Winter Build Off 2022 - Get Ready

[postalflunkie]

I really don't need all the drama in my life. I made a plan when all this started, ordered parts made a template....
And now I'm sitting back with a beer, enjoying everyone else's drama

 

[Beej]

I've got a wide spaced black 5 string bridge coming for what I think will be my WBO entry, but I learned today that a friend has ordered 5 of these questionable import bridges for me to try out. He was wondering if I could get them to work so that he can use them on a planned build we are going to do together. I've read some threads on these ones around the web and so already have my doubts, but if I can make them hold a string, I might use them on my WBO. If you're wondering, I already recommended he go with Nova headless stuff on his bass.

View attachment 4469515

Anyone have any personal experience with these things?

Well these things arrived, and to quote my Aussie buddy, "yeeeeeah, naw, mate". No question these are guitar tuners, no way to make them work with bass strings. Though they may be fine for guitar. I'm not likely to go headless at this point.

 

[Camaro69]

Well these things arrived, and to quote my Aussie buddy, "yeeeeeah, naw, mate". No question these are guitar tuners, no way to make them work with bass strings. Though they may be fine for guitar. I'm not likely to go headless at this point.

Well that kinda sucks

 

[2groggy]

Well these things arrived, and to quote my Aussie buddy, "yeeeeeah, naw, mate". No question these are guitar tuners, no way to make them work with bass strings. Though they may be fine for guitar. I'm not likely to go headless at this point.

Bass IV string sets have guitar sized ball ends. Just sayin'.

 

[RichterScale]

Speaking of strings, I'm sure the concept of tension matching and/or buying individual strings is old news, but it's new to me, so I'm gonna spread the word because I'm excited and annoying like that.
I found a place called Strings By Mail that carry individual strings and the price ends up being about the same as buying a set.
I'm using D'addario and you can look up their tension charts. It even gives the tension at different tunings. I'm not sure how much even tension really matters or how many people really care or pay attention to it, I just thought it was neato that it was an option, so I'm doing it, because I can.
As an example, I picked out a set for the WBO bass.
XLB95 (E)- 36.5
XLB70 (A)- 33.7
XLB55 (D)- 35.3
XLB40 (G)- 33.7

Guitar Strings, Accessories, Sheet Music, Violin Strings and MORE

 

[TerribleTim68]

Just build a fan fret, problem solved.

 

[ctmullins]

Just build a fan fret, problem solved.
View attachment 4489092

Totally agree. And chances are good that you can build one faster than Tim!!

 

[Jeff Siddall]

Totally agree. And chances are good that you can build one faster than Tim!!

Ouch! I guess we are feeling feisty today

I won't say anything about speed as my multiscale build is coming up on 3 years now, and I still haven't finished the neck!

However, I can point out that, even with a 37" scale and a pretty giant 0.130 string, the B is still pretty floppy. Not sure you would want to try to match ~38 lbf on the rest of the strings. By comparison, here is a typical 5 string set:

Tension (lbf)/String
41.9 D'Addario PSB045
49.4 D'Addario PSB065 34.75" scale
48.9 D'Addario PSB085 35.49" scale
42.4 D'Addario PSB105 36.25" scale
37.5 D'Addario PSB130 37" scale

 

[Jeff Siddall]

Speaking of strings, I'm sure the concept of tension matching and/or buying individual strings is old news, but it's new to me, so I'm gonna spread the word because I'm excited and annoying like that.

Welcome to the string tension enlightened club!

 

[RichterScale]

Yeah, the last thing I need is a 2-3 yr fanned fret build. I'm struggling to wrap up a 4 string guitar made out of scrap plywood and old furniture.

 

[TerribleTim68]

Totally agree. And chances are good that you can build one faster than Tim!!

Hah!
Mostly I'm just trying to stay on pace with @Fat Freddy! Did he ever finish that thing?

 

[ctmullins]

Glass houses, though. Mine took a full 26 months…. I'm thinking it might be time to do another. Maybe a Höfner style….

 

[A9X]

Speaking of strings, I'm sure the concept of tension matching and/or buying individual strings is old news, but it's new to me, so I'm gonna spread the word because I'm excited and annoying like that.
I found a place called Strings By Mail that carry individual strings and the price ends up being about the same as buying a set.

Tried Stringjoy? They'll make up sets for you apparently.
Stringjoy Guitar String Tension Calculator

 

[5tring]

For those in the U.K. stringsdirect can make up custom sets/sell individual strings, and I've always had good service from them

(no affiliation)

 

[A9X]

Status will also allow you to buy individual strings from their standard string sizes, especially for those in Blighty.

 

[A9X]

and to quote my Aussie buddy, "yeeeeeah, naw, mate".

I'm offended. That is racist and stereotyping. I expected better Beej... {goes off to look for tissues...}

Please watch this remedial course - there are 8 episodes. There will be a quiz afterwards.
How to Talk Australians - YouTube

 

[5tring]

< @Beej awkwardly tries to figure out if @A9X is joking or not >

 

[A9X]

< @Beej awkwardly tries to figure out if @A9X is joking or not >

See edited post.






Just in case some precious reports it, I was joking. The edit should make that clear if the tissues remark didn't.

 

[Beej]

I figured he was kidding. Who'd take me seriously anyway? I'm basically just an overly polite disarmed American with good health care.

 

[RichterScale]

I figured he was kidding. Who'd take me seriously anyway? I'm basically just an overly polite disarmed American with good health care.

You don't have arms?!?
How are you typing all this?
Speak to text kinda thing?