JuliusGroove Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 I've been stringing basses for years and never came across this issue. The D string was super tense and wouldn't stay st the tuned tension, dropping a whole step when left for a minute. It literally just pops out of the tuning mechanism when you try to tune it to D. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 How many wraps of the string have you got around the tuning peg? If you've got enough (usually 3) then there ought to be enough friction to keep it up to tension. I'd also check the string isn't twisted as well... thinking about what you're describing I wonder if there might be a problem with the core itself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuliusGroove Posted January 15, 2017 Author Share Posted January 15, 2017 I've always only ever done a couple of wraps and never had an issue. This is actually the second D string I've tried to use, I sent back a pack of Elixirs because I thought it was the street but now I'm thinking it must be something to do with my bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prowla Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 A couple of thoughts... Is the a string guide/post on the headstock to feed the string under? You can make a sharp right-angle in the string, using pliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markstuk Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 Tuner slipping ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 [quote name='prowla' timestamp='1484485419' post='3215763'] A couple of thoughts... Is the a string guide/post on the headstock to feed the string under? You can make a sharp right-angle in the string, using pliers. [/quote] This. I always put a 90 degree bend in the string and pop it down into the centre of the tuning post. Also cut your strings to length to allow a couple of wraps around the post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 Have you tried passing it through the centre slot twice? This is the way Ernie Ball instruct you to fit their Cobalts. I was a new one on me, but it does seem very secure. [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/IMG_0538_zpspecph63o.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/IMG_0538_zpspecph63o.jpg[/IMG][/URL] There was link to the actual instructions in a thread somewhere, but I can't locate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prowla Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 [quote name='Norris' timestamp='1484502583' post='3215928'] This. I always put a 90 degree bend in the string and pop it down into the centre of the tuning post. Also cut your strings to length to allow a couple of wraps around the post [/quote] I bought a set of Status strings for my headed 5-string and they instruct you do to it, so that the strings don't unwind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted January 16, 2017 Share Posted January 16, 2017 [quote name='Norris' timestamp='1484502583' post='3215928'] This. I always put a 90 degree bend in the string and pop it down into the centre of the tuning post. Also cut your strings to length to allow a couple of wraps around the post [/quote] That's what I do. I put the string down the central hole, and as it exits I bend it sharply so that it's anchored on the post... then wind it. I pre-cut the string so that I only have 2 turns once in tension, unless it's the E or A strings (without a string retainer), then I pre-cut it to allow a few more turns so that the string leaves the post from the bottom and it then exerts enough downward force on the nut that it won't rattle around. If you anchor the string by sharply bending them, the string won't slip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted January 16, 2017 Share Posted January 16, 2017 [quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1484485594' post='3215767'] Tuner slipping ? [/quote] Because of the way the gears in machine heads work, they can't slip unless the gears are extremely worn or part that holds the worm gear in place has failed so that the worm gear is no longer held securely agains the gear at the bottom of the tuner post. In either case it will be very obvious, as you will see the tuner post jump back as the gears disengage under string tension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkandrew Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 (edited) I had a similar problem with an EBMM Sterling that I bought. My favourite strings have been DR coated strings (Black Beauties / Silver Stars) for a few years but I just couldn't get them to grip onto the tuning post so had to go to Ernie Ball string's on that one and they grip on fine. Are your strings coated by any chance? Edited January 17, 2017 by darkandrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 [quote name='darkandrew' timestamp='1484684594' post='3217541'] I had a similar problem with an EBMM Sterling that I bought. My favourite strings have been DR coated strings (Black Beauties / Silver Stars) for a few years but I just couldn't get them to grip onto the tuning post so had to go to Ernie Ball string's on that one and they grip on fine. Are your strings coated by any chance? [/quote] I used briefly Black Beauties on my Stingray (and Peacock Blues )... not a problem: sharp bend exiting the post works on those too, in my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 On my Jazz bass i measure the length of E string to just past the D post and the put a 90 degree bend using pliers. Put string thru pliers and hold it then bend the end downwards to 90 degrees. I then cut the end of the string to approx 20-30mm depending on depth of the centre hole thru the post ensuring the string bend sits near the top of the post and the string is wound below from there to ensure last turn before heading to nut is at the bottom of the post. Usually the G and D string don't need cut. I use D'addario nickel strings 40-100 I've never had any issue with string slip. Its first i've heard of it especially when you've got years of experience yourself. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 14, 2017 Share Posted April 14, 2017 Just had a new set of Cobalts delivered and, although probably a bit late, I thought I'd share the info sheet that you get with them. [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/IMG_0635_zpstkk22g8e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/IMG_0635_zpstkk22g8e.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted April 15, 2017 Share Posted April 15, 2017 [quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1492168278' post='3278413'] Just had a new set of Cobalts delivered and, although probably a bit late, I thought I'd share the info sheet that you get with them. [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/IMG_0635_zpstkk22g8e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/IMG_0635_zpstkk22g8e.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [/quote] Really interesting, why do they suggest do that?? Feel like that would be tricky on a headstock with smaller tuning posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 15, 2017 Share Posted April 15, 2017 [quote name='Kev' timestamp='1492242462' post='3278851'] Really interesting, why do they suggest do that?? Feel like that would be tricky on a headstock with smaller tuning posts. [/quote]I have no idea, I had never done it before. However, the question had been asked and this looked like a solution so I thought I'd share. Smaller tuners might well be an issue, but it's an option if you have a problem I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted April 15, 2017 Share Posted April 15, 2017 The last image with overlapping winds makes me cringe, almost as much as people who don't cut their strings and let the ends flap around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontalste Posted April 15, 2017 Share Posted April 15, 2017 (edited) I have a solution for you, take one of your old thicker strings & cut a short (about an inch) piece off, stick it down the hole with the D string & it'll bite into it & keep it firm. Edited April 15, 2017 by Horizontalste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 15, 2017 Share Posted April 15, 2017 [quote name='Horizontalste' timestamp='1492258391' post='3279039'] I have a solution for you, take one of your old thicker strings & cut a short (about an inch) piece off, stick it down the hole with the D string & it'll bite into it & keep it firm. [/quote]Now that's a top tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuliusGroove Posted April 15, 2017 Author Share Posted April 15, 2017 I have no idea why but the problem is no more, put a set of flatwounds on and the issue didn't occur again.. Thanks for all the advice guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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