Wrapping Strings Around Tuner Post

[ezbass]

There was a thread a while back with a BCer asking for the best method to wrap/anchor strings around the tuner post. At the time I wanted to post the info sheet that you get with Ernie Ball Cobalt flats but I couldn't find it online and had to post a photo of my headstock (not the best guide). However, having just bought another set of Cobalts for my incoming new bass, I thought I'd share the info sheet for those experiencing slippage at the tuner post, or just looking for a good way to wrap the string end at the distant end of the neck. Here you go...

[url="http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/IMG_0635_zpstkk22g8e.jpg.html"][/url]

[RickyV]

Interesting. I dont ever do step 3, wrapping the string back through the centre of the post. Makes sense tho as I guess it must give a more secure anchor at the start of the wrap.

[Grangur]

On large tuning heads this makes sense. Thanks for posting.

This could, however, be the reason why you sometimes see old basses with small gauge tuners with one side of the capstan broken off. So, I'd use this with caution.

[chris_b]

I have never seen strings wound in this way.

If you wind around the post there doesn't seem much point in #3. And #4 seems to have the strings wound over each other. I wouldn't do either of these things.

The usual advice is for 2 or 3 wraps around the post, finishing with the string at the bottom of the post.

[HowieBass]

+1 about not winding strings over themselves.

[FinnDave]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1492185728' post='3278574']
The usual advice is for 2 or 3 wraps around the post, finishing with the string at the bottom of the post.
[/quote]

That's certainly how I've always done it, never had a string slip or break, never felt any reason to change how I string my basses.

[fleabag]

Down the centre to anchor the string, then enough spare for 2 / 3 winds

Job done

[Grangur]

[quote name='fleabag' timestamp='1492208744' post='3278762']
Down the centre to anchor the string, then enough spare for 2 / 3 winds

Job done
[/quote]
Same here. I've never put it through the slot and never had any problems.

[Lozz196]

I tried this when I bought a set of Cobalts. Works ok but in all honesty I didn`t notice any better holding in tune that the regular 2 wraps round the post way. And it`s a lot more fiddly with a E string doing it that way.

[Japhet]

I've never put the string back through the post either. I always make sure that each wind of the string goes below the previous one to hold the string down in the nut.

[rmorris]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1492186703' post='3278581']
+1 about not winding strings over themselves.
[/quote]

+1

[linear]

I think the string overlap in picture 4 is intended to show the single locking overlap that must take place if you go back through the centre as shown in step 3. They've drawn it incorrectly though.

I suppose if a string somehow ended up short enough that you could only get one wrap around a post then this method might get you by.

[paul_5]

I do step 1 & 2 and then wind so that the string works its way down the tuner. I've never done step 3.

[inthedoghouse]

I've never done step 3 with my basses but I always do with my 'other' guitars

[mcnach]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1492185728' post='3278574']
I have never seen strings wound in this way.

If you wind around the post there doesn't seem much point in #3. And #4 seems to have the strings wound over each other. I wouldn't do either of these things.

The usual advice is for 2 or 3 wraps around the post, finishing with the string at the bottom of the post.
[/quote]

+1

I bought those Cobalt strings and installed them like I normally do, not like in the picture... not a problem.

[BigRedX]

[quote name='inthedoghouse' timestamp='1492372333' post='3279768']
I've never done step 3 with my basses but I always do with my 'other' guitars
[/quote]

I've got one guitar with slotted post machine heads and I use this method for the plain strings. Even then it's not always completely secure, and at some point I'll probably fit some Gotoh locking machine heads instead.

[grandad]

Same here, step 1 & 2. I hate an untidy winding. Below is important I think.


[quote name='Japhet' timestamp='1492243515' post='3278870']
I've never put the string back through the post either. I always make sure that each wind of the string goes below the previous one to hold the string down in the nut.
[/quote]

Edited April 19, 2017 by grandad