Molly Ayala
Fender's 4-string electric bass guitars are a popular choice for both professionals and amateurs. The process of restringing a Fender electric bass guitar involves three phases: detuning and removing the old strings, installing new strings, and stretching and tuning the new strings. This process is essentially about maintenance and personal preference, as different strings can complement performance and playing style. It is important to note that the strings should not be overtightened, as this can cause damage to the guitar and potential injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of strings | 4 or 5 |
| String type | Fender offers smooth, vintage-sounding pure-nickel Original Bass 7150s, Super Bass 7250s, bright, snappy Stainless Steel 7350s, and others. Flat wound strings are recommended over round wound strings to avoid damaging the fingerboard. |
| String length | Ensure the strings are the right scale length for your bass. Fender strings are available in long, medium, and short scales. |
| String winding | Fender recommends specific lengths for pulling and pre-cutting strings before winding them onto the tuning posts. The number of winds should be at least two complete wraps, but no more than can fit without overlapping. |
| String tension | Loosen the strings before adjusting the truss rod. The diameter (gauge) of the strings affects the tension, which in turn impacts the neck bow, string height, and saddle location. |
| String replacement | Strings should be replaced when they become worn, oxidized, rusty, or dirty. When replacing, it is recommended to change and tune each new string before removing the old one to maintain tension on the neck. |
| Tools required | A wire cutter is the only required tool, but other cutting and winding tools can make the process easier. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing old strings
Removing the old strings from your Fender electric bass is a straightforward process, but it requires caution to avoid damage to the instrument and injury to yourself. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely remove the old strings:
Loosen the Strings: Begin by loosening each string before proceeding with its removal. Turn the tuner to loosen the string. It is important to never tighten the string to remove it, as this can cause damage to the neck of your bass. Due to the tension on the neck, it is advisable to loosen and remove one string at a time to maintain stability and reduce the risk of damaging the neck components, including the truss rod.
Cut the Strings: Once the strings are sufficiently loosened, you can cut them for removal. Use a wire cutter or a dedicated string-cutting tool to cut the strings one by one. Cutting the strings makes the removal process easier and safer. Ensure that you cut them neatly and avoid any twisting motions that could put awkward forces on the neck.
Remove the Strings: After cutting, carefully pull out the old strings through the bridge or body of the bass. Be cautious, as the ends of the strings can be sharp and may poke you. Pay attention to how the strings come off the grooves in the nut at the top of the neck, pass or bypass holders, and the direction they wrap around the tuners. This knowledge will be important when installing the new strings.
Clean the Bass: With the old strings removed, take the opportunity to clean your bass guitar's fretboard or fingerboard. Use a soft, clean, dry cloth to wipe away any built-up dirt, skin debris, or grime. You can also use your preferred cleaning treatment to ensure a thorough cleaning. Refer to your bass guitar's user manual for specific care and maintenance instructions.
Inspect the Nut: Before installing new strings, carefully inspect the nut for any signs of damage or wear. The nut plays a crucial role in guiding the strings and maintaining proper spacing, so ensure it is in good condition. If the nut appears damaged, consider replacing it or seeking guidance from a qualified technician.
By following these steps, you can safely remove the old strings from your Fender electric bass, preparing it for the installation of fresh new strings that will enhance your playing experience. Remember to take your time, be cautious, and refer to the user manual or seek expert advice if needed.
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Choosing the right strings
If you're seeking a softer, darker sound closer to that of an upright bass, tape-wound strings are a good choice. Tape-wound strings have a layer of nylon wrapped around the metal winding wire, which can be either round or flat. They're easy on the fingers and are often used by those seeking a unique sound. Groundwound or half-round strings are another interesting option, providing a combination of the benefits of round-wound and flat-wound strings. They start as round-wound strings but are pressed or ground to partially flatten the outer surface, resulting in a bright tone with less finger noise and fret wear.
When choosing strings, it's also important to consider the scale length of your bass. Ensure that you purchase strings that are the correct length for your particular bass model. Additionally, if you wish to extend the lifespan of your strings, consider buying coated strings or storing your bass in a case when it's not in use.
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Installing new strings
Prepare the Strings
Before installing the new strings, it is important to remove them from their packaging and uncoil them. You should also ensure that you have purchased the correct strings for your bass. Check that the strings are the right scale length for your bass, as using strings that are too short or too long can affect the tension and performance of your instrument.
Thread the Strings
The next step is to thread the new strings through the bridge assembly. Start by bending the end of the string and poking it into the tuner. Then, turn the key until the string is taut. It is important to be careful during this step to avoid over-tightening the strings. The strings need time to adjust to the new tension, so they should be tightened just enough to be secure.
Cutting and Winding
After threading the string through the tuner, you may need to cut and wind it. Use a wire cutter or a specialised cutting tool to cut the string to the proper length, leaving enough slack for the desired number of winds. Then, insert the string into the centre hole of the tuning key, bend and crimp it to a 90-degree angle, and wind it neatly in a downward pattern. Be careful to prevent overlapping during the winding process.
Tuning and Stretching
Once all the new strings are installed, you can begin tuning your bass. It is normal for new strings to go out of tune quickly, so you will need to retune them several times until they stabilise. After tuning, stretch your strings properly by holding them at the first fret and hooking your fingers under each string, then tugging lightly and moving your hand from the bridge to the neck. This helps the strings settle into place and maintain their tuning.
Final Adjustments
Finally, pay attention to the overall tuning and setup of your bass. Check that the strings are seated correctly in the nut and that they wrap around the tuners in the correct direction. Ensure there are at least two complete wraps on each tuner, but be careful not to overlap the strings. Adjust the truss rod if necessary, loosening the strings beforehand to avoid putting too much tension on the neck.
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Adjusting the truss rod
Understanding the Truss Rod
Before you begin, it is important to understand the role of the truss rod in your bass. The truss rod is a metal bar, usually made of steel, that runs through the neck of your bass guitar. It helps to stabilize the neck by counteracting the tension of the strings, which can exert several hundred pounds of pressure on the neck. This tension can cause the neck to bend or warp, affecting the intonation and playability of your instrument.
Inspecting the Neck
The first step in adjusting the truss rod is to inspect the neck of your bass. Tune your bass to pitch, then turn it on its side and look down the neck from the headstock towards the bridge. Pay close attention to the area between the 3rd and 9th fret, as this is where the truss rod will have the most impact. Determine if the neck is straight or if there is a curve, which could be an upbow or backbow.
Determining the Adjustment
The direction of the adjustment depends on the current state of your bass neck. If the neck has a convex (arching) curve, you will need to loosen the truss rod to allow the neck to bend forward slightly in response to string tension. On the other hand, if there is a gap between the strings and the frets, or if the strings buzz when you play on the first four frets, you will need to tighten the truss rod.
Making the Adjustment
To adjust the truss rod, locate the adjustment slot at the top of the neck, just below the strings. If there is a small screw covering the slot, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove it. Insert an Allen wrench that fits the slot and turn it in the appropriate direction. For a convex neck, loosen the truss rod by turning the Allen wrench counterclockwise. If there is a gap between the strings and frets, tighten the truss rod by turning the wrench clockwise. Make small adjustments of a quarter to half a turn at a time, allowing the wood to settle between adjustments.
Final Checks
After making the necessary adjustments, re-tune your bass and inspect the neck again to ensure it is straight and stable. Check the action by pressing down on the E string at the first and last frets; there should be a slight gap between the strings and the 7th and 12th frets, about the thickness of a credit card. If further adjustments are needed, repeat the process, always being cautious not to force anything and potentially damage your instrument.
Remember, adjusting the truss rod can significantly impact your bass's playability and sound. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it is advisable to seek assistance from an experienced technician.
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Final tuning
Before beginning the final tuning, make sure that you have installed all the new strings correctly. Be cautious not to overtighten the strings, as this can cause damage. Each string should be wrapped neatly around its respective tuner in a downward pattern, with no overlapping. The string should be taut, with at least two complete wraps around the tuner.
Now, you can start the final tuning process. First, check your tuning by affixing a capo at the first fret and depressing the string at the last fret. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret. Compare this measurement to the specifications provided in the spec chart for your particular bass. Adjust the truss rod if needed, being sure to loosen the strings first to avoid damage.
After making any necessary adjustments, retune the strings and re-check the gap with the feeler gauge to ensure it falls within the specified range. This step is crucial to ensure the bass is set up correctly and will play in tune.
Once you have adjusted the truss rod and retuned the strings, it is time to stretch your strings. Properly stretched strings will hold their tuning better and sound clearer. To do this, hold each string at the first fret and hook your fingers under it, then tug lightly, moving your hand from the bridge to the neck. Repeat this process for each string, stretching them one at a time.
Finally, fine-tune your bass to your desired pitch. Use an electronic tuner or tuning app to help you achieve the correct pitch for each string. Remember that newly strung strings may need to be tuned multiple times until they stabilize, so be patient and keep adjusting until they hold their tune.
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Frequently asked questions
You should change your strings when they have lost their integrity, for example, if they are worn where pressed against the fret, or have become oxidized, rusty and dirty. To check, run a finger underneath the string and feel for dirt, rust or flat spots.
Fender offers a variety of bass strings, including smooth, vintage-sounding pure-nickel Original Bass 7150s, Super Bass 7250s, and bright, snappy Stainless Steel 7350s. They are available in long, medium and short scales, taper-wound, and top-loading or string-through-body types. Make sure to buy strings of the right scale length.
First, loosen the string and pull it out through the bridge or body of the bass. Then, thread a new string through the bridge assembly, bend the end of the string, poke it into the tuner, and turn the key until the string is taut. Repeat this process for the remaining strings. Finally, tune your bass before you start playing it.
Affix a capo at the first fret and depress the fourth string at the last fret. With a feeler gauge, check the gap between the bottom of the string and the top of the 8th fret. If the neck is too concave (action too high), turn the truss rod nut clockwise to remove excess relief.
