Twisted Strings - How to tell if a string is twisted? What are the characteristics?

[wisconsindead]

Hey guys and gals,

I just got a new bridge installed on my bass (alembic style bridge on Guild Starfire bass). Part of the reason I did this was to increase the sustain. From my research a high mass bridge like an alembic vs. a floating bridge like that seen on a Starfire would increase sustain and overall resonance.

However, I just got my bass back yesterday and that was NOT the case. The culprit here is the E string, it seems totally lifeless. It seems really quiet, suspiciously quiet, when played acoustically. It doesn't ring out for very long. Certain notes (like the 13th fret F) go dead really fast. Additionally, I bought it from someone who had it on their starfire previously, so it just seems odd for a person to have such a different result than I when moving the same bridge to the same model guitar. So I'm going to do some tests (install different sets of strings I have laying around) after work. But I'm thinking that the answer may be that the strings are twisted. That the ball is locking up at the tail piece and then becoming twisted when tuned to pitch.

Does anyone have an idea on how to A. identify whether or not the string IS twisted and B. on how to prevent this?

Thanks yall, happy weekend.

 

[GIBrat51]

I would try slowly slacking off the string in question, while watching the ball end. If it suddenly spins around a time or two? You had a twisted string. If it doesn't? Then the string is either stone dead - or your problem is elsewhere. The way to prevent twisting the strings is to give them a chance to straighten themselves out (help them, if necessary), and bring them up to pitch a little slower. I tighten the tuning keys by hand (I'm funny that way), so I'm more or less forced to do it slowly... but, I've never had a twisted string, either...

 

[ZenG]

What I do is put the string on...then tighten it up until I've got a couple of inches of slack (height from fret board )..and then grip it so it loosens off the ball end a little, then slide pinched fingers loosely down to the ball and seat it again.
Then tighten up string, checking carefully.

I've had twisted strings that make a weird sound. But mine didn't go suspiciously quiet.

 

[walterw]

yeah, you wind them as normal with a winder, but just before they get any tension you push the ball end out the back of the bridge so that it's free to spin.

 

[jnumme]

Sounds like a dead string .

 

[Badwater]

How's the break angle on the E string at the bridge? Is it a string through? If you have the option of string through, it may liven up the string. Also, if it's a different gauge of string than your previous set, check the play in the nut. A loose string in a nut can sound dead.

 

[wisconsindead]

Thanks for the input everyone. I've come to a few conclusions with this new bridge. I don't think I have a twisted string. I've reinstalled it a few times with the same results. Installing it from the tuning peg first and then to the bridge. Additionally, I installed some TI's and round wounds, both of which did not have the issue I was referring to. With the TI's on, the 13th fret F rings out pretty loudly, especially with the right EQ. I could not get this to happen with the original strings (pyramids). Ultimately I think either A. the pyramid E string is somewhat dead and/or B. this is just how the string responds/vibrates with the new bridge.

 

[wisconsindead]

I got a new set of Pyramids. Same story. Just the way the strings respond to the new bridge.