• 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.

Stuck Bass Strings

fretlessman71

fretlessman71

Still beats havin' a job
Supporting Member
Aug 8, 2005
4,388
2,330
FoCo, NoCo
www.michaelolsononline.com
#1
Wow... the search turned up nothing? I can't believe I'm the only person to whom this has happened...

Got a new (to me) bass. Strung through the body. Went to change the strings, but the ball ends are stuck inside the grommets.

I have a small metal hook (like a dental instrument). No dice; it bent the hook out of shape.

I used pliers to grab the string and push it through, and when that didn't work, I tried twisting it to at least get the ball end to move a little bit. Nothing.

I have sprayed WD40 into it, hoping to remove whatever might be gumming it up. Nope.

My next thought is to get a drill bit with a diamond tip, or something that will drill through brass, in an attempt to destroy the ball end inside the grommet and release the strings THAT way. (I will certainly find a way to increase the size of the holes once I've done this!)

Is there something I've missed or haven't tried that I ought to? I have very little experience with strung-through-the-body basses. Thanks in advance.
 
#3
That one stumps me too. I've never had a ball end get stuck in any body through instrument I've ever owned. You may have to pull the bridge and go at it from the top as Craig S suggests. Driving them out may be your only choice and then of course you may want to replace the grommets anyway since you'll likely damage them in the process.

Maybe another member has had a similar experience and will chime in later today. Good luck to you
 
#8
Shanty said:
I could understand maybe one string getting caught, but all of them? There's something either terribly wrong with your bass, or those are some weird strings that are already on it.
Click to expand...

I think that ball ends have for some reason grown over the last 20 years. I did manage to get two out, and the replacement strings' ball ends were just as difficult to shove IN as the others were to get OUT. Will definitely be resizing the grommets after this experience.
 
#10
Okay, had more time than I thought. Removed the bridge and clipped the strings as close as I could. Found a strong mini screwdriver and pushed it in, began to hammer on the end.

The strings were wedged in so tight they pushed the grommets out! :rollno: Unbelievable.

But they're OUT, and the grommets are finally off the strings and back in the bass as they were before. Thanks for the bright ideas!

A side note: D'Addario ball ends are not as large as GHS ball ends. Guess how I know. :cool:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back