Why do folks cut strings?

[Element Zero]

Man… bugs the crap outta me when super part-time posters who’ve been here for 10 or more years ask rather specific questions about things most players find to be no brainers, get 11 pages of responses, and never return to the thread they started.

 

[5StringBlues]

Hell, I thought screwing up and cutting a string too short when you first start was a bass player rite of passage.

 

[ElectricBass72]

I cut my long scale strings, but usually only about 2-3 inches.

 

[HelpImaRock]

You only need 2-3 wraps around a post unless something weird is going on. I cut to length because excess wraps (just like not enough wraps) can create tuning problems.

 

[coy garcia]

I donate my cut strings to star wars nerds making dioramas.... my flats last 20+ years.

 

[chadhargis]

You only need 2-3 wraps around a post unless something weird is going on. I cut to length because excess wraps (just like not enough wraps) can create tuning problems.

Correct.

I also have one bass with locking tuners. No reason to wrap the string around the post more than about half a turn. I don't want 10" of string flying around my headstock.

 

[DanGroove]

I didn’t know string resale was a thing. When I see tuning post with a fat tangle of string on it, I wonder why. Now I understand.

Hero’s don’t always wear capes.

I didn’t either. Who is buying the used strings. I had no idea there was a market for them. Mine go in the trash can.

 

[LYNCHMAN]

Who in the heck buys or sells used strings....I've got 40 years worth of used strings in a box...any bids?...lol...

 

[bassmike2010]

I’m having a hard time understanding why people cut strings. I’ve literally never had a case where a string has had so much extra it wasn’t able to sit on the peg after wrapping it around. Strings for me usually wrap around 3-5 times then continue down to the nut. Never had any problem what so ever with slippage, tuning, etc. Why cut them, then when you go to re-sell your strings they’re a specific length for your specific bass. Why is this a thing, what am I missing?

I could maybe understand if it was a 2+2 at the headstock and the G and maybe D silk was over kill. But I see people selling standard strings saying “cut for a precision”…. That is where I am lost.

I have a hard time understanding why people wouldn't cut their strings. Actually it doesn't matter at all. Carrots. Harder to imagine is why anyone would buy used strings. 3 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

 

[TJL]

Shorter scale basses would have way too much string hanging off. Besides, have you ever heard how the tail of a string can make noise? If you are recording, it is a big no, no.

 

[Walk The Dogs]

Always have, always will. I want the last wrap around the peg to be lowest one on the stack in order to get the sharpest angle from the nut. I have a routine I've practiced thousands of times: pull the string through the bridge, measure approximately six inches past the target peg, cut.

I think a better question is why not cut the string?

 

[NevadaNed]

I didn't know selling used strings was a thing. When I put new strings on it's because the old ones are pretty much DONE. Who would want a set of used up strings?

 

[dpbass66]

I dont think you could find one bass guitar luthier or guitar tech who doesn't recommend cutting the string to an appropriate length, inserting the end into the hole in the center of the tuner, and tightening the string to pitch. I've been doing this for 45 years, and it works like a charm. As I look at photos of bass players on social media, I can say that I've probably seen like 3 people, ever, who had uncut strings with the ends flailing all over the place.

I have never heard of selling used strings.. so that's a new one.

 

[FenderBass71]

I learned something today. I had no idea people bought and sold used strings.

 

[jdc866]

Loading up a bass with used strings seems odd to me. It's enough of a pain to change anyway, and bass strings aren't that expensive.

I've never once considered buying a used string. In fact, I'd not heard of that until today. If I break one, they've all probably been on long enough anyway so I'll just change the set. Why would I want to spend more time changing strings than necessary? And why would I want those tails banging around on my headstock?

 

[pepj]

3 winds and cut to that effect.
I cleanse and re-use so get 4 or 5 goes out of a good quality string, at least, and then I bin them.

 

[Ricky J Travis]

I had no idea people resale strings, it had never ever cross my mind. Wow!!

 

[Doug P]

I’m one that uses new strings on every show. I’ve never thought about selling used strings, do players do this ?? Anyway see attached pic….

 

[Lothian]

Selling used strings? lol

Exactly! I never even knew that there were people out there selling used strings! That's just crazy...

 

[David Shain]

I’m having a hard time understanding why people cut strings.

I'm having a hard time understanding people reselling strings.