tommorichards Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 (edited) So, one of my bass strings snapped, so i got a new set to put on them, dunlops i think. But anyway, alls well, ive cut the strings, wound them on, then i start tuning them. E tunes fine, A tunes fine, then i get to the D. As i tune it, im winding the machinehead, and the note is staying the same. I look up, and the string is pulling out of the machinehead as i wind it. Basically the string is under too much tension before it can properly grip the tuning post. So i look up what to do if i make it too short online, and i come across this thread on talkbass: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f16/cut-my-d-string-too-short-193490/"]http://www.talkbass....o-short-193490/[/url] Basically, one poster mentions that he uses a sheep bend with an old string!!! Like thie picture below shows. Im skeptical, but i tried it, and lo and behold.... It works. As i tuned it up, i saw the knot tighten, and now it seems to be holding. Im made up as i was quite annoyed when this happened. But so far it seems like its working, and from a few responses on talkbass, it seems to hold really well. Ill probably buy a new D string, but for now, i think its alright hahahaha. So thanks, internet. And i posted this to let more people know that there is something they can do! Edited March 28, 2014 by tommorichards 1 Quote
JTUK Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 New string.... Dunliops aren't expensive. never trust that to last unless you never take it out of the house and then it doesn't matter so much. Quote
madshadows Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 You should knot be doing that LOL ;P Seriously, excellent temporary fix, would be handy if you had to change a string at a gig and you cut the new string too short John Quote
discreet Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 (edited) It's an interesting fix, but since I saw one of our guitarist's strings break and go straight through his finger I've been super-careful where strings are concerned - even though bass strings are lower tension. Just one of those things I get squeamish about, like, er... snoods. Or nipple-rings. There, I've said it. Edited March 28, 2014 by discreet Quote
dannybuoy Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 Nice hack! Fingers crossed it doesn't snap and take your eye out! Quote
discreet Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 [quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1396009409' post='2408945'] Nice hack! Fingers crossed it doesn't snap and take your eye out! [/quote] Heh, that's what I was thinking. I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my playing, for sure. Quote
tommorichards Posted March 28, 2014 Author Posted March 28, 2014 haha. Im not to worried about string snappage. my string snapped as i was playing it, and it just went loose, no massive fling in the air, just the core snap, so the windings held it pretty much in place. Quote
Geek99 Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 thats awesome - i just [s]totally screwed up a cheap set[/s] made an innocent mistake by cutting wrongly on an A string. [size=5]Top tip[/size] Quote
KingBollock Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 It's the kind of knot that works better the more pressure it has on it. I know it's not on the speaking length of the string but does it not effect the sound of the string? A guitar shop I used to work in had a bloke come in one day screaming and ranting that he was going to sue the shop owner. His son had bought a set of bass strings and when he tried fitting them he over wound by an octave. The E string broke and went right through his cheek! I have never had a string break like that, in fact I have only ever had a couple break at all, but normally it's just the core that goes and the winds keep it from flying about. Quote
White Cloud Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 [quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1396009409' post='2408945'] Nice hack! Fingers crossed it doesn't snap and take your eye out! [/quote] The knot will never snap...it's a sheep bend and is perfect for this type of application. Trust me I am an old sea dog! Quote
tommorichards Posted March 28, 2014 Author Posted March 28, 2014 [quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1396013250' post='2409021'] It's the kind of knot that works better the more pressure it has on it. I know it's not on the speaking length of the string but does it not effect the sound of the string? [/quote] Well, ive been playing on it all day, and i cant say it does affect the sound. I love a fresh set of bass strings. Quote
Greggo Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 What a great tip! Slightly off topic but what Vintage reissue bass you got? Quote
tommorichards Posted March 29, 2014 Author Posted March 29, 2014 Its the vintage reissue series, V96. Sounds exactly like a jazz should. Quote
Greggo Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 [quote name='tommorichards' timestamp='1396111259' post='2410059'] Its the vintage reissue series, V96. Sounds exactly like a jazz should. [/quote] Nice - I do like the Vintage stuff, although my Vintage 'ray copy needed a change of preamp to sound anything ray like. I like the idea of their Precision copy the v4. Quote
ubit Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 Buy new strings man. You can get cheap sets on ebay. I would never repair a short string. The hassle involved is too much for me Quote
Bassman Sam Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 [quote name='ubit' timestamp='1396116595' post='2410136'] Buy new strings man. You can get cheap sets on ebay. I would never repair a short string. The hassle involved is too much for me [/quote] This. And they say us Jocks are tight. Just change it. Quote
tommorichards Posted March 29, 2014 Author Posted March 29, 2014 [quote name='ubit' timestamp='1396116595' post='2410136'] Buy new strings man. You can get cheap sets on ebay. I would never repair a short string. The hassle involved is too much for me [/quote] to be honest, the hassle involved in tying a knot is much simpler than purchasing an entire new set of strings and waiting for them to arrive. Ill see how long this holds out for haha Quote
discreet Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 [quote name='tommorichards' timestamp='1396134229' post='2410384'] to be honest, the hassle involved in tying a knot is much simpler than purchasing an entire new set of strings and waiting for them to arrive. Ill see how long this holds out for haha [/quote] Rather you than me. I'd find it like the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head. Quote
Greggo Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 Surely this makes bass playing more exciting! Quote
KingBollock Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 I don't see the problem if it doesn't effect sound. Why waste a string if it actually works? Unless I was having to use it live and it was my only Bass, then I would be more inclined to replace it, if I had the money, probably best not to tempt fate when there are band members and an audience to please. Quote
CPBass Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 (edited) When i started out and skint i relied on these repairs, even gigged with them. I had no choice, times were too hard to think of a new set, plus a long bus ride to the nearest shop, new strings were birthday or christmas materials. A great way out of a spot. I'm a tad more selective these days. Edited March 30, 2014 by Buzzardist Quote
pete.young Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 [quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1396026309' post='2409221'] The knot will never snap...it's a sheep bend and is perfect for this type of application. [/quote] It's actually a sheet bend, with a 't'. For bending two sheets together. Quote
skankdelvar Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1396134348' post='2410385'] Rather you than me. I'd find it like the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head. [/quote] Some of us like having the Sword Of Damocles hanging over our heads. It's a good icebreaker at parties. Quote
KingBollock Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 (edited) [Dons golden underpants and starts singing/squawking] The sword of Damocles is hanging over my head And I've got the feeling someone's gonna be cutting the thread Oh, woe is me, my life is a misery Oh, can't you see that I'm at the start of a pretty big downer!? [shuts up] Edited March 30, 2014 by KingBollock 1 Quote
discreet Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 [quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1396202011' post='2410926'] [Dons golden underpants and starts singing/squawking] The sword of Damocles is hanging over my head And I've got the feeling someone's gonna be cutting the thread Oh, woe is me, my life is a misery Oh, can't you see that I'm at the start of a pretty big downer!? [/quote] That's... nice. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.