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How To Change Strings On A Bass-1

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50 views5 pages

How To Change Strings On A Bass-1

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api-745003609
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How to change strings on a bass guitar

This guide will walk you through the steps of removing, replacing, and tuning the string on your bass so
you can start rocking again as soon as possible. The images showcase an Epiphone Thunderbird, but the
instruction will work for all bass types.

Equipment Required
 Bass guitar
 Fresh set of bass guitar string
 String cutter
 Enough working space to lay the guitar out

Parts of the guitar


The parts of the guitar that you know are the bridge (A), the fretboard (B), the nut (C), the
tuners(D), and the headstock(E). The new strings (F) and string cutter(G) are also labeled.
Removing the Strings
1. Lay the bass, fret board side up, on a flat surface. You will have to support the neck to have
access to the tuners on the headstock.

Figure 1 Bass guitar supported by a pillow.

[2.] Detune the bass by turning the knobs in the direction that loosens the strings. You will want to
loosen them till they lose all the tension. You want to make sure they are loose when you cut
them so the strings will not hit you in the eye.

Figure 2 Headstock with tuning knobs facing towards the camera.

2.[3.] Cut the loose strings and remove them. Be sure to dispose of them safely as they are very
sharp.

Figure 3 Cut in the middle area of the string with your wire cutter.

3.[4.] This is optional, but it is a good time to clean the guitar. You may use a microfiber towel with a
wood or all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the fret board.
Figure 4 This is what the guitar should look like after the strings are removed.

Adding the Strings


4.[5.] Remove the E string (the thickest one) from the package first. Only do one at a time, moving
from thickest to thinnest, so as not to mix them up.
5.[6.] Attach the beginning of the string to the respective slot on the bridge. The string has a large
round piece that will slide lock into place.

Figure 5 Your bridge may look different, but all basses virtually have the same pattern.

6.[7.] Extend the string towards the headstock. Make sure it slides into the proper slot on the nut.
Measure 1-2 inches past the tuning peg and cut the excess. Be careful as the strings are sharp.

Figure 6 Be careful not to cut too much or else you will have to buy a whole new set of strings.

7.[8.] Place the end of the string into the tuning peg and bend it down so it will wrap around when
tightening.
Figure 7 The string will be very loose at this point. That is ok. It will tighten in the next step.

8.[9.] Turn the knob counterclockwise. Be sure to wrap the string above itself when turning. This will
help it stay in place. DO NOT TURN ALL THE WAY UP! Tighten the string just enough to where it
will stay in place as you add the other strings. Tightening the string all the way now may cause it
to break when tuning.
9.[10.] Repeat steps 5 through 10, following the order of the strings as they are on the bass. A string,
D, then G, etc.

Tuning the strings


10.[11.] Gently pull and bend the strings. This will warm up the strings and help them stay in tune
more easily.

Figure 8 A gentle pull is all you need. Do not try to lift the guitar up

11.[12.] Starting from the E string, pluck the string and tune up to the note you want the string to
play.
a. If you do not know how to tune by ear, you may use a tuning pedal, tuning forks, or an
app on your phone.
12.[13.] Once all strings are tuned, play the 12th fret to be sure if it is in tune across the fretboard. If
not, you may have to adjust the bridge or truss rod. This will be different for all bass models. You
will need to look up how to adjust these parts for your own guitar.

Congratulations! You now have brand new strings on your bass. The strings are still new, so they are
prone to go out of tune. Do not worry. This will go away as you play and break them in. New strings will
sound brighter and more tinging. You may find this to be a good or bad thing depending on the sound
you want. They will mellow out over time, but you may find a cool use for it.

Now take that brand new bass and go get em, you little rockstar!

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