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Double Bass Supernils installation

I

iPlay15151515

Feb 7, 2005
73
2
77
Western North Carolina
#1
Does anyone know where I can find a step by step guide to changing the strings on my UB? This is my first time, and the Supernil strings have no instructions.

My bass measures 41.5 inches from nut to bridge, but the strings seem much too long, and would leave a mess in the peg box if they aren't cut or shortened.

It would seem logical to shorten the strings by adjusting the length at the tailpiece end by retying the knot behind the brass washer in a different position and then cutting off the excess.

I assume the colored winding on each end of the string has a purpose like identification and/or to prevent unraveling, but it's not clear.


Also, each string has a short piece of plastic tubing. It appears to be heat shrink tubing. Does this go on the strings where they cross the bridge to reduce friction when tuning?
 
#3
Thanks T.

I found David's site and read all of his bass articles. He has some good information.

I think the articles answered most of my questions.



My Supernil string are very long and the colored threads on the tailpiece end extend almost to the bridge.

Is it ok to reposition the knot in the tailpiece end in order to increase the distance between the colored threads and the bridge?

This will also help reduce some the extra string on the nut end.

Is it ok to cut off the excess on both ends?


I understand the need to leave some extra so the tailpiece can be adjusted if necessary, but if I leave all of the excess, I will have a rat's nest in my peg box.
 
#9
Jason Sypher said:
I saw someone cut a supernil string once and the whole thing unravelled like a slinky! And, I know you don't want to hear this but, why supernils? Of all the strings out there I think they are the last on my list. What made you pick them?
Click to expand...

Inexperience and poor judgment!

Too late Jason. I hate to admit this, but I've already cut my G string and yes it did indeed unravel like a slinky. Labella should include a warning in their packages.

It also appears that the A string doesn't fit the nut slot properly and it tunes in steps rather than smoothly even though there is a significant amount of graphite in the slot.


Did I mention that I'm having a bad string day? :mad:

Oh, and one more thing; I don't think my bass will ever again stay in tune with the Supernils.
 
#10
iPod --

Coupla things... Yes, Supernil ball-end wraps are very long, and I've seen more than a few S'nil players with the wrappings extending up over the bridge. Not what you want. Tie another knot at the ball-ends to keep the wraps under the bridge -- do not cut them.

Assuming you're coming from a steel or other thinner-gauge string: You're probably right about the A not fitting your nut slot. Supernils are thick strings, and no amount of pencil lead will help if the slot's too small. Either have a luthier re-size the slots, or get you hands on a small round file to enlarge the slot yourself - you want to enlarge it WITHOUT deepening it. Check your progress often, then re-apply graphite and tune up. If you don't re-size the slot and the string is jumping up in steps, you're going to destroy the string.

Lastly - the other strings in the set are likely also too big for the nut slots (and possibly the bridge slots), though they may not be giving you such a hard time... Check all the strings for proper fit.
 
#12
Right, I understand. I've got quite a collection of strings myself. Actually, it's more of a rat's nest than a collection. That's where I found the Picatos, though--I'd bought them maybe four or five years ago, and decided to give 'em another shot.
You have a Prescott, right? I expect baling wire would sound good on that thing!
 

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