Where to cut new P Bass strings

[Alanko]

I try and generally keep the A longer to try and get more wraps on the tuner post and a better break angle over the nut. Otherwise you get parasitic buzzing from the length of string behind the nut!

 

I prefer vintage-style tuners with straight-sided posts to modern types with tapering or pinched in posts. Fender Deluxe tuners seem to try and steer the string into a location that doesn't provide much break angle over the nut.

 

[dodgnofski]

According to La Bella this is ‘100% OK’ but I would prefer it if only the silks were anywhere near the tuning post - any thoughts fellow BC’ers?

[PaulThePlug]

^

Similar with Adagio Flats on my P and T

With the Outer Windings around half the peg... good job they are the larger Dia peg

Sit better on the Ibby SR's as the E Peg is that bit further away, and maybe longer length behind the saddle.

[Andyjr1515]

OK - my take.

 

1.  As folks have said, where the silks end up is entirely up to where the string maker wound them to and how far the peg is away from the stop tail or stop tail part of the bridge.  They will always end up the same distance from the peg once wound up to tune

 

2. The big no-no is not to have winds on the tuner riding up on each other...even a bit.  If they do, it allows the possibility of the winds shifting in relation to each other and that could lead to tuning instability

 

3. The ideal is to end up - with all coils butted up to each other - having the exit of the last coil as near to the bottom of the peg as you can get (but without risking 2 above).  This way, you maximise the break angle over the nut and - in the case of string trees - it applies less tension and friction onto the string tree

 

4.  The actual distance to allow depends on how thick the string is and how thick/long the thin string leader is

 

5.  In terms of the distance I cut to, I personally have a rule of thumb of a fingers-closed hand width past the far side of the post (which for me is 10cm/4"), but with the bottom E usually shorter in order to avoid 2 above.

 

6.  If I am going to err on a 'safe side', I err towards longer and not shorter.  If I've overcooked it, I have no problem loosening it, snipping a cm or so off the end and then rewinding it  

 

[Andyjr1515]

Oh yes - and remember the golden rule "Always tune UP to pitch"  If you are sharp, detune past the note and then adjust back up.  This ensures that any backlash in the tuners is eliminated and also ensures that the tension of the coils on the post is at a consistent level.

[gjones]

I cut my strings at a random point somewhere near (but not too near) the end.

 

I hope that helps 😀