Stretch or no?

[Seth Miller]

I apologize in advance if this is a topic that’s already been beaten to death.

I’ve always stretched new strings when I install them. Recently I saw a video, from DR I think, that said to never stretch your new strings, and that only poor quality strings need stretching to keep their pitch. They seemed to feel strongly enough about it to repeat the statement several times. So, of course, I’m now conflicted and seeking the wisdom for those who know. You folks. thanks!

 

[Killing Floor]

Tuning them and they detune and you have to tune them back up to pitch is the same thing. Maybe they don’t want to warranty strings when someone yanks them to the point of failure?

 

[michael_t]

I never stretch new strings. Simply tune them up to proper pitch, set witness points, re-tune and let them settle.

I think the DR and their warning against stretching new strings has to do with the possibility of round cores slipping under the windings.

 

[Seth Miller]

I never stretch new strings. Simply tune them up to proper pitch, set witness points, re-tune and let them settle.

I think the DR and their warning against stretching new strings have to do with the possibility of round cores slipping under the windings.

That’s my thought as well since they go over crimping before cutting.

 

[cxcxcx]

I’ve been stretching strings after installation for way over 25 years. I picked the habit up from Billy Sheehan and Lee Sklar, who have been doing it much longer than I have. No issues, never a breakage. I’m careful.

I’m sure DR means well, but that the notion that only poor quality strings need stretching is silly. Unless DR strings violate the laws of physics somehow. There’s no such thing as an electric bass string that doesn’t need to be stretched, at least a little for proper tuning retention. You’re also seating the ballend and tuning post windings when stretching as well.

A warning about this from DR is understandable because the windings on their round core strings are only held on by a spot weld in the middle of the string. This weld could be loosened/broken during a rough stretching session, although I’ve never broken a DR string on the rare occasions when I used them.

 

[JRA]

i thought strings were "stretched" when you brought them up to pitch after installation. re-tuning a couple of times might be necessary for some sets. big whup!

 

[edot3021]

Ugh. I bought some Labella Black tapes and sure enough busted one stretching them when I was getting them on. Totally deflated.

 

[Runlikegregg]

I do a bit of stretching, but not very much. Like a quickie 12th fret pull on each string.
I have been using DR Highbeams for maybe 15 years, and I will say they don't seem to really need it.
Once they're on and tuned up you're good to go!
I think I mostly just do it out of habit.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Ix-nay on the etching-stray. Why torture an already stressed component? It can separate wraps from the core wire and lead to premature failure. Adding celebrity endorsements for the practice doesn’t offset fact.

Riis

 

[gln1955]

This guy seems to know what he's talking about.

 

[One Way]

I learned about setting Witness Points on Talk Bass, never heard of it during many years of playing 6 string guitar.
I used to stretch strings when new, now I carefully install the wraps at the tuning machine and make sure the string isn’t twisted before the ball end contacts the bridge, tune to pitch, and set the witness points.
Following this process has provided me with tuning stability, newly installed strings hold tune. Makes me think there’s a possibility that the string stretching process is really a way of setting witness points vs “stretching” the strings. Just a theory

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I apologize in advance if this is a topic that’s already been beaten to death.

I’ve always stretched new strings when I install them. Recently I saw a video, from DR I think, that said to never stretch your new strings, and that only poor quality strings need stretching to keep their pitch. They seemed to feel strongly enough about it to repeat the statement several times. So, of course, I’m now conflicted and seeking the wisdom for those who know. You folks. thanks!

I stretch strings after installation, but not a hard yank. Just get the string to the point they are taught. Then slight tug between thumb and fore finger up and down the full length of the string from nut to bridge. They tend to hold intonation better.

 

[Schlyder]

Yes to stretching.
Nothing worse than fresh strings that go out of tune after 5 minutes playing.
In 46 years playing, I have never broke a string, or had windings let go, as a result of stretching.
I cringe when I see the guitarist putting on fresh strings before a gig, and not stretch them. As I know he will be out of tune all night.
Pulling and stretching the string, also tightens the string wrap around the tuning post.

 

[Grinderman]

I semi-tension new strings, set witness points, tune to pitch, confirm witness points, recheck my tuning then play.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

I've never stretched strings and never set a witness point in over 40 years. My ears must really be crappy. Listening to Lee and Bill, once again I fail to hear the difference.

 

[Jogobass]

I pull them up about an inch and let them slap against the board. a few times. nothing more than what bending the string would accomplish when playing normally.

 

[Schlyder]

LOL Put on some fresh strings and tune them up, with no stretching, ....and then play some slap and see how fast they go out of tune.

 

[jad]

I think a lot of what stretching accomplishes is tightening the windings around the tuning peg. When I install strings, I actively bend the string around the post as I tighten it up to get the same result without yanking on the strings. I don't stretch strings anymore.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I don't pull them super hard, no harder than a typical "pop" at full tension would be, but once I'm getting about halfway to full tension I'll do a little tug. After tuning up fully, I do another little pull on them before doing another pass at tuning up to full tension.

I've used DR strings for 10+ years and this has never caused an issue for me

 

[Aloe]

I used to do it for years, then stopped, as it didn't make a real difference. I do help to set witness points with my fingers nowadays tho, IME this is quicker and makes more effect.

if the bass or guitar in question has a whammy bar tho, yeah, I use it to speed up tune stabilization.