This is a simple and short guide aimed at showing beginners how to change the strings of their bass, which, like riding a bicycle, is an operation that is easy to learn and difficult to forget.
Steps
Step 1. Examine the headstock of the bass
Notice how the strings come out of the nut, passing in or out of the hooks of the headstock, and notice the direction in which the strings are turned around the keys, as this is very important. There should be no less than 2 turns around each key but no more than how many can fit comfortably around the key without going over each other.
Step 2. Loosen the first string with its clef until the turns of the string around the clef begin to become less taut
At this point, you can remove all strings together and fit new strings, or by removing an old string and mounting the respective new string time by time. Some people prefer to change the strings one by one so as not to put stress on the neck of the bass or guitar. Others periodically remove all strings at once so they can clean the fingerboard more easily. Choose the method you prefer.
Step 3. Once the string is loose enough, pull it away from the key
The rope could be hooked at the end, at the point where it was inserted into the key hole.
Step 4. Pull the string off the bridge or the back of the body, depending on the type of bass
Sometimes it may be difficult to grab the end of the rope to pull it out, therefore, alternatively you can start pushing the rope out at the beginning and then start pulling.
Step 5. Clean the handle with a soft cotton towel or napkin
There are many treatments that can be used for cleaning the guitar, choose the one you prefer.
Step 6. Note the way the old string was wrapped around the guitar and use that as a template to assemble the new string
Step 7. Pass the new string of the respective thickness through the bridge the same way you removed the old one
Be careful not to damage the finish of the guitar though. Run the string through the bridge to its full length, pulling it to the end, before placing it on the nut.
Step 8. Run the rope through and around the guides, if any, being careful not to damage the rope
Coated or lightly knurled strings are more easily damaged than you may think.
Step 9. Fully extend the rope without overtightening it
Wrap it around the key until there is only about 2.5cm of string left.
Step 10. Pay attention to the way you wrap the string around the key; the string must not overlap, but be wrapped tightly around the key
Correct if necessary.
Step 11. Fold the end and insert it into the hole in the center of the key
Do not insert the string into the hole before wrapping it, otherwise the string will twist on itself, decreasing the sound quality.
Step 12. Hold the end of the string that you just slipped into the key and turn it until it becomes difficult to hold it between your fingers, and stretch the string approximately to the tuning tension; the actual tuning will be performed after all the strings have been mounted
The string should be wound on the key at least twice, but no more than you can wrap it without overlapping it. The new string should stay in place just like the old one.
Step 13. Replace the other strings by following the steps above
Step 14. Tune your bass and start playing
Advice
- Always loosen the strings, never cut them. To remove the string it will be sufficient to loosen it and remove it first from the key and then from the jumper.
- Try out all the different brands of strings until you find the one that suits you best; you will find that each brand of strings has a sound of its own.
- Always start replacing the strings from one end of the neck to the other. Never start with the strings in the middle.
- If you want to extend the life of your strings, always keep the bass in the case when you are not playing it and / or buy coated strings. Exposed strings oxidize more easily and will soon lose the bright tone typical of new strings.
- Never try to adjust the bridge unless you are sure of what you are doing or you need to adjust the pitch of the guitar.
- Count the windings of each string. If there are fewer than two, you should extend your strings by 3.4 cm. Compare all the ropes side by side and see if it is appropriate to take longer ropes.
- Always make sure the strings are long enough. Compare replacement strings to old ones.
- Use a pencil to rub a little graphite on the housing of each string. Graphite is a very slimy substance that allows your strings to pass through their housing more easily and avoid some tuning problems.
- If you have a monorail bridge, the easiest way to remove the ball at the end of the string is to place the string perpendicular to the body, push it in, slide it slightly towards the bottom of the bridge, and gently pull it out. Make sure that the bridge saddle does not rise. Gently hold the saddle while inserting the rope, or shake the rope lightly until it is free from the saddle, otherwise the saddle will be damaged!
- All strings stretch over time, becoming finer and eventually breaking. The new strings, at first, will seem to stretch much easier because they have never been under tension. It is also normal that after replacing the strings you will find yourself having to tune them frequently.
- Experiment with different types and compositions of string such as nickel-plated or iron-plated strings. The smooth strings (or flat wounds) give more traditional and full-bodied sounds and are generally used on fretless or fretless basses; while round wound (or knurled) strings have a brighter tone and are typically used on fretted, or fretted, basses.
- Normal ropes must be changed at least once a month, obviously the time span between one change and the next depends on their use. The coated strings, on the other hand, last a little longer.
Warnings
- Be very careful not to damage the bass nut, otherwise you'll find yourself looking for "how to replace the nut" on wikiHow!
- Don't pull the string too hard. Especially on the bass, do not try to save time by pulling the string too fast, without paying attention to the tension. On the guitar you could break the string, on the bass you could even break the neck in two and the bridge could fly off hitting your face.
- Buy ropes of suitable size. If you are not sure which size is suitable for your bass or for the sound you want to achieve, search the Internet or ask your dealer.
- Don't play with the truss rod unless you know what you are doing. You risk breaking the bass neck!
- Using knurled strings on fretless basses can damage the fretboard, use smooth strings only.
- Be careful when removing the strings. Strings can pinch, trust me.
- By cutting the strings with scissors instead of removing them using the correct procedure, you will expose the bass neck to more twisting force than it should normally withstand.
- Due to the tension that the bass neck is subjected to when all strings are assembled and tuned, do not remove the strings all together or you risk damaging the neck and truss rod.
