DR recommends it for their round core strings. A hex core will kind of grip the windings with the edges of the hexagon and has less of a chance of the windings slipping up, round core does not have this ability. By kinking the string at 90 degrees, that locks the windings in place for the round cores.
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Why do folks cut strings?
- Thread starter anightintunisia
- Start date
I had to think about this.
This is true.
If one is stacking windings,the outer winds will squeeze down in between the lower winds and slip.
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Too many wraps on a tuner post will lessen how accurate the tuning will be.
I see it but who actually buys someone else’s fingered up greasy oxidized strings?
I get the idea of swapping strings with friends, but why does swapping the strings necessitate not cutting them? Assuming most people play 34” or 35” basses, I would think that any string that would fit would be swappable/sellable. Or do people specifically want uncut strings? I’m not familiar with using someone else’s used strings, so I’m not sure how the market works.
And what band are you in that you get to play in front of 15,000 people?! That’s awesome. And a waaaay larger show than I’ve ever had!
Why do I trim my strings? It’s all part of my OCD. 
For me the perfect cut length seems to be the length of the combo string winder + cutter I own from the top of each post I'm about to use. That's enough for 3+ solid wraps with no overlaps, ever.
Edit: This Planet Waves string winder.
Edit: This Planet Waves string winder.
I think this is just another example of “whatever works for you” in your situation.
If time is “of the essence” and you’re “on the clock”, your priority is to minimize string change time – and fewer wraps leaves less chance of binding or slack that could cause some intonation issues when putting the bass into immediate service.
Or if you have a string endorsement deal / get free strings or can just afford to change your strings every gig…
Or maybe that’s just what you’ve always done, and it works for you.
These days, especially on a vintage style fender tuning post, I prefer as many wraps as possible – especially on the A & E. (non-overlapping of course)
If I have to cut, I trim as little as necessary, putting 180 degree bend in the string before I cut, and leaving about ½” double over and stick it down the hole. (never used to do that last part, and not possible on the “newer/hour glass” posts).
I’ve never had problems with intonation, but have always followed one rule; don’t change strings “day of show”. (if at all possible).
For years, back when I was gigging the most – I pretty much used one type of roundwound string and never had a problem when I did cut a string. But, I honestly don’t really don’t remember what I did back then. (other than boil strings frequently - another TB taboo). I just wasn’t much of a technician in those days, and we didn’t have TB to tell us what all the things we were doing wrong.
But about 6 years ago, I started experimenting with different strings, and currently have basses strung with probably 10 or more different kinds.
In that time, I’ve also had strings break and/or unravel, or just "DOA" , for the 1st time ever. So now, I’m skittish, and avoid cutting them, and when I have to, I’m careful about how I cut them.
If time is “of the essence” and you’re “on the clock”, your priority is to minimize string change time – and fewer wraps leaves less chance of binding or slack that could cause some intonation issues when putting the bass into immediate service.
Or if you have a string endorsement deal / get free strings or can just afford to change your strings every gig…
Or maybe that’s just what you’ve always done, and it works for you.
These days, especially on a vintage style fender tuning post, I prefer as many wraps as possible – especially on the A & E. (non-overlapping of course)
If I have to cut, I trim as little as necessary, putting 180 degree bend in the string before I cut, and leaving about ½” double over and stick it down the hole. (never used to do that last part, and not possible on the “newer/hour glass” posts).
I’ve never had problems with intonation, but have always followed one rule; don’t change strings “day of show”. (if at all possible).
For years, back when I was gigging the most – I pretty much used one type of roundwound string and never had a problem when I did cut a string. But, I honestly don’t really don’t remember what I did back then. (other than boil strings frequently - another TB taboo). I just wasn’t much of a technician in those days, and we didn’t have TB to tell us what all the things we were doing wrong.
But about 6 years ago, I started experimenting with different strings, and currently have basses strung with probably 10 or more different kinds.
In that time, I’ve also had strings break and/or unravel, or just "DOA" , for the 1st time ever. So now, I’m skittish, and avoid cutting them, and when I have to, I’m careful about how I cut them.
Why do I trim my strings? It’s all part of my OCD.
With kindness my friend, OCD is different from being anal!
ya got any medium gauge pressurewounds? maybe some ken smith compressors? asking for a friend
I always cut the strings. In fact I’ve had the winding starting to come back up the tuning post when I haven’t cut it short enough. I’ve never been hard up to the point of considering dealing with used strings either selling or buying.
