pitch and watching my muted tuner pedal the string suddenly snapped and popped me in the face!!!
I immediately realized I was already way passed low E and was on my way to the next octave. I also realized the string hitting me in the face was my bass’s way of calling me an idiot.
When you learn the hard way you always remember the lesson.
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People are laughing at this, but I've actually done it with used strings that were formerly on a 2+2 headstock. Once that knot tightens up, it's totally stable and doesn't slip out of tune. Looks a little janky, but functionally it's fine.
You're not the first to do this, and certainly won't be the last. We've all been there.
I confess that I spent about 20 minutes a couple weeks ago repairing the severed ball end wire on a Pyramid Gold g string.
I found and threw away the ball end before I decided to attempt fixing the string so had to improvise and used a small nut instead and carefully rewound the broken wire around the nut.
It holds pitch just fine and has not put my eye out yet and who wants to replace an expensive Pyramid Gold string if they can avoid it?
I found and threw away the ball end before I decided to attempt fixing the string so had to improvise and used a small nut instead and carefully rewound the broken wire around the nut.
It holds pitch just fine and has not put my eye out yet and who wants to replace an expensive Pyramid Gold string if they can avoid it?
If possible i fix my string with a Maltese knot ...
A lefty neck swap will give another inch or so on the D.
^^^That's awesome. Why not. I'm sure it works fine. Never done it but not beyond trying it.
I usually get several sets at a time. Only times I've broken a bass string in decades has been on installation. This would probably get a lot of beginners out of a jam.
I usually get several sets at a time. Only times I've broken a bass string in decades has been on installation. This would probably get a lot of beginners out of a jam.
It's about time. We've all been waiting for you to do something dumb like the rest of us do...
So Sad a sign o' the time. Back in the day you could go into A mom & pop store and they'd sell you a string. Probably not in todays stores
