Wire cutters
Peg winder
Polish and cloth
STRINGS
New strings can breathe new life into your bass. Much of the thump and pop you expect
from your bass starts right there. For strings to stay in tune, they should be changed
regularly. Strings that have lost their integrity (worn where pressed against the fret) or
have become oxidised, rusty and dirty will not return to pitch properly. To check if your
strings need changing, run a finger underneath the string and feel for dirt, rust or flat
spots. If you find any of these, you should change your strings.
Because of the amount of tension on the neck, it's advisable to replace and tune each
new string before removing the next string. After the whole set is changed and tuned,
stretch your strings properly by holding them at the first fret and hooking your fingers
under each string (one at a time) and then tugging lightly, moving your hand from the
bridge to the neck. Re-tune and repeat several times.
TUNING KEYS
How you wind the strings onto the pegs is very important. Start by loading them through
the bridge and then loading them onto the appropriate keys as follows:
Standard keys
. Pre-cut each string for the proper length and desired amount of winds.
Pull the fourth string 3" (76 mm) past its tuning post and cut it (make sure to pull each
string taut). Insert through the eyelet in the tuning key, allowing approximately 1/16" (1.6
mm) of the end to extend through the eyelet, then wind neatly in a downward pattern,
being careful to prevent overlapping. Pull the third string 3 1//2" (89 mm) past its tuning
post, cut it, and repeat the winding procedure. Pull the second and first strings 3 1/2"
(89 mm) past their tuning posts and cut and wind as noted. For five-string basses, cut
the fifth string 3" (76 mm) past its tuning post and repeat the same cutting and winding
procedure.
Vintage keys
. Pre-cut each string for the proper length and desired amount of winds.
Pull the fourth string 4" (102 mm) past its tuning post and cut it (again, make sure to pull
each string taut). Insert into the center hole of the tuning key, bend and crimp to a 90°
angle, and wind neatly in a downward pattern, being careful to prevent overlapping. Pull
the third string 4 1/2" (114 mm) past its tuning post, cut it, and repeat the winding
procedure. Pull the second and first strings 4 1/2" (114 mm) past their tuning posts and
cut and wind as noted. For five-string basses, cut the fifth string 3 1/2" (89 mm) past its
tuning post and repeat the same cutting and winding procedure.