when will fender finally sell us?

[Bongolation]

Concave - bad
Tapered - good

Not on the D and G if you're using the Fender string guide, and only OK on the E and A if you've carefully fitted a string of the correct voiced length.

The wrapped string should not hit the bushing, nor should it create a break angle the nut slot and string flexibility can't accommodate.

 

[kedo]

Not on the B and G if you're using the Fender string guide, and only OK on the E and A if you've carefully fitted a string of the correct voiced length.

The wrapped string should not hit the bushing, nor should it create a break angle the nut slot and string flexibility can't accommodate.

Cool. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[Bongolation]

Cool. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Note my typo (now corrected) in the original message]

If you think about how the inverted-cone posts on the Fender/Hipshots are intended to work, you can see the problem. If it is not resisting a substantial break angle -- and it isn't on the D and G, which have negative break angles at the posts -- it will try to slip down until it jams against the bushing, which it shouldn't do.

Fender every so often tries some go-faster foolproof solution to this problem which just makes things worse. Remember the absurd Schaller "compensated" machines on the "American" Stratocasters?



Just give me A PROPERLY-CUT NUT and normal machines and I'll take care of the rest just fine, thanks!

 

[Bongolation]

I'm wondering if they're offering this now as the newer lightweight tuners won't let you wind the string as close to the face of the headstock as the older ones, due to the nut that's holding them in place?

That's an interesting thought I hadn't considered, though it's consistent with Fender's penchant for constantly outsmarting themselves with their scab-picking "improvements."

At the end of the day, though, if the nut is cut properly and the string is installed properly there's no problem in the first place.

 

[cyclopsbookworm]

Electric bass is made to be plugged in - how it sounds unplugged really isn't of much importance...


- georgestrings

Not when I practice. I always practice technique unplugged because it forces me to be more honest about my accuracy. Its more just annoying for that than anything. I did solve it on my bass tho...put a small sliver of paper under the A. Works like a charm.

 

[Bongolation]

Not when I practice. I always practice technique unplugged because it forces me to be more honest about my accuracy.

There's much to be said for playing unplugged, but it tends to develop the bad habit of playing much too hard. Did me. :scowl:

 

[cyclopsbookworm]

There's much to be said for playing unplugged, but it tends to develop the bad habit of playing much too hard. Did me. :scowl:

I could see that as an issue. Im mostly looking for cleanliness when I do it, so I haven't had that issue just yet. I also use one of my basses that is really resonant unplugged so I can hear what I'm doing easier. Oddly, that's my worst sounding bass plugged in. At least I'm putting it to use I guess.

 

[cyclopsbookworm]

I should probably add that I've been barely playing for a year, so I'm sure as I go I will run into a lot of these things you more experienced guys have dealt with. One step at a time. Haha.

 

[matt11]

Never had this problem on any of the many, many Fender basses I've owned/played. Glad there's a fix for those who have had this problem.

 

[meatwad]

There's much to be said for playing unplugged, but it tends to develop the bad habit of playing much too hard. Did me. :scowl:

OT Alert -

Since day one ages ago, I've learned hundreds of songs with my bass unplugged, and the radio turned down low. Worked fine to a point, except for my technique (and fingers) suffering from this very same problem.

So, it had me searching for a convenient headphone option, and that journey eventually led me to the wonderful Zoom B3. Problem solved in every way. I swear these types of USB devices are the best single tool ever, for maintaining your sanity while learning/writing/jamming at home.

 

[cyclopsbookworm]

So, it had me searching for a convenient headphone option

That is the next step for me. Currently trying to get my hands on a 3Leaf Enabler.

 

[meatwad]

That is the next step for me. Currently trying to get my hands on a 3Leaf Enabler.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Interesting.

 

[cyclopsbookworm]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Interesting.

GAH!!!!! I wants it precious.

 

[fretlessman71]

This thread isn't dead; it's only on life support. So I'll add my two cents:

Most Fender style basses have what I call A-string syndrome. The A string peg is far enough from the nut that you don't always get the necessary downward pressure; the E peg doesn't usually suffer this indignity, and the D and G strings have a string retainer.

My solution is to cut the strings, but different distances for the A. I clip a new string about 4-5" inches past the post it's going to go around on a Fender, except for the A string, which gets a minimum of 9 inches past the post. I then very carefully wind the string on, making sure each new wrap goes underneath the previous one, so it resembles threads of a screw. If done correctly, the string at tension will leave the peg at the lowest possible point on the peg (nearly in contact with the face of the headstock), and the many wraps of string above it will help it maintain its low trajectory and therefore pressure on the nut.

As stated before, the conical shaped pegs (Music Man) solve this problem in a much more elegant way.

 

[Down_Low]

I did redwind my A string the other day and its a bit better, but still not perfect. I just think the design on the Stingray is so much better (allowing the string to be wound closer to the head stock's face, giving a better break angle over te nut).