How to string your bass guitar
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OK, so it's time to change the strings on your bass guitar and whilst it's not exactly rocket science there is a correct
procedure to follow when restringing your bass.
Checklist
Make sure you have the following items to hand before commencing:
- A new pack of bass strings (obviously!) – check that these are also the correct scale (length) for your model of bass
- Bass guitar string winder (not compulsory but recommended) – this fits over the bass tuning pegs and allows for a fast and
easy winding action
- Wire cutters – you will probably need to cut the new bass strings to length so these will come in handy
- A soft cloth – to polish the fret board and areas under the strings
- An electronic tuner – to tune up your bass once the strings are fitted
Before you start the re-string procedure, carefully observe how the current set of strings is threaded onto the bass (assuming
they have been done correctly). Make a mental note of how the end of the string is clamped into the tuning peg and how many
turns each string has. Look how the ball end of the string sits in the saddle part of the bridge and observe how it is held in
place.
Once the strings have been removed it's normally a good idea to wipe down the fret board and the frets to leave their surface
clean and smooth – a soft dry cloth should be fine for this.
Ready To Re-string
You're now ready to commence with the new strings! Take the e-string and thread it through the body of the bass, taking care
to align it with the saddle part of the bridge and the string guides on the headstock of the bass. Tension the string to
estimate how much will need to be cut off before the string winding commences. A good rule of thumb is to allow a couple of
inches past the relevant tuning peg - if you are worried you'll cut it too short, match it to the length of the old string.
Place the cut end of the string all the way down into the hole in the centre of the tuning peg and then bend the string at a
right angle. Begin winding the bass string onto the tuning peg whilst keeping the string tensioned with your other hand and
pressed firmly against the centre hole of the tuning peg. Each wind should cause the string to wrap below the previous one
and closer to the headstock. Wind the string just enough to hold it in place at both ends of the bass guitar and then continue
with the next string.