Restringing a Bass

[Builder018]

Hello! I need step by step instructions for restringing my Fender American Standard P-Bass Fretless. I have never done this before. Also, I am going to get flatwound strings. Please help. I do not want to mess this up! Thanks. :rolleye:

[Keith]

Its pretty standard Builder..Since you dont have any tremolo systems to deal with, you don't need to tweek anything. take all the strings off, and replace the new ones..
Feed the string through the key hole, and cut 3 inches off.. Turn the tuner key so that the string overlaps. Meaning you want it to spiral upwards through the key chuck.
Tune the big string to open E..Then pull on the sting to set it in the tuner key. Do this a couple of times.Set your A string in, and do the same.. tune to A, and pull on the string a couple of times. Do the same for the rest, and you you should be fine :)

[t_shirtsnjeans]

Use your old strings to guage the length, and do one at a time, you don't wanna pull all the strings off at once because there will be undue stress on the remaining strings, well, perhaps if you detune in sequence so that they all are released or tightened at close to the same time. But one string at a time works well for bass as well as guitar.

[Plstrcast]

1 string at a time, I'm sure thats what Keith meant anyway..

[Builder018]

Thanks for the information Keith and others! I still need to buy my strings. I am going with Fender nylon tapewounds (I have a fretless). I still need to figure out what guage to buy though. I have no clue.

[ModestCargo]

50-105 is a safe bet, though they are a tiny bit heavier than what a lot of basses come with now, they will sound better for it. And, 50-105 is pretty much considered "Medium" gage.

[Builder018]

Thanks modest. I bought my bass back around 1995-1996 timeframe. I looked up the manual from Fender but it did not say what sort of stock strings they put on. I have not changed the strings yet (they are the originals).

[Peaceful]

That raises a whole new topic: How long do strings last? I think this was done to death in the non-bass section, but is it different for bass with those big fat strings?


My teacher said "Change 'em every few weeks". But then, he is in the business of selling guitars and accessories...

[Plstrcast]

That raises a whole new topic: How long do strings last? I think this was done to death in the non-bass section, but is it different for bass with those big fat strings?


My teacher said "Change 'em every few weeks". But then, he is in the business of selling guitars and accessories...
To be honest, with my guitars I tend to change them quite often, at least once every few weeks regardless of string breakage. With my bass, thats a different story. First of all, bass strings can go for like 40.00 a set. second, I tend to like when they settle in and get a warmer tone then when theyre new and brite. In all honesty, I dont think I changed strings on my main bass for close to 9-10 months. If I'm recording I'll change them though. For gigging, as long as possible between re-stringing.

[ModestCargo]

For a bass they can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on how much high end you want on your sound.

[Builder018]

My strings still sound good. I just want to change them out (for once).

[Keith]

You could always boil old strings in vineger and water to get some more life out of them. It will brighten them up a bit, but it will only last maybe a month depending on how much you play

[t_shirtsnjeans]

Mmmmmmmmmmm, pickled bass! Soak your ears in vinegar and have pickled hearing too :eek: :p :D

[Builder018]

Thanks for the idea. I will still probably buy new ones. Modest....I did not see the guages you mentioned on the Fender web site? I am looking at the nylon tapewounds.

[Peaceful]

You could always boil old strings in vineger and water to get some more life out of them. It will brighten them up a bit, but it will only last maybe a month depending on how much you play


Huh? I would have thought that the acid in the vinegar (ascetic acid? no. no acetic acid) would have eaten away the metal in the strings.

[Rogue Axel]

No, it just eats away the oil that your hands get on them. I do this quite a bit, and it will give me anywhere from 3 months to 5 months without fail. cause i dont have the cash to buy all sorts of strings.

[Peaceful]

I guess one had better rinse them well.

[Rogue Axel]

that would help. or you might b left with half a string. :)