• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

strings won't fit aaaargh!!!

W

williamk

Apr 2, 2008
871
28
#1
so I bought lo-riders today and when I got home to put them on my dano
'63, the E string wouldn't fit in the nut...

I'll put them on another bass, but needless to say that I was pissed. Anyone knows strings that will fit on a dano other than the stock strings (I don't know what these are btw...)? Hopefully a set of strings that have the same tension and "slappy-ness" as the lo-riders?
thanks!

ps: or can I "force" the lo-riders to fit in any way...?
 
#9
Wow. 4 responses and only 1 guy suggested filing the nut?

williamk the most obvious solution is to cut the nut slot so that it fits the string! If you're doing it yourself make sure you get the witness point right though. The string should be sitting comfortably in the nut slot, with the break point at the side of the nut right next to the fretboard. Intonation should be correct if that's the case.

If you're uncertain, bring it to a tech! I can't imagine it costing more than $5 for a properly slotted nut. The tech can probably go through the rest of your strings as well, to make sure that they're properly seated.
 
#15
No worries. Take a tie from a bag of bread and place between the string and the nut. Push the string into the groove and wrap the tie around the string. Whalaa. Now you can use any gauge and have as much tension as you want, for free :)
 
#16
Dano63-close.jpg


If this is the bass you have more options than the longhorn 'acoustic guitar style' saddle... I'd still be worried about tuning to concert pitch with a set of .50's... But I don't own a dano - they're necks could be amazing for all I know.

Only file the nut slots just enough... If you decide to do that... It takes surprisingly little with the right tool. Apparently welding torch cleaning files do a good job and cost less than nut files:

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjNazS8GfKEh01p3PTakXaCBVR497i1oPo6Q8gp9o-uJzDr5A7XCkLkucj.jpg


From here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/essex-bass-club-part-9-a-620674/index14.html

EDIT: Oh dear. I can see saddle height adjustment... but not string length... at least not in this view.
 
#18
alec said:
A different tension is easily accommodated for with a setup on the bass.
Click to expand...

Nope. You can adjust to compensate for the effects of the higher tension from the strings, but not adjust the actual tension. (As in, you can adjust neck bow and intonation, but the tension of the strings is still the same so they will feel stiffer to play)

Well, actually, you can adjust tension, but the bass won't be in tune anymore. ;)
 
#19
George Mann said:
Your E-string is the most obvious problem. .110 is too big for an instrument whose nut is cut for a lighter gauge of string.

Try a set of .45 - .65 - .80 - .100.
Click to expand...

I use a similar gauge set on my Hofner Icon (.042 .056 .069 .093). I did try a heavier gauge and learned that the E string couldn't get through the tuning peg hole. By going to a lighter gauge, and cutting off the end of the E string, I was able to get the E and other strings threaded.

One problem with filing the nut is that your next set of strings would only be seated firmly if you repeat the heavier gauge. IMO I'd prefer to keep the nut at its original width and find strings that fit the instrument.

Good luck! :bassist:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back