Removing And Re-Using Strings...

[Dan Bass]

Curious as to how you remove and re-use a set of strings:-

You have a bridge that isn't an Easy-Loader (you have to thread the strings through holes in the bridge).

So you loosen off your pegs but the strings are curly and coiled on the peg.

Now you can get the string off the peg like that without straightening out the string.

But when you come to get it through the bridge hole:-

Do you patiently work the string through the hole as it is....or do you straighten out the string a fair bit so it goes through the hole effortlessly.

In my mind , straightening it out even a small amount could possibly damage the string in some way.

On the other hand it takes forever and a day to get the string out with all the curls and coils still on it....and you risk scratching the body

These would be strings that you aren't throwing away but will be possibly be re-used....or you're taking them off for a mod or repair to a bass etc.....

What do you do?

Get yourself a top loading bridge, you know, with slots on top of the bridge for easy string change.

 

[JustForSport]

I like 3-4 wraps (or more) on the post, so on the couple basses that do not have quick-load bridges, I slack the strings, wiggle the coil off the top of the tuner, pull it a little to open the coil, then after pulling the string thru the bridge til the coil is there, just spin/ unscrew the coil thru the bridge hole. It doesn't change the shape of the coil. All this after taping the body behing the bridge, of course.
Use the opposite to re-install on another bass, and the col will slip right over the tuners, and will tighten right up if you drop the bend into the hole, the string in the slot, and pull on the string as you guide the wraps against each other. Tune to pitch.

 

[invalidprotocol]

It isn't a big deal at all unless they are round core. In that case if you put a proper bend in the string prior to cutting it, even they will survive removal. The key is when placing them back on to assure the string hasn't twisted.

 

[CenTexThumper]

Unlike in the old days, the internet has made price and availability much easier. I just don't see the need to leave yourself open to a potential problem that has to be hastily dealt with in the middle of a set. I always have a couple of sets in reserve and would never reuse old strings.

 

[quickfix]

Pull the string back out of the bridge until the curly bit is at the hole. Maneuver the string until it's sort of perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument and roll the string between your fingers...basically unscrewing the coil through the hole. Same thing to re-install the old strings.
No need to straighten the string, or scratch your instrument.

 

[Linnin]

I throw them away and put new ones on

^^^This ^^^ Once a stringset comes off, it never goes back on. Ever.

 

[Dean-oh]

I'm kinda reviving an old thread here...

For storing strings for recycled use later; do you recommend any containment methods to make them last longer? I have saved a few sets in just a zip-lock bag and store them in a drawer... I feel like moisture is the only thing to watch out for.

Thoughts?

 

[Josh Kneisel]

I just use the same strings until I put on new ones and throw the old ones away usually except for UB strings since they cost the same as a car payment.

 

[maturanesa]

The section of the string that is curled is out of the Nut-Bridge zone actually.
Unless you cut it, the string will be fine for reusing...

 

[tlc1976]

I keep tension on it as I unwind it, and that tends to straighten the coils. That last little bit where it bends down to go through the tuner, I feed through the bridge hole as-is. But I agree, you can only do this once or twice and the string gets replaced anyway.

 

[maturanesa]

Well I've noticed that if you take a string off and mess with them at the peg end to do any straightening out, if you get any kind of slight bend or kink on the string in the area between the nut and the peg.....the tuning and intonation goes out the window because that little tiny irregularity in the string will flex.

But in order to straightening you should bend the string in opposite direction of the curl.
Very rare if you don't want to do it deliberately...

 

[ZenG]

No.. no..no..

All I was referring to was a situation where you put a string back on, tune it up and all...but still end up with a string like on the A in this picture (also E too).

Bit of an exaggeration...but it illustrates between the nut and the post.

 

[MrLenny1]

Only re-use tapewound strings.
Take them off slowly and turn them thru at the ends.

 

[ZenG]

Only re-use tapewound strings.
Take them off slowly and turn them thru at the ends.

I've got strings that I've taken off and put back on, some going on ten times at least now.

Including round-core. No problems anymore.

This thread is old.