The string is longer than it needs to be and so needs to be cut. The worst thing you can do is cut the string too short! If you do, you’re heading back to the music store to get another string. Always err on the side of cutting it too long.
How much should you cut off a bass string?
Cut the string about 3/4″ beyond the bend, insert the end into the hole in the barrel, and then carefully wind the string. Make sure each successive wrap goes BELOW the previous one (to keep good downward pressure at the nut) and wrap neatly without overlap.
What do you cut bass strings with?
If you need to clean the fingerboard, then it makes sense to remove all the strings before installing the new set. The only tool required to change bass guitar strings is a wire cutter, but there are other useful cutting and winding tools that make string changing easy and efficient.
Should bass strings all be the same height?
Yes, the strings follow the radius of the fret board, BUT they need not all necessarily be at the same height above the fret board (as measured from the bottom of each string). For instance the E string may be slightly higher than the G string.
Is bass easier than guitar?
Playing the bass requires a different knowledge base and skill set, so to speak. So no, the bass isn’t necessarily easier to play than the electric guitar. If you can’t play the guitar, then just play bass. This is somewhat connected to the myth above.
How often should bass strings be changed?
Some people never change strings. James Jamerson never changed his strings and once said, “The funk is in the funk.” Other people who like a bright sound or play a lot may change strings once every week or two. For my average student I suggest they change or clean them every 3-4 months.
Can you cut bass strings without wire cutters?
So, if you don’t have any wire cutters or you don’t like using them then consider getting pliers instead. Pliers can help you cut the strings and since they usually have a more tapered point it’s easier to position them deep enough that they will be able to cut the wire.
How do you change a bass string without a wire cutter?
Lay the string through the slit in the tuning peg, making sure you have enough slack for winding the string three times around the peg. Put the first wind above the string end to keep it from slipping out, and wind downwards towards the headstock itself, with the rest of the winds below the string end.
Can I cut guitar strings with wire cutters?
Diagonal cutting pliers / wire cutters
These pliers are, in fact, intended to cut wire, and do not serve any other purposes like grabbing and twisting objects like regular ones. Guitar strings are somewhat similar to wires, which makes them excellent for the job.
How do you get bass action as low as possible?
All you have to do is pluck with just a little bit more pressure to bring out that rattle. If your amp is turned up and there is just a little bit of string rattle, it will sound like you are playing much, much more aggressively than you actually are. This will save wear and tear on your hands, too.
How low should the action be on a bass guitar?
Action refers to how big the space between your strings and your frets is. If the distance from the top of your frets to the bottom of your strings is short you have low action on your bass. As a general rule, low action is between 1/16th” and 9/64″, or 1.6mm to 3.5mm.
What is a dead bass string?
When they get old, you’ll also notice a pronounced lack of sustain and they will sound extremely dull. Many bass players describe the sound of dead bass strings as muffled or muddy. They look funky. Another telltale sign of strings gone bad is rust, dark spots, or other discolorations along the length of them.
What height should the strings be away from the first fret?
Measuring the nut slot heights
As a starting point, shoot for . 02” in between the top of the first fret and the bottom of the string at the first fret on the wound strings (low E, A and D), and . 018” for the plain strings (high G, B, and E). On acoustic guitars with a wound G, you will also shoot for .
How do you adjust the truss rod on a bass?
give the truss rod a quarter-turn counter-clockwise (to loosen and add bow) or clockwise (to tighten and straighten the neck). Now retune the bass, then use a capo (or your finger) to fret the lowest string at the first fret with one hand.
Is bass fun to play alone?
Most bassists find playing Bass alone a fun experience. Playing alone gives you the opportunity to experiment, jam, and evolve on the Bass guitar in ways that would be unfitting in a band setting. A common misconception is that due to the supportive role of the bass in a band it is a boring solo instrument.
Is it OK to use a guitar amp for bass?
Yes, you can plug a bass into a guitar amp. While guitar amps aren’t designed to handle bass input, it will work. But there is a risk you can damage your guitar amp with a bass at a high volume.
Do bassists play chords?
Bassists don’t play chords as often as guitarists or pianists do. This is because playing several low-pitched notes at the same time can sound muddy. Playing chords on bass can sometimes fill up too much sonic space competing with the rest of the band. It can be done, but must be done with care.
Why do bass players boil their strings?
Over time, bass strings get grime pushed into them. And no matter how often you clean your strings, once grime gets in there, it’s very difficult to get out. What boiling the strings does is simply loosen and release the grime you can’t get to.
Why dont bass players change their strings?
They purposely don’t change the strings because they don’t want to lose “that sound” or because they’re superstitious or nostalgic about the instrument. There’s nothing wrong with any of these approaches.
Do old bass strings sound better?
All else being equal, new guitar and bass strings sound brighter that their older counterparts. That is to say, restringing a guitar with a new pack of the same strings (same brand, type, gauge, etc.) will provide a brighter tone than the old strings that are being replaced.
Can guitar strings cut your fingers?
It is unlikely that sliding along the strings will cut your fingers, but it is not impossible. Sliding along the strings is a common guitar playing technique and should not hurt you.